The second matchup of the Mosh Pit Region pits two acts who enjoyed breakout success in the early 21st century. And now both of them square off in the 2014 March Metal Madness competition to determine the best metal album of the 21st Century.

Deftones had generated plenty of buzz with their first two discs, but found the success that had previously eluded them when they released the 2000 album, 'White Pony.' The group was all over radio with the hit single 'Change (In the House of Flies),' a track that remains a rock radio staple years later. The album also generated the singles 'Back to School (Mini Maggit)' and 'Digital Bath' that have remained fan favorites. And the song 'Elite' earned the band the Best Metal Performance Grammy in 2001.

Killswitch Engage generated arguably their best album during a time of turmoil. 'Alive or Just Breathing' dropped in 2002 and was the band's second performance. Though frontman Jesse Leach penned the lyrics for the album, he exited the band for personal reasons before a large part of the promotion, with Howard Jones stepping in to fill the void. The band's performance was no less flawless even with the change, as 'My Last Serenade,' 'Life to Lifeness' and 'Fixation on the Darkness' emerged as standout cuts and 'Just Barely Breathing' and 'Numbered Days' proved to be solid deeper album tracks.

It's a tough decision that we now put in your hands. Will you vote for Deftones' 'White Pony' or Killswitch Engage's 'Alive or Just Breathing' in the March Metal Madness battle to determine the best metal album of the 21st Century? Make your vote count in the poll below.

(This poll will end on Sunday, March 9 at 11:59 PM EST. Fans are able to vote once per hour, so keep coming back to make sure your favorite album wins!)

Mosh Pit Region Round 1 2014
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