Both of these guitarists are innovators through simplicity. System of a Down / Scars on Broadway axeman Daron Malakian has been mixing modern metal riffing with Middle Eastern tones to create one of the most unique sounds in metal over the past two decades. Infectious guitar lines found in System of a Down tracks such as 'Toxicity,' 'Aerials' and 'B.Y.O.B,' among other tracks, have set Malakian apart as a true revolutionary when it comes to guitar playing.

Brian 'Head' Welch held down Korn's groove with James 'Munky' Shaffer for 10 years before leaving the band shortly after recording 'Take a Look in the Mirror.' And to be honest, we could have gone with either one of them in this tournament. Head helped pioneer a sound that would be imitated by many bands over the years. Another decade having passed, Welch is finally back with Korn just in time to write and record their 11th studio album, 'The Paradigm Shift.'

Daron Malakian or Brian 'Head' Welch? 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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