Opeth vs. Between the Buried and Me – March Metal Madness 2014, Round 1

True progression in modern metal has been embraced by the fans of these two acts like almost no others. One hails from Sweden while the other comes straight from the U.S., but both have composed some of metal's most recent long-form masterpieces. Which one of these discs will advance in our March Metal Madness tournament to find the best 21st century metal album?

Opeth enter March Metal Madness with their 2001 full-length, 'Blackwater Park,' a highwater mark in the band's stellar discography. Although Opeth had released four well-crafted albums before 'Blackwater Park,' the band's fifth album ushered in a new phase of Opeth's career and a peak of frontman Mikael Akerfeldt's songwriting ability.

From humble metalcore roots, Between the Buried and Me took a massive chance with 'Colors' in 2007. Although broken up into eight parts, 'Colors' is 64 minutes of constant music. Between the Buried and Me experimented with jazz fusion, polka, blues, instrumental jams, a country bumpkin hoedown and much more with 'Colors,' somehow creating a balance that never quite goes too far in any direction.

Opeth's 'Blackwater Park' or Between the Buried and Me's 'Colors'? Vote for your favorite 21st century album in the poll below!

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