ESP for sure bro... I hate ibanez though.

The Ibanez RG is pretty much the stock standard metal/shred machine.

It's common but there's a reason for that. I got mine for $600, and that's in NZ currency too.

This post was edited by Cloudfire on Mar 17 2010 01:49am

Ibanez has my vote.

Very difficult choice as both brands are incredible.

For ESP, here are some good ones:
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-H351NT-Electric-Guitar?sku=584491
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-MH350NT-Electric-Guitar?sku=584495
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-MH401NT-ELECTRIC-GUITAR?sku=520114

For Ibanez:
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-RGA72QM-Electric-Guitar?sku=584133

Or pretty much any or the RG series.

Why you should go with ESP? They offer pretty much EMGs on every guitar, even low-end ones without having to pay an extra. Ibanez only offers stock pups unless you decide going into the Prestige series, but they cost more than $600.
Why you should go with Ibanez? They are a bit more versatile than ESPs and have wizard neck. Although like I said, stock pups aren't very very good.

Your choice now.

If you want my opinion, I wouldn't go with Ibanez unless you're aiming into high-end (Or basically any Prestige). But then again, ESP offer great guitars for the price of some Ibanez Prestiges. Since you're aiming for $600 or less, I'd go with ESP/LTD.

This post was edited by Darkshade on Mar 17 2010 11:43am

ESP M-401, I used to own this guitar, its a great all around metal guitar.
Looks sweet as well since it has the reverse headstock
Also for a guitar running at 499, you won't find any other that comes stock with EMG 81 Actives in it

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-M401-Electric-Guitar?sku=423741