A music genre is a category that identifies pieces of music as belonging to a shared tradition or set of conventions. It’s basically a way of grouping songs that sound similar or have similar characteristics—like rhythm, instruments, lyrics, or even the culture or time period they come from.
KEY TRAITS THAT DEFINE A GENRE:
Sound and style (e.g., fast vs. slow, electric guitars vs. violins)
Instruments used
Rhythm and beat patterns
Lyrical themes (love, protest, storytelling, spirituality, etc.)
Cultural or geographic roots (e.g., reggae from Jamaica, flamenco from Spain)
SOME MAJOR MUSIC GENRES:
Here are a few broad and well-known ones:
Rock
Pop
Hip Hop / Rap
Country
Jazz
Blues
Classical
Electronic / EDM
Reggae
Folk
R&B / Soul
Metal
SO, HOW MANY ARE THERE?
That’s where it gets wild—there’s no fixed number. Music is constantly evolving, and genres keep branching out. Some sources list hundreds of genres and subgenres. For example:
Rock alone includes subgenres like punk rock, hard rock, alternative rock, grunge, and psychedelic rock.
Electronic has house, techno, trance, dubstep, drum, and bass, etc.
Even newer styles like lo-fi hip hop or hyperpop are considered their own genres now.
NU METAL
There is a genre that really made waves in the late ’90s and early 2000s. If you’ve been hearing about it again, it’s because it’s having a bit of a revival lately. Let’s dive into Nu Metal:
WHAT IS NU METAL?
Nu metal (sometimes written as nü-metal) is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the 1990s. It blends metal with elements of other genres like hip hop, grunge, alternative rock, funk, and electronic music.
NU METAL IS KNOWN FOR:
Aggressive, low-tuned guitar riffs
A mix of vocal styles—rapping, screaming, and melodic singing
Rhythmic, groove-heavy drums and bass
Emotional or angsty lyrics
Use of turntables, samples, and other hip hop or electronic elements
ORIGINS
Timeframe: Early-to-mid 1990s
Geographic Origin: Primarily the United States
Musical Roots:
Heavy metal (especially thrash and groove metal)
Hip hop (rhythmic vocal delivery, beats, DJ techniques)
Grunge and alternative rock
Industrial music in some cases
Nu metal emerged as a response to both the polished arena rock of the ’80s and the more introspective or experimental side of early ’90s rock. It created a more aggressive, raw, and emotionally driven sound that connected with younger audiences.
KEY ARTISTS AND BANDS
Korn – Often cited as the first true nu metal band, with their self-titled debut in 1994.
Deftones – Took the genre in a more atmospheric and experimental direction.
Limp Bizkit – Known for their fusion of metal and rap, along with a brash image.
Slipknot – Brought a more extreme, horror-influenced edge to nu metal.
Linkin Park – Helped bring nu metal into the mainstream with their melodic and emotional style.
System of a Down – Combined political commentary, unconventional songwriting, and a unique blend of metal and other influences.
MUSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Guitars: Detuned, distorted, groove-heavy riffs rather than technical solos.
Bass: Prominent and often slap-style (especially in early Korn).
Drums: Simple but heavy grooves, often hip hop-inspired.
Vocals: A mixture of rapping, yelling, screaming, and clean singing—sometimes all in one song.
DJ elements: Turntables, samples, and other electronic sounds were common, especially in bands like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit.
Lyrics: Often focused on themes like alienation, emotional pain, rage, trauma, and defiance.
POPULARITY AND DECLINE
Nu metal saw massive success in the late 1990s and early 2000s thanks to MTV, radio airplay, and music festivals like Ozzfest and Family Values Tour. Albums went multi-platinum, and the genre became a youth culture phenomenon.
However, by the mid-2000s, nu metal began to decline. Critics often dismissed it as immature or formulaic, and the music industry shifted toward other styles like metalcore, indie rock, and emo. Many bands changed their style, disbanded, or faded from the spotlight.
RECENT REVIVAL
In the 2020s, nu metal has seen a modest resurgence:
Some original bands (like Korn and Deftones) are still releasing music and are now seen as influential.
Newer bands like Tallah, Tetrarch, and Dropout Kings are reviving and reinventing the style.
A general wave of Y2K nostalgia has brought renewed interest in the genre.
INFLUENTIAL NU METAL ALBUMS
Here are some key albums that define the sound of nu metal:
Korn – Korn (1994)
Deftones – Around the Fur (1997)
Limp Bizkit – Significant Other (1999)
Slipknot – Slipknot (1999)
Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory (2000)
System of a Down – Toxicity (2001)
Mudvayne – L.D. 50 (2000)
Papa Roach – Infest (2000)
Coal Chamber – Chamber Music (1999)
Nu Metal’s resurgence is fascinating, and there are real cultural and musical reasons behind it. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Top Reasons Nu Metal Is Becoming Popular Again
Y2K Nostalgia
People who grew up in the late ’90s and early 2000s are revisiting the music of their youth.
Fashion, media, and pop culture from that era are trending again—nu metal fits that vibe perfectly.
Raw Emotion and Aggression
In an era where people are dealing with anxiety, anger, and alienation, nu metal’s direct emotional expression connects deeply.
Its themes—mental health, trauma, frustration—are still very relevant.
Genre Fusion Is Popular Again
Today’s music often blends styles—rap with punk, metal with electronic. Nu metal was doing that 25 years ago.
Younger listeners and artists appreciate music that doesn’t follow traditional genre rules.
TikTok and Social Media Exposure
Classic nu metal tracks are going viral on platforms like TikTok, introducing the genre to new audiences.
Legacy Bands Still Touring and Dropping Albums
Korn, Slipknot, Deftones, and others continue to perform and evolve.
Linkin Park’s music is getting renewed appreciation, especially after Chester Bennington’s passing.
Younger Bands Inspired by Nu Metal
A new generation of bands is putting a modern twist on the nu metal sound, creating fresh excitement.
GENRES NU METAL EVOLVED FROM
Nu metal is a fusion genre. Here are the core genres that influenced it:
Heavy Metal: The foundational sound—especially groove-oriented metal (like Pantera or Sepultura).
Hip Hop: Especially in vocal delivery (rapping), rhythms, and use of DJs and samples.
Alternative Rock / Grunge: The angst and stripped-down aesthetic from bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Faith No More.
Funk and Industrial: Some nu metal bands took influence from the rhythmic bass and electronic textures of these styles.
Other smaller influences: hardcore punk, electronic music, goth, and even pop in some cases (like with Linkin Park’s melodic hooks).
TOP NU METAL BANDS (PRESENTLY)
These are some of the bands either continuing nu metal today or representing its modern revival:
LEGACY BANDS STILL ACTIVE
Korn – Still touring, releasing new music, and widely respected in the genre.
Deftones – While they’ve evolved into more experimental and atmospheric territory, their roots are deeply in nu metal.
Slipknot – Known for intense energy and dark themes; they remain hugely influential and active.
System of a Down – Though not as active with new material, they still draw massive crowds.
Limp Bizkit – Made a surprise comeback and have found new life with younger fans.
MODERN REVIVAL / INFLUENCED BY NU METAL
Tallah – Combines nu metal with metalcore and chaotic, intense energy.
Tetrarch – A newer band gaining traction with a modern take on nu metal grooves and melodies.
Dropout Kings – Blending nu metal and trap music, sometimes called “trap metal.”
Wargasm (UK) – A duo that fuses punk, metal, and electronics—very nu metal in spirit.
Vein.fm – Not purely nu metal, but they tap into its sonic chaos and aggression.
HERE ARE SOME DEEPER AND LESSER-KNOWN, YET VERY INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT NU METAL THAT GO BEYOND THE BASICS:
It Was a Rebellion Against “Traditional” Metal
Nu metal was seen as a rebellion against the technical elitism of classic metal. Instead of complex solos or operatic vocals, nu metal focused on rhythm, feel, and emotion. This made it more accessible and connected to everyday struggles—especially for younger fans.
It Was Heavily Influenced by Skate, Punk, and Street Culture
Many nu metal bands dressed more like skateboarders or rappers than traditional metalheads. Baggy pants, Adidas tracksuits, wallet chains, backwards hats—this was a fashion and identity statement. It helped break the metal mold and make it feel like something entirely new.
The Lyrics Were Raw and Personal—Sometimes Shockingly So
Compared to earlier metal that might focus on fantasy, war, or horror, nu metal lyrics often tackled:
Abuse
Mental health struggles
Addiction
Bullying
Broken families
Identity crises
Jonathan Davis of Korn, for example, wrote about traumatic events in his life with almost diary-like intensity.
Many Fans Didn’t Care What Critics Thought
Nu metal was often hated by critics but loved by fans. Magazines and “serious” rock commentators would mock it, but albums still sold millions. It had a strong “us vs. them” energy—fans saw it as music for them, not for critics or older generations.
Turntables and DJs Were Often Full Band Members
Unlike in other rock or metal genres, nu metal bands often had a DJ as a full-time member. Examples:
Linkin Park’s Joe Hahn
Limp Bizkit’s DJ Lethal
Slipknot’s Sid Wilson
They didn’t just scratch records—they added textures, samples, effects, and helped shape the band’s sound.
Some Bands Reject the Label Today
Many bands associated with nu metal, like Deftones and System of a Down, distanced themselves from the term, even though they helped define it. Why? Partly because the label became a punchline in the mid-2000s, and also because many of these bands evolved beyond the genre.
It Helped Open the Door for Mental Health Conversations in Heavy Music
Before nu metal, heavy music wasn’t always a space where artists openly addressed depression, trauma, or anxiety. But nu metal put those issues front and center. That influence is still felt today in post-hardcore, emo, and modern metal bands that talk openly about mental health.
It Crossed Over Into Mainstream Culture
Nu metal songs were used in WWF/WWE, movie soundtracks, and video games.
Linkin Park did a collaboration album with Jay-Z (Collision Course), which topped charts and proved the genre’s crossover power.
Movies like Queen of the Damned and Dracula 2000 used nu metal-heavy soundtracks to feel more edgy and current.
Women Were Underrepresented but Not Absent
While male-fronted bands dominated the scene, there were notable exceptions:
Otep – Led by Otep Shamaya, combining poetry, spoken word, and fierce vocals.
Kittie – A Canadian all-female band that mixed death growls and nu metal groove.
Guano Apes and My Ruin also tapped into the nu metal aesthetic.
There’s now a growing wave of modern female-fronted bands carrying that torch in new directions.
Some Artists Now Embrace the “Cringe” and Run With It
There’s a kind of revival that doesn’t just take the music seriously—it celebrates the weird, loud, chaotic, and even awkward parts of nu metal with love. It’s part nostalgia, part rebellion, and part irony—but it works, especially in a time when genre-mixing is the norm.
HOW NU METAL COMPARES TO SIMILAR FUSION GENRES AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE A NU METAL SONG JUST BY ITS SOUND AND STRUCTURE.
How Nu Metal Compares to Similar Fusion Genres
NU METAL VS. RAP ROCK
Feature Nu Metal Rap Rock Origins Mid-90s, blending metal, hip hop, grunge Late 80s/early 90s, fusing rock and hip hop Sound Heavier guitars, dark tones, downtuned riffs Often funkier, upbeat, more old-school hip hop Vocals Rapping + screaming/growling + melodic hooks Mostly rapping with some sung choruses Examples Korn, Slipknot, Deftones, Limp Bizkit Rage Against the Machine, Beastie Boys, Kid Rock (early) Lyrics Personal trauma, alienation, angst Political, party themes, or swagger-based
Nu metal has more emotional depth and darkness than most rap rock, which leans more attitude and groove.
NU METAL VS. METALCORE
Feature Nu Metal Metalcore Origins 1990s Late ’90s / early 2000s Influences Hip hop, funk, alt-rock, industrial Hardcore punk + heavy metal Sound Groovy, often mid-tempo, rhythmic Fast, aggressive, technical, breakdown-heavy Vocals Rap, screams, clean choruses Screams/growls + clean vocals (often emo-like) Examples Linkin Park, Mudvayne, Staind Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Parkway Drive
Metalcore tends to be faster and more aggressive, where nu metal is often groovier and rhythm-driven.
NU METAL VS. INDUSTRIAL METAL
Feature Nu Metal Industrial Metal Use of Electronics Samples, DJs, some synths Heavy synths, machine-like sounds, loops Mood Personal, emotional, angsty Mechanical, dystopian, detached Examples Slipknot, Coal Chamber Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Rammstein
Industrial metal is more synthetic and robotic; nu metal leans human and emotional.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A NU METAL SONG BY SOUND AND STRUCTURE
Downtuned, Groovy Guitars
Guitars are often in drop D or lower tunings.
Riffs are chunky, chugging, and rhythmic—think “bouncy” rather than fast.
Vocals Shift Dramatically
Expect shifts between:
Rapping
Screaming or growling
Clean, melodic singing—often with a vulnerable, emotional tone
Example: Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington switching between a whisper, a scream, and a chorus in one track.
Lack of Guitar Solos
Nu metal often skips solos in favor of heavy rhythm sections or vocal focus.
Hip Hop-Inspired Drumming and Sampling
Drums might mimic boom-bap hip hop or feature breakbeats.
Many bands use turntables, samples, or loops.
Lyrics Are Deeply Personal or Cathartic
Common themes:
Abuse
Inner demons
Identity and belonging
Mental illness
Lyrics are raw and can be either poetic or blunt.
Atmosphere or Industrial Vibe
You might hear atmospheric sounds, subtle synths, or strange effects layered in.
This gives songs an eerie, emotional, or angry undercurrent.
Distinct Song Structure
Verse (rap or low energy)
Chorus (melodic and anthemic or screamed)
Breakdown or instrumental section
Bridge (emotional climax or whisper-to-scream build-up)
Final chorus, often heavier or more chaotic
NU METAL WAS A SOUNDTRACK FOR A GENERATION DISCONNECTED FROM THE AMERICAN DREAM
Nu metal didn’t just come out of a musical shift—it reflected cultural tension. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many young people were growing up in broken homes, dealing with economic uncertainty, bullying, addiction in the household, and emotional isolation. Traditional rock and pop didn’t speak to these feelings.
Nu metal, with its raw aggression, emotional pain, and outsider identity, gave those kids a voice. Bands like Korn and Linkin Park wrote lyrics that didn’t offer solutions—they just said, “Yeah, we feel that too.” That was powerful.
IT WAS ONE OF THE FIRST ROCK GENRES TO EMBRACE INTERNET AND FAN COMMUNITIES
Even before social media, nu metal fans were building online communities—message boards, fan sites, and early forums were filled with people trading live bootlegs, lyrics, and band updates. The genre’s visual style (spiky logos, dark clothing, tattoos) also made it very shareable in the early days of online fan art and graphic design. This grassroots, internet-driven fandom helped bands build a loyal base even when critics dismissed the genre.
NU METAL TOURED WITH A FESTIVAL MENTALITY
Nu metal wasn’t just about albums—it was a live experience. Tours like Ozzfest and Family Values Tour became cultural phenomena. These weren’t just concerts; they were traveling festivals where fans could see multiple bands on the same day, often for affordable prices. It felt like an underground movement that had built its own world, and fans showed up dressed in the aesthetic, ready to release frustration and energy with the crowd.
THERE’S A REGIONAL ELEMENT TO NU METAL’S ORIGINS
Interestingly, a lot of nu metal’s pioneers came from specific U.S. regions:
California (especially Bakersfield and L.A.): Korn, Deftones, Linkin Park, System of a Down
Midwest (Iowa, Illinois): Slipknot, Mudvayne, Disturbed
Southeast/Texas: Drowning Pool, Nonpoint
These areas were far from the glamorous, coastal music epicenters of pop and glam rock. The gritty, industrial, or blue-collar nature of these places helped shape the aggressive, no-frills aesthetic of nu metal.
IT WAS COMMERCIALLY MASSIVE, YET SHORT-LIVED AT ITS PEAK
From around 1998 to 2003, nu metal dominated MTV, the Billboard charts, and rock radio. Albums like Hybrid Theory (Linkin Park) and Follow the Leader (Korn) sold millions of copies. But by the mid-2000s, the genre faced burnout—oversaturation, changing tastes, and the rise of emo, indie, and metalcore pushed it out of the spotlight. That decline was swift, and some bands disbanded or shifted direction to stay relevant.
NU METAL’S REVIVAL TODAY ISN’T JUST NOSTALGIA—IT’S EVOLUTION
The recent resurgence isn’t just people revisiting their youth. New bands are borrowing elements of nu metal—grooves, emotional lyrics, genre blending—and combining them with modern production and themes.
Artists like Tallah, Tetrarch, Dropout Kings, and Wargasm are doing something fresh with the sound. Even some rap and trap-metal acts (like Scarlxrd or City Morgue) channel nu metal energy. So it’s not just “coming back”—it’s mutating and finding new audiences.
NU METAL AND FASHION
Nu metal had a distinct look—baggy pants (often JNCOs), chain wallets, Adidas tracksuits, backward caps, piercings, and dark clothing. It mixed skater, goth, and hip hop aesthetics into something raw and rebellious. This look became a cultural marker, signaling a rejection of preppy or polished trends of the late ’90s.
INTERNATIONAL REACH
While nu metal began in the U.S., it quickly found passionate audiences around the world. In Europe, especially Germany and the UK, fans embraced its dark energy. Bands like Rammstein (Germany) and Breed 77 (Gibraltar) brought regional flavor to the sound. Latin America, Russia, and Japan also developed their own nu metal scenes—each infusing local culture into the aggressive, emotional core of the genre.
INFLUENCE ON OTHER GENRES
Nu metal’s blending of styles paved the way for future experimentation. Many metalcore and post-hardcore bands borrowed its melodic chorus structure. Trap metal and even some emo rap acts took cues from its emotional rawness and dark beats. In pop culture, it set the stage for heavier music being more acceptable in mainstream spaces, from soundtracks to fashion to video games.
Nu metal was more than just a genre—it was a movement that captured the mood of a generation disillusioned with glossy perfection and easy answers. It spoke to those who felt angry, unheard, or broken, and gave them an outlet that was heavy, honest, and cathartic.
Its critics often misunderstood it, calling it immature or shallow. But to its fans, it was therapy, rebellion, and belonging. The fact that it’s resurfacing now—through both nostalgia and evolution—shows that those core feelings haven’t gone away. Music that connects on that deep level tends to come back, no matter what name it goes by.
Nu metal didn’t just fade into history—it’s part of the DNA of modern music now, quietly (or loudly) influencing what we hear, wear, and feel.
THERE ARE QUITE A FEW SOLID SOURCES WHERE YOU CAN DIVE DEEPER INTO THE WORLD OF NU METAL, WHETHER YOU’RE INTERESTED IN ITS HISTORY, CURRENT REVIVAL, BAND INTERVIEWS, OR FAN COMMUNITIES. HERE’S A LIST OF WHERE TO LOOK:
1. Documentaries & Video Series
- “Louder Than Life” (YouTube, Loudwire): Covers the rise, fall, and return of nu metal.
- “Nu Metal: A History” – Several fan-made and indie docuseries exist on YouTube. Try channels like Middle 8, Rocked, or Trash Theory.
- MTV-era interviews and live performances – Search for archived footage of Korn, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and others. They’re full of insights into the culture of the time.
2. Books
- “Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History of Metal” by Jon Wiederhorn and Katherine Turman – Covers the metal genre in full, including a detailed section on nu metal.
- “Korn: Life in the Pit” – A more band-specific deep dive into one of nu metal’s pioneers.
- There are also unofficial biographies on Slipknot, Linkin Park, and others that touch on their nu metal roots.
3. Websites & Articles
- Loudwire.com – Regularly posts retrospectives, lists, and updates on nu metal revival bands.
- Revolver Magazine – Has thoughtful articles and interviews with classic and modern nu metal acts.
- Metal Injection – Covers heavier music broadly but has nu metal features and opinion pieces.
- Kerrang! – A UK-based rock magazine with solid coverage of both old and new nu metal acts.
4. Reddit and Forums
- r/Numetal – A dedicated subreddit with news, discussions, and recommendations.
- r/Metal, r/Music, and r/90sMusic also touch on nu metal history and its cultural role.
- Older forums like ThePRP.com still have active discussions and archives.
5. Streaming Playlists
Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have excellent curated playlists like:
- “Nu Metal Essentials”
- “Revived: Nu Metal 2.0”
- “New Nu Metal” (for current bands blending old style with new)
These can help you discover both classic tracks and emerging bands pushing nu metal forward.