Summer is always an incredible time to be a music fan. You've got festivals galore as bands who hibernate during the winter months come out to tour, plus lots of new music hits the shelves. It's been an eventful summer of 2014, but we want to know your personal favorites.

In this series of polls, we've rounded up 10 highly qualified nominees for each category. All of these acts have come out swinging this summer, branding their names in the rock and metal landscapes like a kid with a magnifying glass.

Who released the best album, song and music video of the summer? Which band blew your mind with their live show? And which new act convinced you that there's always prime talent coming into the scene? We want to know! Vote in the polls below!

These Best of Summer 2014 polls all end Sept. 7 at 9AM EST. 

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