Nü metallic is a sound that anybody can acknowledge. By merging two genres, hip-hop and metallic, that had been worlds aside in model and angle, nü metallic each repulsed and reenergized an viewers nonetheless caught in a grunge daze. From its ’90s beginnings to its mainstream explosion within the 2000s, nü metallic redefined a complete new period of heavy music. The style’s golden age has since given solution to a brand new crop of artists who’re utilizing its foundations to create their very own sound. From Poppy’s depraved, industrialized cowl of Kittie’s 1999 stomper “Spit” to electro-punk duo Wargasm recruiting Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst for “Bang Ya Head,” the style is taking up new shapes.
Learn extra: Each Linkin Park album ranked
We requested our readers what the very best nü-metal bands are of all time. From Deftones to Linkin Park, discover the highest fan picks ranked beneath.
5. System of a Down
System of a Down proved that nü metallic wasn’t restricted to a specific model. Their self-titled debut album in 1998 launched their mind-blowing model — then their follow-up, 2001’s Toxicity, fixed their strategy. That report’s spastic lead single, “Chop Suey!,” earned numerous covers and tons of radio play, exhibiting that heavy music might get theatrical with out going glam.
4. Slipknot
Although Slipknot launched their brutal self-titled debut album in 1999, proper on the cusp of the twenty first century, the band heralded nü metallic into the longer term. The style pioneers allotted face-spitting rippers (“Folks = Shit”) and radio-friendly cuts (“Wait and Bleed”) with pleasure, influencing numerous bands alongside the best way. By merging industrial influences and a love for hip-hop with neck-snapping riffs, Slipknot revealed how actually menacing the style may very well be.
3. Deftones
Since their formation in 1988, Deftones didn’t give a lot credence to style. They nonetheless supplied lots to nü metallic, although, notably with 1995’s Adrenaline and 1997’s Round The Fur. Each albums demonstrated technical riffs, darkish vocals, and a hip-hop bent. Relatively than observe that blueprint, although, Deftones transcended these roots in favor of a wider, extra imaginative style spectrum. The experimentalism paid off, as 2000’s White Pony grew to become their landmark report, highlighting their very own type of various metallic with lush atmospherics.
2. Linkin Park
Linkin Park’s fusion of hip-hop, metallic, and electronica launched them into the stratosphere. Their 2000 debut report, Hybrid Principle, would go on to turn out to be one of many greatest rock blockbusters of the twenty first century, discovering a steadiness between heavy music and hip-hop that made them international stars. Although the band by no means formally disbanded following the dying of their beloved vocalist Chester Bennington, founding member Mike Shinoda has mentioned that they’ve no plans for brand spanking new music. Regardless, they’ve actually left behind an incredible legacy.
1. Korn
Korn’s twisted self-titled debut, which turns 30 subsequent yr, began a revolution. Jonathan Davis’ ferocious supply, overtop industrial instrumentals with hip-hop beats, pioneered a sound like no different. Almost three a long time and 14 studio albums later, their darkish imaginative and prescient has endured. “We’re all the time going to persevere,” Jonathan Davis advised AP in 2022 as a part of an oral historical past. “To be this many albums deep is a big feat.”
