Arctic Monkeys released their debut album last year

The Sheffield-based group, who are in the running for best British band, live band, album and music DVD, called the nominations "very nice".

Last year the band won a total of three awards, including best British group.

Muse, Kasabian, My Chemical Romance and The Killers are also up for four titles this year. The winners will be revealed on 1 March in London.

The winners will be chosen by the music weekly's readers.

BEST LIVE EVENT Reading and Leeds Festivals Download 2006 Oxegen T In The Park V2006

Arctic Monkeys are up against Pete Doherty's band Babyshambles, as well as Muse, Oasis and Kasabian for best British band.

Kasabian, who are also up for best live band, album and video, said: "We're blown away by it, it's an honour."

The best album award will be a battle between Arctic Monkeys for Whatever You Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, Kasabian for Empire, The Killers for Sam's Town, Muse for Blackholes and Revelations and My Chemical Romance for The Black Parade.

The Killers said of their competition: "It's great to be with them.

"We're huge fans of Kasabian and everyone loves Arctic Monkeys. It's cool, it feels like music right now is living and breathing."

Allen is also up for sexiest female, worst album and worst dressed

The Horrors, the Fratellis, Klaxons, The Kooks and The View are up for best new band at the awards, which will be held at Hammersmith Palais.

CSS, The Killers, My Chemical Romance, The Strokes and We Are Scientists are in the running for best international band.

Lily Allen, whose debut album Alright, Still was released last year, is up for best solo artist alongside Jarvis Cocker, Jamie T, Thom Yorke and Get Cape Wear Cape Fly.

NME editor Conor McNicholas said: "This year's nominations reflect what has been an exceptional 12 months for rock music.