The albums that define
nu metal.
Our picks for where to start with nu metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top nu metal artists
Start with one of these.
The nu metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
XXXTentacion
Skins
A raw and fragmented exploration of vulnerability, laced with emotional intensity and minimalist production.
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Slipknot
.5: The Gray Chapter
A visceral blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies that captures both rage and vulnerability.
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Slipknot
Adderall
Aggressive riffs and chaotic rhythms converge with introspective lyrics, revealing a darker emotional landscape.
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Slipknot
Iowa
A raw, relentless barrage of chaotic rhythms and visceral screams encapsulating deep emotional turmoil.
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Slipknot
All Hope Is Gone
Aggressive rhythms intertwine with melodic undertones, creating a cathartic exploration of despair and fury.
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Slipknot
Slipknot
Raw aggression collides with intricate melodies, creating an unrelenting soundscape of chaos and catharsis.
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Slipknot
We Are Not Your Kind
A visceral blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies, exploring themes of isolation and personal turmoil.
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Slipknot
The End, So Far
A visceral blend of aggressive rhythms and haunting melodies that captures Slipknot's evolving identity.
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Slipknot
Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)
A chaotic blend of aggressive rhythms and melodic undertones that encapsulates the struggle between darkness and redemption.
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Sevendust
Blood & Stone
A raw and introspective blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks reflecting resilience and vulnerability.
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Cypress Hill
Elephants on Acid
Cypress Hill's eclectic blend of psychedelic sounds and gritty hip-hop creates a surreal auditory journey through their signature themes.
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Cypress Hill
Stoned Raiders
Psychedelic beats merge with hard-hitting lyrics, creating a distinctive fusion of hip-hop and rock elements.
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Cypress Hill
Black Sunday
A psychedelic blend of hard-hitting beats and witty, irreverent lyrics that define West Coast hip-hop.
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
A raw blend of gritty beats and bilingual lyricism that captures the essence of early 90s hip-hop culture.
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Cypress Hill
Rise Up
A robust blend of hip-hop and rock infused with a defiant spirit and socially conscious lyrics.
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Cypress Hill
Till Death Do Us Part
A gritty fusion of hardcore rap and Latin influences layered over dark, atmospheric beats.
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill III: Temples of Boom
A gritty blend of hard-hitting beats and surreal lyricism that captures the essence of '90s hip-hop.
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill IV
A gritty fusion of hardcore hip-hop and psychedelic elements, pulsating with raw energy and social commentary.
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Deftones
Ohms
A swirling fusion of atmospheric textures and heavy riffs, layered with introspective lyrics and haunting melodies.
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Deftones
Private Music
A swirling blend of ethereal soundscapes and heavy riffs, embodying both introspection and aggression.
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Deftones
Around the Fur
Explosive riffs intertwine with ethereal melodies, creating a haunting yet aggressive soundscape that defines the band's unique style.
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Deftones
Koi No Yokan
Melodic intensity and atmospheric soundscapes intertwine with heavy riffs and ethereal vocals, creating a haunting listening experience.
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XXXTentacion
?
A raw blend of introspective lyricism and minimalist production that captures emotional turmoil and vulnerability.
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Serj Tankian
Elasticity
A vibrant fusion of alternative metal and pop, blending introspective lyrics with eclectic instrumentation.
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