Dio vs. Dream Theater – Metal Madness 2013, Round 1

It's fitting that Loudwire's 2013 March Metal Madness would slot Dio in the Devil Horn region. The band's classic 'Holy Diver' album meets up with Dream Theater's breakout release, 'Images and Words,' in this Round 1 matchup to determine the best metal album of all-time.

In 1983, Ronnie James Dio decided to put his name to a project of his own. The former Black Sabbath, Rainbow and Elf frontman served up 'Holy Diver' from his self-titled band and it included many of the fantastical elements that he had been incorporating into his music over the years. It didn't take long for 'Rainbow in the Dark' and the 'Holy Diver' title track to become metal anthems and further cement Dio's standing in the metal community.

Dream Theater, meanwhile, have become synonymous with prog metal, thanks to their epic, time-shifting tracks. Though they've released many critically hailed records over the years, 'Images and Words' was the disc that changed it all for the band. They actually received significant airplay for the single 'Pull Me Under,' their most commercial song to date, and in the process really opened up their fan base. 'Take the Time,' 'Another Day' and 'Under a Glass Moon' also became favorites.

So which influential record deserves to move on? Vote for your favorite between Dio's 'Holy Diver' and Dream Theater's 'Images and Words' in the poll below.

(This poll will end on Monday, March 18 at 11:59 PM EST. Fans are able to vote once per hour, so keep coming back to make sure your favorite album wins!)

Spread the word on Loudwire's March Metal Madness 2013 and earn a chance to win a $100 iTunes gift card. Just follow @loudwire on Twitter and retweet our announcement by clicking the red button below: