Staind vs. Linkin Park – Classic Cage Match

Staind are moving on in the latest Loudwire Classic Cage Match. The band's 2001 single 'It's Been Awhile' bested P.O.D.'s 'Boom' with over 60 percent of the final vote. The contemplative track proved to be the song that broke Staind to a larger audience, as Aaron Lewis' angst-filled vocals and the moody guitar work resonated with fans. To this date, 'It's Been Awhile' remains one of Staind's biggest tracks and a hard rock radio staple.

Their Classic Cage Match opponent this week is Linkin Park, who also were having an amazing year in 2001 due in part to the monster success of their single 'In the End.' Though the group had already started to define their sound with fans, there may be no better vocal pairing than what Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington provide on 'In the End' that showcases what they do so well. And you can bet the song will make its way into sets on the 'Carnivores' tour this summer, hitting these locations.

So take a listen to Staind's 'It's Been Awhile' and Linkin Park's 'In the End' and let us know which track you feel deserves to advance by voting in the poll provided below.

(This Classic Cage Match will run until Friday, Aug. 22, at 2PM ET. Fans can vote once per hour! So come back and vote often to make sure your favorite song wins!)

Staind, 'It's Been Awhile'

Linkin Park, 'In the End'

Rules of Classic Cage Match:


Classic Cage Match songs must be at least 10 years old. Fans can vote once per hour for their favorite song. If a band remains the reigning champ for four straight cage matches, they are entered into the Loudwire Classic Cage Match Hall of Fame. With so many great songs out there, we have to give other bands a chance!