desktop9When thinking Chicago progressive metal, two bands ultimately come to mind: Pelican and Russian Circles. Now, neither of these bands are in competition with one another, but you can’t deny both Pelican and Russian Circles have a very similar sonic approach.

But on the Estonian – though they prefer to be labeled “international” – metal Web site Metal Storm, our dear two Chicago prog-metal acts are pitted against each other in the most epic award category of all time. Yes, Pelican and Russian Circles have both been nominated for a 2009 Metal Storm award in the category Best Post-Metal/Avantgarde Metal Album (with a slew of other bands, but whatever). Obviously Pelican was nominated for their latest release What We All Come To Need and Russian Circles for Geneva.

So I plea with you, Chicago. Vote. Vote Now. Vote Often (The Chicago way!). For there can be only one winner for the Best Post-Metal/Avantgarde Metal Album of 2009. Lets at least make it a windy citizen. (PS: Catch Pelican on March 12 at the Beat Kitchen!)