Randy Rhoads is known for pioneering and perfecting the traditional '80s metal guitar style. Fast riffs, big hooks and wild solos are all staples of the Rhoads brand of heavy metal. Virtually unknown while playing in Quiet Riot before the band’s breakthrough, he auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne -- and cemented his legendary status. For a young player, Rhoads was incredibly ahead of his time and had a vision for metal, but his life unfortunately came to a tragic end. As time has showed, Rhoads only needed a handful of years to leave his incredible legacy.

Between the Buried and Me are one of the modern innovators of guitar playing, bringing the extreme world to its knees with ‘Colors.’ Paul Waggoner and the rest of his crew take influences from all over the musical spectrum and infuse them into their curious brand of metal. The depth of the band’s music comes from a lot of the guitar playing. Whether providing the backbone to meaty riffs that make up the heavier elements of the band, lightning fast sweeps, or creatively texturing the atmosphere the music invokes, Paul Waggoner does it all.

Randy Rhoads or Paul Waggoner? Cast your vote for the Greatest Metal Guitarist in the poll below! Voting for this round closes on Sunday, July 21 at 11:59PM ET. Fans can vote once per hour, so keep coming back to make sure that your favorite metal musician wins!

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