In this 2017 Loudwire Music Awards category, we recognize the shredders or teams of axemen who took guitar playing to incredible heights, captivating rock and metal fans with phenomenal performances and compositions. Check out the nominees for Best Guitarist(s).

What more can be said about one of modern metal’s true virtuosos, Tosin Abasi? The Animals as Leaders axeman’s surgical precision and compositional vision helped bring the band’s latest album, The Madness of Many, to No. 1 on the U.S. Hard Rock chart.

Avenged Sevenfold’s dual guitar attack of Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance has captivated rock and metal fans for years and helped bring guitar-driven music back to the mainstream. The duo shined yet again on A7X’s surprise 2016 release, The Stage, showcasing a number of stellar riffs and solos throughout.

Mastodon grabbed 2017 by the neck with Emperor of Sand and much of the album’s imaginative trail was carved by the guitar work of Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher. Continuing their legacy as one of metal’s greatest guitar duos, Hinds and Kelliher play off each other brilliantly with giant riffs and captivating solos.

Megadeth’s guitar team of Dave Mustaine and Kiko Loureiro is perhaps the band’s most praised duo since Mustaine/Friedman ruled the world of thrash. Newly invigorated, Megadeth have been delivering their best performances in years, not to mention the level of inspiration found within the band’s latest album, Dystopia.

In the world of modern rock, few guitarists can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Mark Tremonti. In both Alter Bridge and his Tremonti project, Mark has showcased his shredding abilities beyond any doubters, cementing his place as one of rock’s best players.

Zakk Wylde is a force of nature when he picks up a six-string. Beyond Black Label Society and Zakk Sabbath, Wylde stunned fans this year with his return to Ozzy Osbourne’s band, shredding up a storm throughout the Prince of Darkness’ recent sets.

Vote up to once per hour for your favorite nominee in the poll below. The voting period ends Oct. 2 at 11:59PM ET. Winners will be announced at the Loudwire Music Awards ceremony taking place Oct. 24 at The Novo in Los Angeles. In addition to revealing the winners, the ceremony will feature performances by AnthraxHalestormBody CountStarsetNothing MorePower Trip and more, while honoring Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford.

Get full details on the Loudwire Music Awards concert and ceremony here and purchase your tickets for the show at this location.

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