Machine Head vs. Avenged Sevenfold – Metal Madness 2014, Round 1

The third matchup in the March Metal Madness Devil Horns Region finds a veteran metal act re-establishing themselves as a force in the scene squaring off against a group of young rockers who would go on to generate one of the biggest fan bases in music. But which one has the better 21st Century metal album? That's up to you to tell us.

Machine Head enter the March Metal Madness with their 2007 album 'The Blackening.' Essentially placing no boundaries on themselves, the band generated a disc filled with a variety of metal tracks. The thrash-filled 'Aesthetics of Hate' and 'Halo' both achieved breakout success, with the former receiving a Grammy nomination. The frantically paced 'Beautiful Mourning' and chugging 'Now I Lay Thee Down' also are among the better album cuts.

Their opponent is Avenged Sevenfold and the band's sophomore set, 'Waking the Fallen.' Though they had yet to reach mainstream radio, Avenged Sevenfold showed signs of their future greatness on this album. Whether it be the fist-pumping rocker 'Eternal Rest,' the riff-heavy 'Second Heartbeat' or the chugging 'Unholy Confessions,' Avenged Sevenfold were clicking on all cylinders while making the 'Waking the Fallen' album.

So what is your pick for the better 21st Century Metal Album? Vote for either Machine Head's 'The Blackening' or Avenged Sevenfold's 'Waking the Fallen' in the March Metal Madness 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!)