Metal Album of the Year – 2012 Loudwire Music Awards

It was a stellar year for metal, and we've got 10 very strong contenders in our Metal Album of the Year category in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards.

From grind to progressive metal to sludge to death metal and more, these albums have shaped 2012, but in the end, the fans will be the ones who choose this year's top album. Check out the nominated album and be sure to vote in the poll below:

Between the Buried and Me, 'The Parallax II: Future Sequence'

Between the Buried and Me have perhaps created the most complex music ever set in outer space with 'The Parallax II: Future Sequence,' proving they are one of the strongest groups of pure musicians within the realm of metal.

Converge, 'All We Love We Leave Behind'

On 'All We Love We Leave Behind,' Converge stride closer to their hardcore roots with the track 'Trespasses,' continue the legacy of Kurt Ballou's ingenious shredding with the song 'Sadness Comes Home' and even create experimental beauty with 'Coral Blue.'

Down, 'Down IV, Part I - The Purple EP'

Although 'Down IV, Part 1 - The Purple EP' contains only six songs, the tracks within offer a sustaining energy that carries the weight of a full-length record. Moreover, Phil Anselmo's voice sounds as powerful as ever.

Goatwhore, 'Blood for the Master'

Goatwhore's blackened death metal gem 'Blood for the Master' is one of many great strides made by underground bands this year. Released on Feb. 13, the band unleashed one of their heaviest and greatest career achievements in 2012.

Gojira, 'L'Enfant Sauvage'

Although Gojira already possessed mountains of fans and a solid discography, the band is widely considered to be the breakout metal act of 2012. The French metallers successfully balanced their key components of brutality, beauty and progression.

High on Fire, 'De Vermis Mysteriis'

High on Fire's 'De Vermis Mysteriis' explores the story of Jesus Christ's time-traveling stillborn twin brother who drinks a serum to see the past through his ancestors eyes in order to discover how his brother became a religious icon.

Lamb of God, 'Resolution'

Lamb of God continued their streak of creating addictive "pure American metal" with 'Resolution.' The band stays the course with their latest album, with powerful consistency and strong execution.

Napalm Death, Utilitarian'

'Utilitarian' turned out to be not just a phenomenal album, but a monumental achievement for the British legends. Napalm Death's songwriting created an avant-garde niche consisting of scattered saxophone solos and otherworldly clean vocals.

Pig Destroyer, 'Book Burner'

Pig Destroyer ended a five-year wait for new material in 2012 with 'Book Burner.' With the all-knowing guitarist / producer Scott Hull and tremendous guest vocalists accompanying J.R. Hayes, the grind of Pig Destroyer remains second to none.

Woods of Ypres, 'Woods 5: Grey Skies & Electric Light'

Tragically, Woods of Ypres mastermind David Gold did not live to see the release of 'Woods 5: Grey Skies & Electric Light.' Gold harnessed immense depth and introspective thought for the album, using death itself as the album's central theme.

Voting for the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards closes on Jan. 15 at 11:59 PM EST. Fans can vote once per hour, so keep coming back to make sure your favorite band wins!