Verified answer

Two totally bullsh*t answers above. There is no best or better really when it comes to guitars that are close in price. The best is the one you enjoy playing and that that feels the best in your hands. Of course there are subjective factors like tone and non-subjective factors like which holds a tune better. But here's the thing, that can vary among identical guitars.

You may get one Ibanez that doesn't hold a tune well and then try another model just like it that does. This is especially true in lower priced guitars which have lower quality control. One of the talents you must develop as a guitarist is learning how to tell what guitar is right for you, not for me or the next guy. You need to learn how to see, feel and hear a guitars strengths and weaknesses. This only comes by playing a lot of guitars.

So...you need to be out at every guitar store possible trying as many guitars as you can, both in your price range and out of your price range just to develop this skill. Do not order a guitar online because some fan boy here tells you it's the right thing to do. You buy guitars in person after playing as many as possible.

I think the Ibanez is better for lead, and the ESP is good for rhythm. I think they're both pretty good, but the ESP would be better as an all-around guitar. However, the Ibanez in this case looks like it would be better to play. Good luck, I myself am not too strong in my metal guitar knowledge, but I hope this helps.

Ibanez are much better guiars