Tool vs. X Japan - Best Live Band, Semifinals

We're down to the final four competitors and this half of the Best Live Band semifinals is quite formidable. Without any further adieu, let's take a look at the top draws in the Stage Dive and Headbanger Regions.

When the dust settled, Tool ended up as the top live band in the Stage Dive Region. After taking down Nine Inch Nails and Motley Crue, the band edged out rock icons KISS to advance to the semifinals. And let's just say that when it comes to live shows, Tool crush it. Starting with the awesome range of both vulnerability and intensity that Maynard James Keenan provides onstage, adding in both crushing and intricate riffs from guitarist Adam Jones and bassist Justin Chancellor and finishing with the skillful mastery of Danny Carey behind the kit, Tool shows leave fans thoroughly rocked.

On the other side of this matchup, you have Headbanger Region winners X Japan. And they've been crushing the competition en route to the final four. They first took out Linkin Park, then Avenged Sevenfold and most recently eliminated the mighty Slipknot. Really finding their footing in the '80s, X Japan became one of Japan's biggest musical acts. After taking a break between 1998 and 2007, the group reunited and decided to venture into other territories where they've just added to their legacy in the years since. Led by vocalist Toshi and drummer/pianist Yoshiki, X Japan's shows are something to behold -- filled with incredible production value, making for quite the spectacle.

So who do you want to see win this Best Live Band matchup -- Tool or X Japan? You can vote once per hour in the poll provided below through the deadline of Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 10AM ET. Make those votes count.

Tool vs. X Japan – Best Live Band, Semifinals