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.
Hollywood Undead
Five
An eclectic mix of rap rock and nu metal, blending gritty vocals with melodic hooks and heavy instrumentals.
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Demi Lovato
Don't Forget
Catchy hooks and vibrant pop melodies blend with emotional lyrics, reflecting youthful angst and the transition into adulthood.
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Demi Lovato
Demi
Empowered anthems and vulnerable ballads intertwine in a dynamic showcase of pop and R&B influences.
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Hollywood Undead
New Empire, Vol. 1
A high-energy blend of rap rock and nu metal, layered with anthemic choruses and introspective themes.
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Linkin Park
Hybrid Theory
A groundbreaking blend of nu metal and electronic elements that channels raw emotion through heavy riffs and rap-infused vocals.
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Sepultura
Roorback
A raw, aggressive fusion of thrash and groove metal that channels social discontent through relentless rhythms and visceral lyrics.
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Sepultura
Morbid Visions
Raw, aggressive riffs collide with primal rhythms, embodying the fierce energy of early Brazilian extreme metal.
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Slipknot
.5: The Gray Chapter
Aggressive riffs and haunting melodies intertwine, capturing both loss and anger in a cathartic metal experience.
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Slipknot
Adderall
An intense exploration of mental struggle, blending ferocious riffs with introspective lyrics and relentless percussion.
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Tech N9ne
The Storm
A frenetic blend of rapid-fire verses, introspective themes, and eclectic production that showcases Tech N9ne's lyrical dexterity.
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Tech N9ne
Strangeulation Vol. II
A frenetic blend of intricate wordplay and layered beats that showcases Tech N9ne's lyrical dexterity and diverse influences.
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Deftones
Gore
A swirling blend of atmospheric melodies and heavy rhythms, embodying both vulnerability and aggression in equal measure.
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Deftones
Koi No Yokan
A swirling blend of heavy riffs and ethereal melodies that capture the essence of longing and introspection.
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Korn
Untouchables
Aggressive riffs and introspective lyrics merge in a raw exploration of personal struggle and societal alienation.
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Korn
The Path of Totality
Aggressive metal merges with dubstep influences, creating a chaotic yet immersive sonic landscape that challenges genre boundaries.
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Linkin Park
LP Underground 9.0
A collection of raw, introspective demos showcasing Linkin Park's evolving sound and lyrical depth before their mainstream breakthrough.
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Cypress Hill
Skull & Bones
A bold fusion of hip-hop and rock elements, powered by aggressive beats and introspective lyrics.
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Skillet
Victorious
A powerful blend of hard-hitting rock anthems and uplifting melodies that energize and inspire resilience.
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Skillet
Dominion
An explosive blend of hard rock and industrial metal, infused with powerful anthemic choruses and introspective lyrics about resilience.
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Man with a Mission
The World's On Fire
This album captures the essence of Man with a Mission, highlighting their ability to intertwine heavy riffs with catchy hooks and powerful lyrics. It offers a comprehensive introduction to their musical range and thematic depth.
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Serj Tankian
Serart
Experimental soundscapes fuse progressive rock, metal, and ethnic influences, creating a unique auditory journey through diverse genres.
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Serj Tankian
Elect the Dead
Eclectic rhythms and politically charged lyrics merge operatic vocals with alternative metal grit to create a provocative sonic experience.
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Static-X
Project Regeneration Vol. 1
A relentless fusion of industrial and nu metal that pulsates with energetic aggression and haunting melodies.
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Static-X
Start a War
A relentless barrage of industrial beats and aggressive vocals, weaving chaos into an infectious rhythm.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where nu metal landed in each era.