Vote for the Breakthrough Band of the Year – 2017 Loudwire Music Awards

It takes time and hard work for rock bands to make it in the music world, and it’s an amazing feeling when that effort pays off on record and on the road. Here, we have six worthy nominees for the Breakthrough Band, presented by Apple Music, in the 2017 Loudwire Music Awards.

Avatar took their brand of theatrical metal to the next level with their 2016 release Feathers & Flesh, showing that they’re a killer live band led by dynamic frontman Johannes Eckerström, and breaking through on rock radio with singles like "The Eagle Has Landed" and "New Land."

Beartooth, led by frontman Caleb Shomo, have seen their star rise with their second album, Aggressive, which has yielded hits like "Hated" and "Sick of Me" and earning the band prime spots on major festivals around the world.

Bloodclot boast an impressive lineup, led by hardcore legend and Cro-Mags frontman John Joseph, along with guitarist Todd Youth of Murphy’s Law and ex-Queens of the Stone Age members Nick Oliveri and Joey Castillo. Their new album Up In Arms is, in a word, explosive.

Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes are riding high on the release of their second album, Modern Ruin, showing a new dimension to their music with songs like “Lullaby” and earning a reputation as one of the most entertaining and energetic live acts going in rock music today.

King Woman have been kicking around for several years, but the band has garnered a wealth of well-deserved buzz with their latest album, Created in the Image of Suffering, showing off the band’s unique brand of dirgey doom rock.

Royal Thunder have been receiving heaps of praise for their latest effort, WICK, a new step up in the band’s music that highlights singer Mlny Parsonz raw and powerful vocals over a sea of music that takes listeners on an emotional roller-coaster ride.

Listen to the six nominees and cast your vote for the Loudwire Music Awards‘ Breakthrough Band by playing the act's music anytime in your Apple Music account. Votes will be tabulated from plays of the nominees’ songs that are listened to for a minimum of 30 seconds on Apple Music. The winner of the Breakthrough Band will be determined by the total number of streams the act gets between Aug. 15 and Oct. 2 on Apple Music.

Winners will be announced at the Loudwire Music Awards ceremony taking place Oct. 24 at The Novo in Los Angeles. Ticketing details can be found here.