nu metal
musical subgenre of alternative metal
Nu metal is a sonic blend that fuses the raw energy of hard rock with the heavy grooves of hip-hop and the angst of alternative rock. Imagine down-tuned guitars chugging in concert with rapid-fire raps, punctuated by melodic choruses that evoke both aggression and vulnerability. The sound often teeters on the edge of chaos, yet maintains an undeniable rhythmic pull, inviting listeners into a world where catharsis meets celebration. It’s music that rages against the machine while reaching out for something deeper.
Emerging in the late '90s, nu metal became a voice for disillusioned youth, pushing back against the polished aesthetics of mainstream rock. Bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit led this charge, using their music to articulate feelings of alienation and frustration in an increasingly digital age. The genre flourished with albums like "Follow the Leader" and "Significant Other," blending diverse influences and paving the way for a new wave of bands like Linkin Park, whose "Hybrid Theory" captured complex emotions wrapped in infectious hooks. This was a time when rebellion took many forms, combining grit with introspection.
For newcomers eager to dive into nu metal, start with Korn's self-titled debut for its raw authenticity, and don’t miss Linkin Park’s "Meteora" for a polished yet powerful encapsulation of the genre's energy. Check out Slipknot’s “Iowa” for a heavier take that showcases the genre’s darker side, while P.O.D.’s “Satellite” brings a more uplifting vibe through faith-infused lyrics. Finally, explore Deftones' "White Pony" for an ethereal twist that expands what nu metal can encompass. Once you’ve soaked all this in, consider venturing into post-hardcore or industrial rock for even more musical territory.
310 artists in the catalog.
Guides for nu metal artists
Top nu metal albums
See essentials
All nu metal artists
Chester Bennington
alternative metal, alternative rock
Sonny Sandoval
alternative metal, rap metal
Dub War
alternative metal, jungle
Left to Suffer
deathcore, metalcore
Damageplan
groove metal
Rootwater
Brian Welch
Christian metal, alternative metal
Jeff Gutt
Joey Jordison
Elyose
heavy metal, industrial metal
Dry Cell
Wicked Wisdom
E.Town Concrete
punk rock, rap metal
Shawn Crahan
heavy metal
ANNA
Noctiferia
groove metal, industrial metal
About nu metal
What is nu metal?
musical subgenre of alternative metal
Where should I start with nu metal?
Start with "One More Light" by Linkin Park. It captures what makes nu metal worth exploring.
What are the best nu metal albums?
The nu metal albums worth hearing first: "One More Light" by Linkin Park, "17" by XXXTentacion, "Skins" by XXXTentacion, "Schizophrenia" by Sepultura and "Swan Songs" by Hollywood Undead.
How many nu metal artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 310 nu metal artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.