Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. With a huge 20 percent of the final vote, your greatest, best, finest and most-loved heavy metal album of all time is Metallica's 1986 progressive thrash metal monolith, Master Of Puppets.

Billy Corgan describes it as "smart metal at its greatest level." We're inclined to agree. It has certainly inspired millions across the globe to pick up guitars in the decades since its release.

Back in 2008, you voted it Metallica's best album. Now it's anybody's best and time to shut up and let the music speak for itself.

Your votes:

“Master Of Puppets and Reign In Blood for the older stuff.” (Thanks, Ireground)

“For me, Metallica - Master Of Puppets.” (Thanks, jmikel17)

"Such a difficult question. Master Of Puppets, Number Of The Beast, Reign In Blood, Back In Black. Cowboys From Hell. No Sleep ‘Till Hammersmith. But really - Physical Graffiti?" (From Johannes via Facebook, thanks)

"The perfect combo of blitzing riffs matched with the beginnings of Hetfield finding that melodies weren't just something in the way of his robotic right hand. This is smart metal at its greatest level." (Thanks, Billy Corgan, via his 10 greatest heavy metal albums of all time)

"Master of Puppets." (From Tommy via Facebook, thanks)

“Number Of The Beast, Master Of Puppets, Painkiller.” (Thanks, eadgbe)

“Master Of Puppets – Metallica.” (Thanks, dudewheresmybass)

“Master Of Puppets – Metallica.” (Thanks, eventhelosers)

“Clearly, there's only one winner: Master Of Puppets by Metallica.” (Thanks, RobDavies)

“Master of Puppets will surely be in the top five.” (Thanks, Calvinios)

“Master of Puppets - Metallica.” (Thanks, Shish)

“Master Of Puppets.” (Thanks, pleskoch)

“There are so many it's cruel to choose just one… Master Of Puppets.” (Thanks, BucketheadRules)

Liked this? Now read: The Top 50 Guitar Riffs Of All Time

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