It was a great year for metal in 2011 and here are five songs that prove it as 2011 Loudwire Music Awards nominees for Metal Song of the Year.

Anthrax, who topped both our Top 10 Metal Albums of 2011 and Top 10 Metal Songs of 2011 lists, made a triumphant return this year as part of the Big 4 tour and with their album 'Worship Music.' The single 'The Devil You Know' is metal to the core, with the band's classic singer Joey Belladonna back in the fold.

Machine Head received critical acclaim for their latest album, 'Unto the Locust,' and the disc's first single 'Locust' is an epic track by frontman Robb Flynn and company.

Mastodon's 'Curl of the Burl' off their newest disc 'The Hunter' is a sludge-metal tour de force that has made it's mark on metal fans and mainstream rock fans alike.

Megadeth proved that they are still going strong with 'Public Enemy No. 1,' a hard-hitting tune off the legendary metal act's 13th album, 'TH1RT3EN.'

Trivium evolved once again with their newest album 'In Waves' and its soaring single 'Built to Fall.'

Cast your vote for Metal Song of the Year below. Voting ends Jan. 1, 2012 at 11:59PM ET.

 

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