At this year's Loudwire Music Awards, we'll be honoring the excellent releases of the past year, including the Hard Rock Album of the Year presented by The Music Experience, for which nominees had to be released in the eligibility period of Oct. 22, 2016, through Aug. 1, 2017.

At the Drive In enjoyed a brief but highly lauded career before splintering into various projects. But luckily for fans, the band's touring return turned into a full-fledged reunion with a new album. In•Ter • A•Li•A was what many fans hoped for, filled with passionate energy, biting commentary and featuring such standouts as "Hostage Stamps" and "Governed by Contagions."

Highly Suspect's The Boy Who Died Wolf raised the bar for the band, making the most of Johnny Stevens' expressive voice. Whether it be the shining chart-topping single "My Name Is Human" or the melodic ode of regret "Little One," Highly Suspect connected with their listeners and delivered a top-to-bottom gem.

Papa Roach continue to thrive by never settling in one spot for too long, and with Crooked Teeth, the band shows they still have some new tricks. While the title track fits perfectly in their catalog, the album shows more of a political viewpoint with "American Dreams" and "None of the Above" and a penchant for radio ready success with "Help" and "Periscope." It's one of their deepest efforts to date.

Royal Thunder made great strides with their third album, WICK. The Atlanta rockers provide listeners with a true musical journey, with songs playing out in an episodic nature. The hypnotic "Burning Tree," the sorrowful "April Showers" and the explosive "Sinking Chair" showcase the range of emotions in this powerful collection.

Starset give listeners plenty to dig into with their Vessels album, a stellar sophomore set that features the massive single "Monster." But there's much more to check out as "Satellite," "Gravity of You" and "Die for You" are highlights in a disc that is melodic, crushing, vulnerable and ambitious, giving you a true listening experience in one sitting.

Stone Sour set out with the mission to rock you and they succeed with Hydrograd. While fans know singles like "Song #3" and "Fabuless," the band have a number of deeper gems on this set as well, with "Taipei Person / Allah Tea" turning heads and "Somebody Stole My Eyes" leaning heavier. But there's also a few mellower curve balls with "St. Marie" and "When the Fever Broke" making for a well-rounded effort.

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 IommiJudas Priest frontman Rob Halford and Van Halen legend Sammy Hagar.

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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