nu metal
{{short description|Subgenre of alternative metal}}
{{for-multi|the alloy|mu-metal|"new metal" music|Heavy metal music#Recent styles: mid–late 2000s, 2010s and 2020s}}
{{rewrite|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox music genre
| name = Nu metal
| stylistic_origins =
| cultural_origins = Mid-1990s, California, U.S.
| derivatives = {{hlist|Emo rap|trap metal|hyperpop{{cite news|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/why-hyperpop-owes-its-existence-to-heavy-metal/|title=Why hyperpop owes its existence to heavy metal|last=Chaudhury|first=Aliya|date=14 April 2021|work=Kerrang!|access-date=15 April 2021|archive-date=14 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014123624/https://www.kerrang.com/features/why-hyperpop-owes-its-existence-to-heavy-metal/|url-status=live}}}}
| fusiongenres = Nu metalcore, nu deathcore{{cite web|author-link=Finn McKenty |url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2011/10/24/is-nu-dethcore-the-next-big-thing-bouncewitme/ |title=Is Nu-Dethcore The Next Big Thing?|publisher=MetalSucks |date= 24 October 2011|accessdate=June 27, 2014}}
| regional_scenes = {{hlist||California|Midwestern United States|New England|Florida|Ontario}}
| other_topics = New wave of American heavy metal
}}
Nu metal (sometimes stylized as nü-metal, with a metal umlaut) is a subgenre of {{nowrap|alternative metal}} that combines elements of heavy metal music with elements of other music genres such as hip hop, funk, industrial, and grunge. Nu metal rarely features guitar solos or other displays of musical technique and emphasizes rhythm with instrumentation that is heavily syncopated. Nu metal guitarists typically use seven-string guitars that are down-tuned to produce a heavier sound. Vocal styles are often rhythmic and influenced by hip hop, and include singing, rapping, screaming and sometimes growling. DJs are occasionally featured to provide instrumentation such as sampling, turntable scratching and electronic background music. Nu metal is one of the key genres of the new wave of American heavy metal.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, bands like Pantera, Helmet, and Faith No More were influential in the development of nu-metal with their groove metal and alternative metal styles. Korn is often credited as pioneering the subgenre in the mid-1990s with their self-titled debut album. Nu metal became popular in the late 1990s, with bands and artists such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Slipknot all releasing albums that sold millions of copies. Its popularity continued through the early 2000s, with bands such as Papa Roach, Staind, and P.O.D. all selling multi-platinum albums. The popularity of nu metal came to a peak in 2001 with Linkin Park's diamond-selling album Hybrid Theory. By the mid-2000s, however, the oversaturation of bands combined with the underperformance of several high-profile releases led to the subgenre's decline, leading to the rise of metalcore and many nu-metal bands disbanding or abandoning their established sound in favor of other genres.
The 2010s brought a nu-metal revival; many bands that combined it with other genres (for example, metalcore and deathcore) emerged, and some nu-metal bands from the 1990s and early 2000s returned to the nu-metal sound. Bands such as Of Mice & Men, Emmure, Issues, My Ticket Home, and Bring Me the Horizon combined nu metal with metalcore or deathcore. Artists like Grimes, Poppy, and Rina Sawayama integrated nu-metal sounds into electronic pop music in the late 2010s and early 2020s, and interest in nu metal rose in the early 2020s.
Characteristics and fashion
{{Listen
|filename = Korn - Falling Away from Me.ogg
|title = "Falling Away from Me" by Korn (1999)
|description =Tim Grierson of About.com wrote that "Falling Away from Me" by Korn showed {{nowrap|hip-hop}} influence through the use of staccato rhythms, textured guitar hooks, and distorted power chords.{{cite web |url=http://rock.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/BestRapRockSongs.htm |title=Top 10 Essential Rap-Rock Songs |publisher=About.com |last=Grierson |first=Tim |access-date=January 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304194957/http://rock.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/BestRapRockSongs.htm |url-status=dead }}
|filename2 = Slipknot - Surfacing.ogg
|title2 = "Surfacing" by Slipknot (1999)
|description2 = Citing the lyrics of the song's chorus, Karan Pradhan of Firstpost called Slipknot's "Surfacing" the "best encapsulation of the aggression, attitude, simplicity and indeed, the spirit of nu metal".
}}
=Terminology and origins=
Nu metal is a subgenre of alternative metal.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2945625/vintage-korn-life-is-peachy-at-20/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021123649/http://www.mtv.com/news/2945625/vintage-korn-life-is-peachy-at-20/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |title=Vintage Korn: Life Is Peachy At 20 |publisher=MTV |last=Lambert |first=Molly |date=October 20, 2016 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} Sometimes stylized as nü-metal,{{cite journal |last1=Pieslak |first1=Jonathan |year=2008 |title=Sound, text and identity in Korn's 'Hey Daddy' |journal=Popular Music |volume=27 |pages=35–52 |doi=10.1017/S0261143008001451 |s2cid=194955089 }} the genre has also been dubbed aggro-metal.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/style/alternative-metal-ma0000012328 |title=Alternative Metal |website=AllMusic |access-date=May 22, 2010}}{{cite book |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/rockstarsongod0000vanp/page/180 |last1=Pelt |first1=Doug Van |last2=Sweet |first2=Michael |title=Rock Stars on God: 20 Artists Speak Their Mind about Faith |year=2004 |publisher=Relevant Media Group |isbn=0-9729276-9-7 |page=[https://archive.org/details/rockstarsongod0000vanp/page/180 180] |chapter=Static X |access-date=January 28, 2017 }} MTV states that the early nu metal group Korn "arrived in 1993 into the burgeoning alternative metal scene, which would morph into nü-metal the way college rock became alternative rock." Stereogum similarly said that nu metal was a "weird outgrowth of the Lollapalooza-era alt-metal scene".{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1834903/adrenaline-turns-20/franchises/the-anniversary/|title=Adrenaline Turns 20|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=January 18, 2017}} Nu metal merges elements of heavy metal music{{cite journal |title=What's the Deal with Soundtrack Albums? Metal Music and the Customized Aesthetics of Contemporary Horror |last=Tompkins |first=Joseph |journal=Cinema Journal |year=2009 |volume=49 |number=1 |pages=65–81 |doi=10.1353/cj.0.0155 |s2cid=191468077 |url=http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&type=summary&url=/journals/cinema_journal/v049/49.1.tompkins.html |access-date=January 25, 2017 |quote=Nu metal (or "fusion metal") is a hybrid genre that combines elements of thrash, grunge, rap, and funk. At variance with traditional heavy metal, nu metal relies to a greater extent on rhythm and sound texture over melody and virtuosity, so that, for example, drop-tuned guitars are used to create fuller, "heavier" sounds and percussive rhythms.|url-access=subscription }}{{cite web |url=http://metaldescent.com/thrash-metal/ |title=Heavy Metal Classifications: A History of Thrash Metal |publisher=Metal Descent |access-date=April 11, 2013}} with elements of other music genres such as hip hop,{{cite web |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetal101/a/101_history_2.htm |last=Bowar |first=Chad |title=Heavy Metal: More Metal Genres |publisher=About.com |access-date=April 28, 2010 |quote="Combining heavy metal riffs with hip-hop influences and rapped lyrics, this genre became very popular in the late '90s through the early 2000s and then fell from favor." |archive-date=July 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725224340/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetal101/a/101_history_2.htm |url-status=dead }} grunge, funk,{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7DZMAgAAQBAJ&q=Songwriting:+A+Complete+Guide+to+the+Craft |title=Songwriting: A Complete Guide to the Craft |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |year=2008 |last=Citron |first=Stephen |page=281 |isbn=978-0-87910-357-6 |access-date=January 28, 2017 |quote=These bands, such as Korn, Papa Roach, and Limp Bizkit incorporated elements ranging from hip-hop to death metal.}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wwgd9y-Ww5UC&q=Introduction:+From+heavy+metal+to+extreme+metal |last=Kahn-Harris |first=Keith |title=Extreme metal: music and culture on the edge |year=2007 |publisher=Berg Publishers |isbn=978-1-84520-399-3 |page=1 |chapter=Introduction: From heavy metal to extreme metal |access-date=January 28, 2017 |quote=Another hugely successful 1990s offshoot of heavy metal was nu metal, which began to constitute itself in the latter half of the 1990s with the success of bands such as Korn and Limp Bizkit. Such bands built on the early funk metal work of bands such as Faith No More by combining metal with rap and dance music. Nu metal also built on grunge and punk by lyrically emphasizing pain and personal alienation.
As the twenty-first century has progressed, nu metal has begun to exhaust itself artistically, and 'emo' bands such as Funeral For A Friend and My Chemical Romance, that draw on both nu metal and impassioned versions of 1990s hardcore punk, have become more popular.}}{{cite book |last=Iannini |first=Tommaso |title=Nu Metal |publisher=Giunti |year=2003 |isbn=88-09-03051-6 |quote=Se prima la base del rock pesante erano principalmente il blues o il progressive, oral'hip hop è un approdo naturale della scomposizione del suo linguaggio canonico. I Korn ne sono l'esempio principe, per il modo in cui imitano dal vivo pratiche proprie del turntablism (come già Tom Morello, chitarrista dei Rage Against The Machine), benché ultimamente abbiano virato verso il rock. L'elettronica, sia a livello di strumenti che di tecniche di registrazione, ha in- nescato un'altra mutazione ge- netica, anche se sono ancora in tantissimi a preferire il suono analogico. L'hardcore esercita una forte in- fluenza renden do il sound più asciutto, compatto ed esplosivo, mentre la lezione del funk traspare da molti grooves di basso e batteria. La componente melodica più comune al genere deriva invece dal postpunk o dal synth pop degli anni '80.}} and alternative rock according to Blabbermouth.net. Nu metal bands use many elements of heavy metal genres such as rap metal, groove metal, and funk metal.{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}}{{harvnb|Udo|2002|pp=15–16}}: "Nu metal most commonly describes a wave of bands, exclusively American, heavily influenced by late-'80s and early 90s pioneers like Faith No More, Fear Factory, Rage Against The Machine and Biohazard, who fuse rap, metal and punk, lathered in furious teenage-angst rants and ultra-violent pronouncements delivered at high volume. Guitars are heavily distorted, the riffs are muted, and hip-hop influenced bass and percussion fills the sound." Some nu metal bands, such as Static-X{{cite magazine |url=http://loudwire.com/wayne-static-widow-tera-wray-remembers-late-husband/ |title=Wayne Static's Widow Tera Wray Remembers Her Late Husband |magazine=Loudwire |last=Hartmann |first=Graham "Gruhamed" |date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} and Dope,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/no-regrets-mw0000810419 |title=No Regrets – Dope |website=AllMusic |last=Sullivan |first=Patrick |access-date=January 25, 2017}} made nu metal music with elements of industrial metal. In contrast with other heavy metal subgenres, nu metal tends to use the same structure of verses, choruses, and bridges as those in pop music.{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=16}}Buts, Jeroen. [http://lib.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/001/414/985/RUG01-001414985_2010_0001_AC.pdf "5.1"]. The Thematical and Stylistic Evolution of Heavy Metal Lyrics and Imagery From the 70s to Present Day. p. 80. "Also, the genre combined a low-tuned guitar sound and many other thrash, industrial, and death metal traits within a structure that was much more traditional and akin to Pop music (e.g. intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus-outro)."
=Musical characteristics=
==Instrumentation==
File:ReginaldArvizu.jpg (pictured) cites bassists such as Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Les Claypool of Primus as influences.{{cite web |url=http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/10/korns-fieldy-music-outside-of-the-box/ |title=Korn's Fieldy: Music Outside Of The Box |work=Bass Musician |last=Risser |first=Tim |date=October 1, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2017}}]]
Instrumentation in nu metal is heavily syncopated and is based mostly on guitar riffs, with riffs often being inspired by groove metal. Mid-song bridges and a general lack of guitar solos contrasts it with other genres of heavy metal. Kory Grow of Revolver wrote, "... [i]n its efforts to tune down and simplify riffs, {{nowrap|nu-metal}} effectively drove a stake through the heart of the guitar solo".{{cite magazine |url=http://www.revolvermag.com/lists-2/final-six-the-six-best-worst-things-to-come-out-of-nu-metal.html|title=Final Six: The Six Best/Worst Things to Come out of Nu-Metal |last=Grow |first=Kory |magazine=Revolver |date=February 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611050855/http://www.revolvermag.com/lists-2/final-six-the-six-best-worst-things-to-come-out-of-nu-metal.html |access-date=January 25, 2017|archive-date=2017-06-11 }} Another contrast with other heavy metal genres is nu metal's emphasis on rhythm, rather than on complexity or mood. The wah pedal is occasionally featured in nu metal music.
Nu metal bassists and drummers are often influenced by funk and hip hop, respectively, adding to nu metal's rhythmic nature.{{cite web |url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Rock_File_British_Christian_NuMetal/7793/p1/ |title=Rock File: British Christian Nu-Metal |date=June 23, 2003 |publisher=Cross Rhythms |access-date=January 30, 2014}}{{cite book |author-link=Joel McIver |last=McIver |first=Joel |title=The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tFDPx8IDKsoC&pg=PA42 |year=2008 |publisher=Jawbone Press |isbn=978-1-906002-20-6 |page=42 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} Blast beats and double bass drumming, which are both common in heavy metal subgenres such as black metal, thrash metal and death metal, are uncommon in nu metal,{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cXQRDAAAQBAJ&q=The+Oxford+Handbook+of+Sound+and+Image+in+Digital+Media&pg=PA730 |title=The Oxford Handbook of Sound and Image in Digital Media |publisher=Oxford University Press |last1=Vernallis |first1=Carol |last2=Herzog |first2=Amy |last3=Richardson |first3=John |year=2013 |page=315 |isbn=978-0-19-975764-0 |access-date=January 28, 2017}} with drummers such as Slipknot's Joey Jordison and Mudvayne's Matt McDonough being notable exceptions.{{cite web |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/joey-jordison-metal-drummer-death-tribute |title=5 reasons Joey Jordison was one of the most influential metal drummers of all time |work=Music Radar |date=July 26, 2022 |accessdate=September 19, 2023 |last=Williams |first=Stuart}} Nu metal's similarities with many heavy metal subgenres include its use of common time, distorted guitars, and power chords and note structures primarily revolving around Dorian, Aeolian or Phrygian modes. While loud and heavily distorted electric guitars are a core feature of all metal genres, nu metal guitarists took the sounds of "violence and destruction" to new levels with their overdriven guitar tone, which music journalists Kitts and Tolinski compared to the "...sound [of] a Mack truck being crushed by a collapsing skyscraper."Whitehead, Neil L. Virtual War and Magical Death: Technologies and Imaginaries for Terror and Killing. Duke University Press, 2013. p. 221
Some nu metal bands use seven-string guitars that are generally down-tuned,{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e_r67h7Z-cYC&q=%22nu+metal%22+subgenre&pg=PA4 |title=Ozzfest |last=Robinson |first=Greg |page=10 |publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group |isbn=978-1-4042-1756-0 |year=2008 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} rather than traditional {{nowrap|six-string guitars.{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}}}} Likewise, some bass guitarists use five-string and six-string instruments.{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hQhEAgAAQBAJ&q=Popular+Music:+Topics,+Trends+%26+Trajectories |title=Popular Music: Topics, Trends & Trajectories |publisher=SAGE |year=2011 |last=Brabazon |first=Tara |isbn=978-1-84787-436-8 |page=162 |access-date=January 28, 2017}} {{nowrap|Bass guitar-playing}} in nu metal often features an emphasis on funk elements. In nu metal music, DJs are sometimes featured to provide instrumentation such as sampling, turntable scratching and electronic backgrounds.{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}} {{nowrap|Nu metal}} tends to have hip hop grooves and rhythms.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2000/sep/03/features.review87 |title=America's 'nu metal' bands have the world at their feet |newspaper=The Observer |last=Taylor |first=Sam |date=September 2, 2000 |access-date=September 22, 2015}}{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=16}}{{cite news |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/content/bside/nu-metal-shouldnt-be-forgotten |title=Nu-metal's lasting legacy |last=Porter |first=Jack |newspaper=The Michigan Daily |date=October 21, 2008 |access-date=October 25, 2015}}
==Vocals==
Vocal styles used in nu metal music include singing,{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=16}} rapping, screaming and growling.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-8WnBgAAQBAJ&q=Rock%27n+America:+A+Social+and+Cultural+History |title=Rock'n America: A Social and Cultural History |last=Weinstein |first=Deena |publisher=University of Toronto Press |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-4426-0015-7 |quote="Nu-metal and grunge shared similar lyrical themes, focusing on negative emotions of personal hurt, alienation, and anger. It's angst-ridden aggression was underscored by vocalists who rapped, screamed, or growled." |access-date=January 28, 2017}} Vocals in nu metal are often rhythmic and influenced by hip hop. While some nu metal bands, such as Limp Bizkit{{cite web |url=http://www.spin.com/2013/05/limp-bizkit-fred-durst-new-album-interview-2013/ |title=Fred Durst Answers for Limp Bizkit's Legacy |work=SPIN |last=Herzog |first=Kenny |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} and Linkin Park,{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-feb-01-ca-19532-story.html |title=Linkin Park's Rap 'n' Rock |work=Los Angeles Times |last=LeCaro |first=Lina |author-link=Lina Lecaro |date=February 1, 2001 |access-date=January 25, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/04/interview-mike-shinoda-talks-new-linkin-park-album-and-ranks-his-top-5-rappers |title=Interview: Mike Shinoda Talks New Linkin Park Album And Ranks His Top 5 Rappers |work=Complex |date=April 30, 2012 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} have rapping in their music, other nu metal bands, such as Godsmack{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=20010922&id=UoIyAAAAIBAJ&pg=6413,694032&hl=en |title=Energetic Godsmack takes rock music to a hard place |work=Lawrence Journal-World |last=Stout |first=Alan K. |date=September 22, 2001 |page=6D |access-date=January 25, 2017}} and Staind, do not.
Nu metal bands occasionally feature hip hop musicians as guests in their songs; Korn's song "Children of the Korn" features the rapper Ice Cube, who performed on the band's 1998 Family Values Tour.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/502143/korn-ice-cube-blur-line-between-rap-and-rock/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925173226/http://www.mtv.com/news/502143/korn-ice-cube-blur-line-between-rap-and-rock/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |title=Korn, Ice Cube Blur Line Between Rap And Rock |publisher=MTV |last=McLeod |first=Kembrew |date=September 28, 1998 |access-date=January 25, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/ice_cube-neighbour_with_attitude |title=Ice Cube Neighbour With Attitude |work=Exclaim! |last=Fox |first=Luke |date=June 9, 2014 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} The hip hop musician Nas was featured on Korn's song "Play Me", which is on the band's album Take a Look in the Mirror.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1480173/korn-land-nas-for-mirror-ask-fans-to-direct-new-video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929180229/http://www.mtv.com/news/1480173/korn-land-nas-for-mirror-ask-fans-to-direct-new-video/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |title=Korn Land Nas For Mirror, Ask Fans To Direct New Video |publisher=MTV |last=Moss |first=Corey |date=November 4, 2003 |access-date=September 27, 2015}} Limp Bizkit has recorded with multiple hip hop musicians including Method Man,{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/517983/limp-bizkit-method-man-redman-continue-touring/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925173152/http://www.mtv.com/news/517983/limp-bizkit-method-man-redman-continue-touring/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |title=Limp Bizkit, Method Man, Redman Continue Touring |publisher=MTV |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=October 5, 1999 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} Lil Wayne,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1554417/limp-bizkit-is-ready-to-go-with-lil-wayne-on-new-single-listen |title=Limp Bizkit Is 'Ready To Go' with Lil Wayne On New Single |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |magazine=Billboard |date=March 25, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2015}} Xzibit,{{cite magazine |title=Personal Bizness |magazine=Spin |author=Christgau, Robert |year=2001 |volume=17 |number=1 |issn=0886-3032 |pages=111–112 |author-link=Robert Christgau }} Redman, DMX{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1450894/dmx-fred-durst-to-record-together-again/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926011953/http://www.mtv.com/news/1450894/dmx-fred-durst-to-record-together-again/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |title=DMX, Fred Durst To Record Together Again |publisher=MTV |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=November 21, 2001 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} and Snoop Dogg.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/observer/omm/reviews/story/0,,1045834,00.html |title=Limp Bizkit, Results May Vary: 1 star |newspaper=The Observer |date=September 21, 2003 |access-date=September 25, 2015}} Linkin Park collaborated with hip hop musician Jay-Z on their 2004 extended play Collision Course.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/name/7551 |title=Jay-Z/Linkin Park: Collision Course |author=Long, Pat |work=NME |date=December 11, 2004 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} Kid Rock has recorded with hip hop musicians Eminem{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jogCmD7sRkwC&q=Eminem:+Crossing+the+Line |title=Eminem: Crossing the Line |last=Huxley |first=Martin |publisher=Macmillan Publishers |isbn=978-1-4299-7574-2 |year=2000 |page=86 |quote="Em also contributed a raucous verse to the metallic "Fuck Off" on Kid Rock's breakthrough album Devil Without a Cause" |access-date=January 28, 2017}} and Snoop Dogg.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1450180/american-bad-asses-wanted-for-kid-rock-video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926015516/http://www.mtv.com/news/1450180/american-bad-asses-wanted-for-kid-rock-video/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |title=American Bad Asses Wanted For Kid Rock Video |publisher=MTV |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe |date=October 19, 2001 |access-date=September 25, 2015}} Trevor Baker of The Guardian wrote, "Bands such as Linkin Park, Korn and even the much reviled Limp Bizkit ... did far more to break down the artificial barriers between 'urban music' and rock than any of their more critically acceptable counterparts."{{cite web|last=Baker |first=Trevor |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2008/feb/06/whyitsworthcelebratingnume |title=Why it's worth celebrating nu-metal's anniversary |work=The Guardian |date=February 6, 2008 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}
==Lyrics==
Lyrics in nu metal songs are often angry or nihilistic;{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=16}} many of the genre's lyrics focus on topics such as pain, angst, bullying, emotional issues, abandonment, betrayal, and personal alienation, in a way similar to those of grunge.{{cite web |last=Pradhan |first=Karan |title=The anatomy of a scene: Charting the rise, dominance, and fall of nü metal |url=http://www.firstpost.com/living/the-anatomy-of-a-scene-charting-the-rise-dominance-and-fall-of-nu-metal-2578612.html |work=Firstpost |date=January 11, 2016 |access-date=February 3, 2016}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UffkZCMjXzoC&q=The+Bloody+Reign+of+Slayer |last=McIver |first=Joel |author-link=Joel McIver |title=The Bloody Reign of Slayer |year=2008 |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=978-1-84938-386-8 |access-date=January 28, 2017}} Many nu metal lyrics that are about these topics tend to be in a very direct tone. However, some {{nowrap|nu metal}} songs have lyrics that are about other topics. P.O.D. has used positive lyrics about promise and hope.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/satellite-mw0000010193 |title=Satellite – P.O.D. |website=AllMusic |last=Birchmeier |first=Jason |access-date=January 25, 2017}} The nu metal{{cite web |url=http://www.kerrang.com/25257/ultimate-nu-metal-mixtape/ |title=The Ultimate Nu Metal Mixtape |work=Kerrang! |date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} song "Bodies" by Drowning Pool is about moshing.{{cite web |title=Drowning Pool respond to Arizona shooting link with their song 'Bodies{{'-}} |url=https://www.nme.com/news/drowning-pool/54507 |work=NME |last=Bychawski |first=Adam |date=January 11, 2011 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} The Michigan Daily wrote about Limp Bizkit's lyrics, writing that the band "used the nu-metal sound as a way to spin testosterone fueled fantasies into snarky white-boy rap. Oddly, audiences took frontman Fred Durst more seriously than he wanted, failing to see the intentional silliness in many of his songs". Limp Bizkit's lyrics have also been described as misogynistic.{{sfn|Devenish|2000|pp=67–68}} Dope's lyrics are usually about sex, drugs, parties, women, violence, and relationships.{{cite web |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/29833/Dope-No-Regrets/ |title=Review: Dope – No Regrets |website=Sputnikmusic |last=Altküla |first=Magnus |date=March 11, 2009 |access-date=October 28, 2015}} In contrast, according to Josh Chesler of the Phoenix New Times, the lyrics of Deftones, who were once considered a nu metal band, "tend to have complex allusions and leave the songs open to many different interpretations."
=Fashion=
File:Korn Logo Black PNG.png logo (stylized as KoЯn) became an iconic symbol of nu metal]]
Nu metal clothing typically consists of baggy pants,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/what-i-learned-from-growing-up-nu-metal-in-british-suburbia-666/ |title=What I Learned from Growing Up Nu Metal in British Suburbia |magazine=Vice |last=Hutchinson |first=Kate |date=February 12, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} shirts, and shorts,{{cite web|last1=Mulholland|first1=Gary|title=Nu-metal gurus|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/nu-metal-gurus-5359956.html|work=The Independent|access-date=February 4, 2016|date=October 3, 2002}} JNCO jeans,{{cite web |url=http://www.metalinjection.net/finally/jncos-are-coming-back |title=JNCOS Are Coming Back |work=Metal Injection |date=February 19, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} Adidas tracksuits, sports jerseys,{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/30-nu-metal-bands-you-d-forgotten/321759 |title=28 Nu-Metal Era Bands You Probably Forgot All About |work=NME |access-date=January 25, 2017}} baseball caps, baggy hoodies, cargo pants, and sweatpants. Nu metal hairstyles and facial hairstyles include dreadlocks,{{cite web |last=Marmaduke |first=Lauren |url=http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2011/08/top_10_nu-metal_fashion_violat.php |title=Top 10 Nu-Metal Fashion Violations |work=Houston Press |date=August 17, 2011 |access-date=June 27, 2014 |archive-date=December 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215081449/http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2011/08/top_10_nu-metal_fashion_violat.php |url-status=dead }} braids,{{Cite web|title=What I Learned from Growing Up Nu Metal in British Suburbia|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/what-i-learned-from-growing-up-nu-metal-in-british-suburbia-666/|last=Hutchinson|first=Kate|date=2015-02-12|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12}} spiky hair, chin beards,{{cite web |url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2010/09/29/what-is-ur-favorite-classic-nu-metal-band/ |title=What is UR Favorite Classic Nu-Metal Band?? |publisher=MetalSucks |date=September 29, 2010 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} bald heads, goatees, frosted tips, and bleached or dyed hair. Common accessories in nu metal fashion include wallet chains,{{cite web |url=http://www.fuse.tv/galleries/2015/02/nu-metal-fashion |title=The Complete Guide to Nu-Metal Fashion |publisher=Fuse |last1=Sherman |first1=Maria |last2=Nuñez |first2=Jatnna |date=February 18, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} tattoos, and piercings, especially facial piercings. Nu metal fashion has been compared to hip hop fashion.
Some nu metal bands such as Motograter,{{cite web |url=http://www.red-mag.com/RED/jun26/reviews.html |title=RED reviews |work=Red |last1=Vargas |first1=Luciano Marzulli |last2=Koelsch |first2=Peter |date=June 26, 2003 |access-date=January 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018081933/http://www.red-mag.com/RED/jun26/reviews.html |url-status=dead }} Mushroomhead,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mushroomhead-mn0000618589/biography |title=Mushroomhead {{!}} Biography & History |website=AllMusic |last=Henderson |first=Alex |access-date=January 25, 2017}} Mudvayne,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mudvayne-mn0000509156 |title=Mudvayne |website=AllMusic |access-date=January 25, 2017}}{{cite magazine |last1=Hay |first1=Carla |title=No Name's Mudvayne 'Digs' into the Billboard 200 |publisher= |magazine=Billboard |volume=113 |number=17 |pages=17; 81 |issn=0006-2510 |date=April 28, 2001 }} and Slipknot{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/slipknot-mn0000750742/biography |title=Slipknot {{!}} Biography & History |website=AllMusic |last=Huey |first=Steve |access-date=January 25, 2017}} wear masks, jumpsuits, costumes, face paint, corpse paint or body paint. A few nu metal bands, such as Coal Chamber,{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-apr-16-ca-20036-story.html |title=Coal Chamber: They've Lived a Little |date=April 16, 2000 |access-date=May 2, 2017 |work=Los Angeles Times |last=Waserman |first=Kastle}} and Kittie{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/kittie/albums/album/302361/review/6067655/spit |title=Kittie: Spit |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=March 30, 2000 |access-date=November 10, 2012 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211222250/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/kittie/albums/album/302361/review/6067655/spit |archive-date=February 11, 2007 |last=Berger |first=Arion}} are known for having gothic appearances.
History
=1980s–1993: Precursors and origins=
File:Mike patton.jpg of Faith No More and Mr. Bungle was a major influence on many nu metal vocalists due to his wide range of vocal styles.{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/musical-groups-influenced-nu-metal/ |title=8 Musical Groups That Influenced Nu Metal |work=Loudwire |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn |date=September 16, 2022}}]]
Thrash metal band Anthrax{{cite web |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2001/11/9/heavy-metal-the-pledge-of-allegiance/ |title=Heavy Metal |work=The Harvard Crimson |last=Packard |first=Michael T. |date=November 9, 2001}} was an influence on nu metal by combining hip hop and rap with heavy metal on their 1987 EP I'm the Man;{{cite web |first=Thane |last=Peterson |title=How Corrosive Is Heavy Metal? |url=http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/sep2000/nf20000926_614.htm |work=BusinessWeek |date=September 26, 2000 |access-date=January 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001017185126/http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/sep2000/nf20000926_614.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2000}} this laid groundwork for {{nowrap|nu metal's}} development. Nu metal bands often borrowed their heavy metal influence from Pantera, with the pioneering nu metal band Korn's lead vocalist Jonathan Davis said about Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell, "if there was no Dimebag Darrell, there would be no Korn".{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/remembering-dimebag-darrell-jonathan-davis-korn/ |title=Remembering Dimebag Darrell: Korn's Jonathan Davis |work=Loudwire |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=October 11, 2015}}
=1993–1997: Early years=
Joel McIver acknowledged Korn as the band that created and pioneered the nu metal genre with its demo Neidermayer's Mind, which was released in 1993.{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=10; 12}}{{sfn|Small|1998|p=16}} McIver also acknowledged Korn as the band that started the new wave of American heavy metal,{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=10; 12}} which is a heavy metal music movement that started in the 1990s.{{cite news |title='New Wave Of American Heavy Metal' Book Documents Over 600 Bands |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/new-wave-of-american-heavy-metal-book-documents-over-600-bands/ |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=November 30, 2005 |access-date=October 20, 2015}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uIIf03bGyAAC&q=New+Wave+of+American+Heavy+Metal |title=New Wave of American Heavy Metal |publisher=Zonda Books Limited |year=2005 |last=Sharpe-Young |first=Garry |isbn=978-0-9582684-0-0 |access-date=January 28, 2017}} The aggressive riffs of Korn, the rapping of Limp Bizkit, and the melodic ballads of Staind created the sonic template for nu metal. The origins of the term "nu metal" are often attributed to the work of producer Ross Robinson, who has been called "The Godfather of Nu Metal" between producers.{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=16–23}} Robinson has produced for nu metal bands such as Korn,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/life-is-peachy-mw0000079144/credits |title=Life Is Peachy – Korn | Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=January 26, 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/korn-mw0000121939/credits |title=Korn – Korn | Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=March 20, 2013}} Limp Bizkit{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/three-dollar-bill-yall-mw0000051532/credits |title=Three Dollar Bill Y'all – Limp Bizkit {{!}} Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=January 26, 2017}} and Slipknot.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/slipknot-mw0000241229/credits |title=Slipknot – Slipknot {{!}} Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=January 26, 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/iowa-mw0000589672/credits |title=Iowa – Slipknot {{!}} Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=January 26, 2017}} Many of the first nu metal bands, such as Korn{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7ctjc6UWCm4C&q=The+Rough+Guide+to+Rock |title=The Rough Guide to Rock |publisher=Rough Guides |last=Buckley |first=Peter |year=2003 |isbn= 978-1-84353-105-0 |page=565 |access-date=January 28, 2017}} and Deftones,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/deftones-mn0000813946/biography |title=Deftones {{!}} Biography & History |last=Prato |first=Greg |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 3, 2014}} came from California; however, the genre soon spread across the United States and many bands arose from various states, including Limp Bizkit from Florida,{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528212742/http://rock.about.com/od/rockmusic101/a/AlternativeMetal.htm |url=http://rock.about.com/od/rockmusic101/a/AlternativeMetal.htm |title=Alternative Metal |publisher=About.com |last=Grierson |first=Tim |work=About.com Entertainment |access-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-date=May 28, 2016}} Staind from Massachusetts,{{sfn|Kitts|Tolinski|2002|p=11}} and Slipknot from Iowa.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/slipknot-mn0000750742/biography |title=Slipknot | Biography & History |last=Huey |first=Steve |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 3, 2014}} In the book Brave Nu World, Tommy Udo wrote about the nu metal band Coal Chamber, "There's some evidence to suggest that Coal Chamber were the first band to whom the tag 'nu metal' was actually applied, in a live review in Spin magazine."{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=197}}
In 1994, Korn released their self-titled debut album, which is widely considered the first nu metal album.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/korns-1994-debut-lp-the-oral-history-of-the-most-important-metal-record-of-the-last-20-years-20141211 |title=Korn's 1994 Debut LP: The Oral History of the Most Important Metal Record of the Last 20 Years |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Weingarten |first=Christopher R. |date=December 11, 2014 |access-date=January 26, 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/korn-members-look-back-on-writing-faget-video/ |title=Korn Members Look Back On Writing 'Faget' (Video) |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 19, 2015 |access-date=October 24, 2015}}{{sfn|McIver|2002|p=23}} Korn had experienced underground popularity at this time; their debut album peaked at number 72 on the Billboard 200. In 1995, the band Sugar Ray released its debut studio album Lemonade and Brownies, an album described as both funk metal and nu metal.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/original-album-series-mw0002477174|title=Original Album Series – Sugar Ray – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic|website=AllMusic}}{{cite web |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/top-10-sell-out-songs-you-can-actually-hear-artistic-integrity-disintergrate-6605162 |title=Top 10 Sell-Out Songs: You Can Actually Hear Artistic Integrity Disintergrate |work=Phoenix New Times |last=Lopez |first=Michael |date=October 26, 2010 |access-date=August 14, 2018}} In 1995, Deftones released their debut album Adrenaline. The album peaked at number 23 on the Heatseekers Albums chart on October 5, 1996.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deftones/chart-history/tln/ |title=Deftones Chart History (Heatseekers Albums) |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 20, 2018}} Deftones also were temporarily controversial in 1996 when their vocalist Chino Moreno was blamed by TV news reports for a riot that occurred at the 1996 U-Fest festival on October 5, 1996.{{cite web |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/stage-fright-6428716 |title=Stage Fright |work=Phoenix New Times |last=Holthouse |first=David |date=October 17, 1996 |access-date=December 20, 2018}} Adrenaline was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the summer of 1999. It was also certified platinum by the RIAA in September 2008.{{Certification Cite Ref|title=Adrenaline|artist=Deftones|type=album|region=United States}}
{{Listen
|filename = Headup - Deftones featuring Max Cavalera.ogg
|title = "Headup" by Deftones featuring Max Cavalera (1997)
|description = "Headup" by Deftones features Max Cavalera and was described by Decibel as Around the Fur{{'s}} "most nü-metal track".
}}
Sepultura's 1996 album Roots features nu metal elements that were considered influential to the genre,{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/soulfly-sevendust-2013-gathering-of-the-juggalos/ |title=Soulfly and Sevendust Confirmed for the 2013 Gathering of the Juggalos |work=Loudwire |last=DiVita |first=Joe |date=July 15, 2013 |access-date=September 28, 2015}} while Roots itself was influenced by Korn's self-titled debut album.{{cite web |url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/sepultura-roorback/ |title=Sepultura: Roorback |first=Adrien |last=Begrand |work=PopMatters |date=November 11, 2003}}{{cite AV media notes |title=Roots |title-link=Roots (Sepultura album) |others=Sepultura |year=2005 |chapter=Closing Thoughts on Roots |first=Steffan |last=Chirazi |page=22 |type=CD booklet |publisher=Roadrunner Records |location=New York City }}{{cite web |url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/10-nu-metal-albums-you-need-to-own.html |title=10 Nu-Metal Albums You Needs to Own |work=Revolver |last=Burgess |first=Aaron |date=September 9, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2015}} Nu metal continued to rise in popularity when Korn's 1996 album Life Is Peachy peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200{{sfn|Small|1998|p=30}} and sold 106,000 copies in its first week of release.{{sfn|Arvizu|2009|p=79}} Attention through Ozzy Osbourne's 1996 introduction of Ozzfest was integral to boosting the careers of many nu metal bands, including Limp Bizkit.{{sfn|Christe|2004|p=326}}
=1997–2001: Mainstream breakthrough=
Few artists were playing nu metal until 1997 when bands such as Sevendust,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sevendust-mn0000016132/biography |title=Sevendust |publisher=AllMusic |last=Dombek |first=Kirk |accessdate=September 10, 2023}} Coal Chamber,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0001958518 |title=Coal Chamber – Coal Chamber |last=Huey |first=Steve |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 3, 2014}} Limp Bizkit,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000051532 |title=Three Dollar Bill Y'All – Limp Bizkit |author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 3, 2014|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine }} and Papa Roach{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000982769 |title=Old Friends from Young Years – Papa Roach |first=Jason D. |last=Taylor |website=AllMusic |access-date=November 3, 2014}} all released their debut albums, in what Billboard writer William Goodman calls a "banner year" for the genre.{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7850188/limp-bizkit-three-dollar-bill-yall-anniversary |title= 20 Years Ago, Limp Bizkit's 'Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$' Introduced the World to Fred Durst's White Rage |work=Billboard |last=Goodman |first=William |date=July 1, 2017 |accessdate=August 19, 2021}} Limp Bizkit released their debut Three Dollar Bill, Y'all in July 1997. The album's popularity grew in 1999 as the band's mainstream profile began to increase; in March of that year, it went platinum in the United States, and eventually went double platinum in July 2001.{{Certification Cite Ref|title=Three Dollar Bill, Y'All|artist=Limp Bizkit|type=album|region=United States}} Coal Chamber released its self-titled debut album in 1997, which was a minor hit, being certified gold in the United States in 1999.{{Certification Cite Ref|title=Coal Chamber|artist=Coal Chamber|type=album|region=United States}} The album was frequently compared to Korn,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/coal-chamber-mw0001958518 |title=Coal Chamber – Coal Chamber |publisher=AllMusic |last=Huey |first=Steve |accessdate=September 10, 2023}} and Coal Chamber's appearance on Ozzfest in 1996 gave the band attention. Coal Chamber appeared on Ozzfest during the next two years.{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/whatever-happened-to-ozzfest-inaugural-lineup-acts/ |title=Whatever Happened to the Acts from Ozzfest's First Line-up? |work=Loudwire |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=June 30, 2023 |accessdate=September 10, 2023}} Also in 1997, Sugar Ray released its second studio album Floored. The album achieved mainstream success quickly and was certified 2× platinum by the RIAA on February 20, 1998.{{Certification Cite Ref|title=Floored|artist=Sugar Ray|type=album|region=United States}} Although Floored is a nu metal album,{{cite web |url=http://grantland.com/features/haim-days-gone-indie-rock-death-rattle/ |title=Indie Rock's Tuneful Death Rattle |work=Grantland |last=Hyden |first=Steven |date=October 1, 2013 |access-date=August 14, 2018}} the only song from the album that achieved chart success was the single "Fly",{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sugar-ray-mn0000574119/biography |title=Sugar Ray {{!}} Biography & History |website=AllMusic |last=Huey |first=Steve |access-date=August 14, 2018}} which is instead a reggae-oriented song.{{cite web |url=https://www.treblezine.com/35049-shadow-of-the-horns-late-90s-metal-worst/ |title=Shadow of the Horns: Late '90s metal was the worst |work=Treble |last=Terich |first=Jeff |date=May 8, 2017 |access-date=August 14, 2018}} Although Sugar Ray continued to be extremely popular, the band abandoned the nu metal genre and became a pop rock band with its 1999 studio album 14:59.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jan-11-ca-62411-story.html |title=Time Isn't Quite Up Yet for Sugar Ray in New Album '14:59' |work=Los Angeles Times |last=Nichols |first=Natalie |date=January 11, 1999 |access-date=August 14, 2018}} Deftones' second album Around the Fur, also released in 1997, peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 on November 15, 1997.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deftones/chart-history/tlp/ |title=Deftones Chart History (Billboard 200) |magazine=Billboard |date=22 January 2015 |access-date=December 20, 2018}} The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the summer of 1999, and certified platinum by the RIAA in June 2011.{{Certification Cite Ref|title=Around the Fur|artist=Deftones|type=album|region=United States}}
File:Korn London 1997.jpg and former drummer David Silveria performing live with the band in 1997.]]
In 1998, nu metal's popularity fully coalesced into mainstream success. Billboard cited August 18, 1998, as the "Biggest Day in Nu-Metal History", which saw the release of Korn's third album Follow the Leader, Kid Rock's major label debut Devil Without a Cause and Orgy's debut album Candyass.{{Cite magazine |last=Hé |first=Kristen S. |date=2018-05-30 |title=August 18, 1998: Korn, Kid Rock, Orgy & The Biggest Day in Nu-Metal History |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/biggest-day-nu-metal-history-1998-korn-kid-rock-8458565/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} Follow the Leader peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200,{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=korn|chart=Billboard 200}} |title=Korn – Chart history (Billboard 200) |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 26, 2013}} was certified 5× platinum by the RIAA,{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Follow the Leader|artist=Korn}} and paved the way for the success of other nu metal bands. At this point, many nu metal bands were signed to major record labels, and were using elements of heavy metal, hip hop, industrial, or grunge. Hip hop artists Vanilla Ice{{cite web |url=http://www.salon.com/2002/01/03/ice_3/ |title=Ice capades |work=Salon |first=Andrew |last=Vontz |date=January 3, 2002 |access-date=January 26, 2017}} and Cypress Hill,{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5497-dust/ |title=Muggs: Dust |work=Pitchfork |last=Martelli |first=Mark |date=March 24, 2003 |access-date=January 26, 2017}} along with heavy metal bands Sepultura, Primus,{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/primus-green-naugahyde-prawn-songato|title=Primus, 'Green Naugahyde'|work=Spin|date=13 September 2011|access-date=October 23, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/reviews/primus-emgreen-naugahydeem|title=CD Review: PRIMUS Green Naugahyde|first=Jeremy|last=Uley|work=Metal Injection|date=September 28, 2011|access-date=October 23, 2012}} Fear Factory,{{cite web|url=http://www2.citypaper.com/music/review.asp?rid=7475 |title=Baltimore City Paper: Nothingface / An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity | Record Review |work=Baltimore City Paper |date=December 2, 1998 |access-date=June 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002103145/http://www2.citypaper.com/music/review.asp?rid=7475 |archive-date=October 2, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/reviews/albums/2-2034_fear_factory_digimortal.aspx |title=Fear Factory – Digimortal: Review |work=Chronicles of Chaos |first=Quentin |last=Kalis |date=December 8, 2001 |access-date=January 26, 2017}} Machine Head,{{cite web |title=Machine Head – Where to Start with – Kerrang|url=http://www.kerrang.com/wheretostartwith/artists/machine_head|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713144438/http://www.kerrang.com/wheretostartwith/artists/machine_head|archive-date=July 13, 2011|work=Kerrang! |access-date=May 16, 2010}} and Slayer{{cite web |title=Slayer: Soundtrack to the Apocalypse |first=Adrien |last=Begrand |work=PopMatters |date=January 23, 2004 |url=https://popmatters.com/music/reviews/s/slayer-soundtrack.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040413011154/http://popmatters.com/music/reviews/s/slayer-soundtrack.shtml |archive-date=April 13, 2004 |access-date=May 29, 2007}} released albums that draw from the nu metal genre. In 1999, Korn's fourth studio album Issues peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1428109/19991124/dion_celine.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030819121655/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1428109/19991124/dion_celine.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 19, 2003 |title=Korn Tops Dre, Celine, Will Smith on Album Chart |date=November 24, 1999 |access-date=October 3, 2007 |publisher=MTV |author=Mancini, Robert}} The album was certified 3× platinum by the RIAA in one month.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Issues|artist=Korn}} The album sold at least 573,000 copies in its first week of release. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, multiple nu metal bands such as Korn,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/where-are-they-now-1999s-biggest-pop-acts-20120702/korn-0738425|title=Korn|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=2 July 2012|access-date=November 3, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/korn-guitarist-munky-kicking-boy-bands-to-curb-trl/ |title=Korn Guitarist Munky Reflects on Kicking Boy Bands to the Curb on 'TRL' |work=Loudwire |first=Graham 'Gruhamed' |last=Hartmann |date=February 1, 2012 |access-date=November 3, 2014}} Limp Bizkit{{cite web |url=http://atrl.net/trlarchive/?s=recap&y=1999&m=08 |title=The TRL Archive – Recap: August 1999 |publisher=ATRL |access-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-date=December 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225185107/http://atrl.net/trlarchive/?s=recap |url-status=dead }}{{Sfn|Devenish|2000}} and P.O.D.{{cite web |url=http://atrl.net/trlarchive/?s=recap&y=2001&m=09 |title=The TRL Archive – Recap: September 2001 |publisher=ATRL |access-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-date=September 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911121307/http://atrl.net/trlarchive/?s=recap&y=2001&m=09 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://onlineathens.com/stories/020202/ent_0202020002.shtml#.Vgsk7uxViko |title=P.O.D.'s mixture of rock and faith propel band to platinum success |work=Online Athens |first=Nekesa Mumbi |last=Moody |date=February 2, 2002 |access-date=September 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930233728/http://onlineathens.com/stories/020202/ent_0202020002.shtml#.Vgsk7uxViko |archive-date=September 30, 2015 }} appeared repeatedly on Total Request Live. As nu metal became popular, it especially appealed to certain groups of young people. Although Limp Bizkit was particularly popular among "jocks" and fraternity men due to its hedonistic, hypermasculine lyrics,{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=207}} many other nu metal bands, especially the bands with heavier music, instead appealed particularly to mall goths and outsiders who identified with the genre's typically angsty lyrics.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/24/style/nu-metal-gen-z.html/ |title= Are You Ready? Gen Z Is Bringing Nu Metal Back. |work=The New York Times |last=Li |first=Jasmine |date=July 24, 2023 |accessdate=September 10, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-everyone-is-still-wrong-about-limp-bizkit/ |title=It's Been Over Two Decades and Everyone Is Still Wrong About Limp Bizkit |work=Vice |last=Haidari |first=Niloufar |date=August 6, 2021 |access-date=September 10, 2023}}
The Woodstock 1999 festival featured multiple nu metal artists and bands such as Korn, Limp Bizkit and Sevendust.{{cite web |date=July 23, 2014 |publisher=MTV |first=Gil |last=Kaufman |title=Check Out This Report From The Woodstock '99 Riot |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1875553/woodstock-99-riot-report-anniversary/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907034429/http://www.mtv.com/news/1875553/woodstock-99-riot-report-anniversary/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014}}{{cite web |date=July 29, 1999 |publisher=MTV |first=Teri |last=vanHorn |access-date=September 6, 2014 |title=Creed, Oleander, Sevendust Blame Riot On Woodstock's Crowded, Poor Conditions |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/516297/creed-oleander-sevendust-blame-riot-on-woodstocks-crowded-poor-conditions/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906231306/http://www.mtv.com/news/516297/creed-oleander-sevendust-blame-riot-on-woodstocks-crowded-poor-conditions/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/godsmack/biography/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926015502/http://www.mtv.com/artists/godsmack/biography/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |title=Godsmack Bio |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 26, 2017}} During and after Limp Bizkit's performance at the festival, violence occurred and people tore plywood from the walls during the performance of the band's song "Break Stuff".{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/516403/limp-bizkit-thrash-back-to-1-after-woodstock-performance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118223257/http://www.mtv.com/news/516403/limp-bizkit-thrash-back-to-1-after-woodstock-performance/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 18, 2015 |title=Limp Bizkit Thrash Back To #1 After Woodstock Performance |publisher=MTV |last=O'Connor |first=Christopher |date=August 4, 1999 |access-date=November 7, 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/516201/woodstock-99-report-39-hundreds-suffer-trauma-at-raucous-limp-bizkit-show/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119111252/http://www.mtv.com/news/516201/woodstock-99-report-39-hundreds-suffer-trauma-at-raucous-limp-bizkit-show/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 19, 2015 |title=Woodstock '99 Report #39: Hundreds Suffer Trauma At Raucous Limp Bizkit Show |publisher=MTV |last=Hiatt |first=Brian |date=July 25, 1999 |access-date=January 28, 2017}} Several sexual assaults were reported to have happened during the festival;{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/july99/woodstock29.htm |title=Police Investigate Reports of Rapes at Woodstock |newspaper=The Washington Post |last=Wartofsky |first=Alona |date=July 29, 1999 |access-date=November 7, 2015}} a rape that was reported during Limp Bizkit's performance, and gang rape was reported to have occurred during Korn's set at the festival.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/516319/two-woodstock-fans-allegedly-raped-in-mosh-pits/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907180106/http://www.mtv.com/news/516319/two-woodstock-fans-allegedly-raped-in-mosh-pits/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 7, 2014 |title=Two Woodstock Fans Allegedly Raped In Mosh Pits |publisher=MTV |last=vanHorn |first=Teri |date=July 30, 1999 |access-date=January 28, 2017}} Despite the incidents at the festival, Limp Bizkit's popularity and the sales of their then-recent album Significant Other were not affected. The album peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 643,874 copies in its first week of release, topping over one million sold in two weeks,{{sfn|Devenish|2000|pp=95–113}} and eventually being certified 7× platinum in 2001.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Significant Other|artist=Limp Bizkit}} Significant Other sold at least 7,237,123 copies in the United States.{{cite news |url=http://blabbermouth.net/news/metal-hard-rock-album-sales-in-the-us-as-reported-by-soundscan/ |title=Metal/Hard Rock Album Sales In The US As Reported By SoundScan |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=April 30, 2002 |access-date=January 26, 2017}}
File:Slipknot.jpg in 2005]]
In 1999, Slipknot emerged with an extremely heavy nu metal sound, releasing their self-titled album, which was certified platinum in 2000 and 2× platinum in 2005.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Slipknot|artist=Slipknot}} In a review of the band's self-titled album, Rick Anderson of AllMusic wrote about Slipknot, "You thought Limp Bizkit was hard? They're the Osmonds. These guys are something else entirely." Anderson noted the death metal influence on the album.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/slipknot-mw0000241229 |title=Slipknot – Slipknot |website=AllMusic |last=Anderson |first=Rick |access-date=January 26, 2017}} Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison, noted by Anderson for his death metal-influenced drumming, said of Slipknot's music: "The roots are death metal, thrash, speed metal, and I could go on and on about all those bands."{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=124}}
In 1999, Staind's second album Dysfunction was released; the track "Mudshovel" peaked at number 10 on the Mainstream Rock chart.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118181857/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/staind-mn0000178799/awards |archive-date=November 18, 2015 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/staind-mn0000178799/awards |title=Staind {{!}} Awards |website=AllMusic}} Dysfunction was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2000 and 2× platinum in 2004.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Dysfunction|artist=Staind}} In 2000, Limp Bizkit's third studio album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water set a record for highest week-one sales of a rock album, selling over 1,000,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release—400,000 of which sold on its first day of release, making it the fastest-selling rock album ever and breaking the world record held for seven years by Pearl Jam's Vs.{{cite magazine |last=Reese |first=Lori |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,85663,00.html |title=Bizkit in Gravy | Music |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 24, 2000 |access-date=July 29, 2010 |archive-date=June 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618192310/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,85663,00.html |url-status=dead }} Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water by Limp Bizkit was certified 6× platinum by the RIAA.{{Certification Cite Ref|title=Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water|artist=Limp Bizkit|region=United States|type=album}} That same year, both Papa Roach's second studio album Infest{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/infest-mw0000061496 |title=Infest – Papa Roach |website=AllMusic |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |access-date=January 27, 2017}} and Disturbed's debut studio album The Sickness{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-sickness-mw0000055972 |title=The Sickness – Disturbed |website=AllMusic |last=Huey |first=Steve |access-date=January 27, 2017}} were released. Both albums became multi-platinum hits.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=The Sickness|artist=Disturbed}}{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Infest|artist=Papa Roach}} In 2000, P.O.D.'s album The Fundamental Elements of Southtown went platinum in the United States{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=The Fundamental Elements of Southtown|artist=P.O.D.}} and was the 143rd best-selling album of 2000.{{cite magazine|title=Billboard 200 Albums Year End 2000|magazine=Billboard |date=2 January 2013 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2000/top-billboard-200-albums |access-date=January 27, 2017}} During the late 1990s and early 2000s, many nu metal bands performed at Ozzfest, including Kittie, Disturbed, Mudvayne, Linkin Park, Slipknot, Papa Roach, Otep, Static-X, Methods of Mayhem, Taproot and Drowning Pool.{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1446614/as-ozzfest-ends-bands-continue-their-wicked-ways/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210230135/http://www.mtv.com/news/1446614/as-ozzfest-ends-bands-continue-their-wicked-ways/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |title=As Ozzfest Ends, Bands Continue Their Wicked Ways |publisher=MTV |date=August 14, 2001 |accessdate=February 10, 2022 |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe}}{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1121731/ozzy-osbourne-pantera-bring-the-noise-as-ozzfest-2000-kicks-off/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211152627/https://www.mtv.com/news/1121731/ozzy-osbourne-pantera-bring-the-noise-as-ozzfest-2000-kicks-off/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 11, 2022 |title=Ozzy Osbourne, Pantera Bring the Noise As Ozzfest 2000 Kicks Off |publisher=MTV |date=July 3, 2000 |accessdate=February 10, 2022}} Ozzfest was successful, with Ozzfest 2000, for example, selling out and having 19,000 audience members. During that same year, nu metal bands like Papa Roach and Limp Bizkit joined rappers like Eminem and Xzibit on Eminem's Anger Management Tour, which had sold-out concerts.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/eleven-angry-men-vent-in-new-jersey-181667/ |title= Eleven Angry Men Vent in New Jersey |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=October 20, 2000 |accessdate=February 10, 2022 |last=Charles |first=Pat}}
File:Linkin Park - Summer Sonic 2006.jpg
Late in 2000, Linkin Park released their debut album Hybrid Theory, which was the best-selling debut album by any artist of any genre in the 21st century and nu metal's popularity peak.{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/8981/Linkin-Park-Hybrid-Theory |title=Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory (staff review) |website=Sputnikmusic |date=2006-09-02 |access-date=2012-08-27}} The album was also the best-selling album of 2001.{{cite news|last=Sanneh|first=Kelefa|title=MUSIC; New Ideas From the Top of the Charts|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/31/arts/music-new-ideas-from-the-top-of-the-charts.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 31, 2002}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451664/got-charts-linkin-park-shaggy-nsync-are-2001s-top-sellers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204081738/http://www.mtv.com/news/1451664/got-charts-linkin-park-shaggy-nsync-are-2001s-top-sellers/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 4, 2014 |title=Got Charts? Linkin Park, Shaggy, 'NSYNC Are 2001's Top-Sellers |publisher=MTV |last=Basham |first=David |date=January 4, 2002 |access-date=January 27, 2017}} Linkin Park earned a Grammy Award for their second single "Crawling".{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/complete-list-of-grammy-nominees/ |title=Complete List Of Grammy Nominees |publisher=CBS News |date=January 4, 2002 |access-date=August 27, 2012}} Their fourth single, "In the End", was released late in 2001 and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2002.{{cite magazine |title=Billboard (Vol. 116, No. 25) |magazine=Billboard |date=June 19, 2004 |page=60 |issn=0006-2510 |volume=116 |number=25 }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/307438/linkin-park/chart?page=1&f=379 |title=Linkin Park – Chart history |magazine=Billboard}} In 2001, Linkin Park's album Hybrid Theory sold 4,800,000 copies in the United States, making it the highest-selling album of the year. Linkin Park's album Hybrid Theory was certified 12× platinum by the RIAA{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Hybrid Theory|artist=Linkin Park}} and sold at least 10,222,000 copies in the United States.{{cite web |url=http://music.yahoo.com/photos/top-new-acts-since-2000-1403561474-slideshow/| title=USA: Top 20 New Acts Since 2000 |publisher=Yahoo! Music |last=Grein|first=Paul |date=June 23, 2014 |access-date=September 27, 2015}}
File:Staind Lewis.jpg, the vocalist of Staind, performing in August 2001]]
Crazy Town's debut album The Gift of Game peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200,{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925221647/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-gift-of-game-mw0000252817/awards |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-gift-of-game-mw0000252817/awards |title=The Gift of Game – Crazy Town {{!}} Awards |website=AllMusic |access-date=January 28, 2017}} went platinum in February 2001,{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=The Gift of Game|artist=Crazy Town}} and sold at least 1,500,000 copies in the United States.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77197/billboard-bits-crazy-town-nelly-ny-metropolis-fest |title=Billboard Bits: Crazy Town, Nelly, NY Metropolis Fest |magazine=Billboard |first=Barry A. |last=Jeckell |date=January 10, 2002 |access-date=January 28, 2017}} Worldwide, the album sold at least 2,500,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/reviewsOne.asp?revnr=1686 |title=Crazytown – Darkhorse |publisher=Melodic.net |first=Johan |last=Wippsson |access-date=January 28, 2017}} Staind's 2001 album Break the Cycle debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 with at least 716,000 copies sold in its first week of release.{{sfn|Kitts|Tolinski|2002|p=11}}{{cite magazine|first=Andrew |last=Dansby |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/staind-break-in-at-no-one-20010530 |title=Staind Break in at No. One | Music News |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=May 30, 2001 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/doc/421814263.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun%2007,%202001&author=ROBERT%20HILBURN&pub=Los%20Angeles%20Times&edition=&startpage=&desc=Pop%20Albums;%20A%20Prolonged%20Spin%20%27Cycle%27%20for%20Staind |title=Pop Albums; A Prolonged Spin 'Cycle' for Staind |work=Los Angeles Times |last=Hilburn |first=Robert |date=June 7, 2001 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |archive-date=November 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123210027/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/doc/421814263.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Jun%2007%2C%202001&author=ROBERT%20HILBURN&pub=Los%20Angeles%20Times&edition=&startpage=&desc=Pop%20Albums%3B%20A%20Prolonged%20Spin%20%27Cycle%27%20for%20Staind |url-status=dead }} Break the Cycle by Staind was certified 5× platinum by the RIAA,{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Break the Cycle|artist=Staind}} with 4,240,000 copies sold in 2001 in the United States. Although the album featured nu metal tracks, a lot of the album showed Staind moving to a softer sound.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-nme-5560-342104 |title=Staind : Break the Cycle |work=NME |last=Pattison |first=Louis |date=12 September 2005 |accessdate=February 10, 2022}} Noting Staind's change in style to a softer sound, Tommy Udo of Brave Nu World wrote: "It's often said that nobody over the age of 24 could possibly like Limp Bizkit or Korn, but Staind are a more mainstream band and their songs are likely to appeal to a much bigger fanbase."{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=95}}
In August 2001, Slipknot released their album Iowa, which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/279598/slipknot/chart |title=Slipknot – Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 27, 2014}} and went platinum in October 2001.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Iowa|artist=Slipknot}} Critic John Mulvey called the album the "absolute triumph of nu metal".{{cite web|last=Mulvey|first=John|title=Slipknot – Iowa |publisher=Yahoo.com|date=August 23, 2001|url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/l_reviews_a/21574.html|access-date=March 21, 2008}} P.O.D.'s 2001 album Satellite went {{nowrap|triple-platinum{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/74154/eminem-nelly-lavigne-notch-new-platinum-marks |title=Eminem, Nelly, Lavigne Notch New Platinum Marks |access-date=December 31, 2007 |author=Jeckell, Barry A. |date=September 19, 2002 |magazine=Billboard |quote=The triple-platinum milestone was recently reached by hard rock act P.O.D.'s year-old "Satellite" (Atlantic)}}}} and peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=p.o.d.|chart=all}}|title=P.O.D. Billboard Albums Chart|magazine=Billboard}} P.O.D.'s popularity continued in the year 2002.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal_meltdown/news_feature_030124/index2.jhtml |title=Nu Metal Meltdown (Part 2) |publisher=MTV |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201093855/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal_meltdown/news_feature_030124/index2.jhtml |archive-date=February 1, 2003 |access-date=January 28, 2017}} On June 5, 2001,{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Sinner|artist=Drowning Pool}} Drowning Pool released a nu metal album{{cite web |url=http://rock.about.com/od/drowningpool/p/DrowningPool.htm |title=Drowning Pool |first=Tim |last=Grierson |access-date=January 28, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425225102/http://rock.about.com/od/drowningpool/p/DrowningPool.htm |archive-date=April 25, 2009 }} titled Sinner, which features the song "Bodies".{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/drowning-pools-sinner-album-to-be-reissued-as-two-disc-13th-anniversary-edition-with-bonus-tracks/ |title=Drowning Pool's 'Sinner' Album To Be Reissued As Two Disc 13th Anniversary Edition With Bonus Tracks |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=September 11, 2014 |access-date=October 17, 2015}} The album went platinum on August 23, 2001{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Sinner|artist=Drowning Pool}} and its song "Bodies" became one of the most frequently played videos on MTV for new bands.{{cite web|first=Craig |last=Harris |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/drowning-pool-mn0000167762/biography |title=Drowning Pool | Biography & History |website=AllMusic |date=2002-08-03 |access-date=June 27, 2014}} "Bodies" went to number 6 on the Mainstream Rock chart.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/301334/drowning-pool/chart?f=376 |title=Drowning Pool – Chart history (Mainstream Rock Songs) |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 28, 2017}} In 2001, System of a Down's album Toxicity peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/281380/system-down/chart?f=305 |title=System of a Down – Chart history (Billboard 200) |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 28, 2017}} The album was certified 6× platinum in the United States.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Toxicity|artist=System of a Down}} System of a Down blended nu metal with occasional influences of Middle Eastern music, Greek music, Armenian music, and jazz music,{{cite magazine |url=http://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-toxicity-anniversary/ |title=14 Years Ago: System of a Down Unleash 'Toxicity' |magazine=Loudwire |author=Jon Wiederhorn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204132530/http://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-toxicity-anniversary/|archivedate=February 4, 2017 |accessdate=February 10, 2022}} and the band featured political lyrics.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1446606/system-of-a-downs-schizophrenia-aggravated-on-toxicity/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001122455/http://www.mtv.com/news/1446606/system-of-a-downs-schizophrenia-aggravated-on-toxicity/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |title=System Of A Down's Schizophrenia Aggravated On Toxicity |publisher=MTV |first=Jon |last=Wiederhorn |date=August 13, 2001 |accessdate=February 10, 2022}}
=2001–2004: Continued success and early signs of decline=
In 2003, MTV wrote that nu metal's mainstream popularity was declining in 2002, citing that Korn's fifth album Untouchables and Papa Roach's third album Lovehatetragedy both sold less than the bands' previous releases. Korn's lead vocalist Jonathan Davis believed music piracy was the reason for the lower amount of sales of Untouchables compared to Follow the Leader and Issues because Untouchables had been leaked to the Internet more than four months before its official release date.{{cite magazine |title=Billboard (Vol. 115, No. 46) |page=19 |volume=115 |number=46 |magazine=Billboard |issn=0006-2510 |date=November 15, 2003 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/korn-frontman-blames-piracy-for-last-album-s-disappointing-sales/ |title=Korn Frontman Blames Piracy For Last Album's Disappointing Sales |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=March 15, 2003 |access-date=October 19, 2015}} MTV also wrote that nu metal bands were played less frequently on radio stations and MTV began focusing on other musical genres.{{Cite web |first=Joe |last=D'Angelo |title=Nu Metal Meltdown (Part 1) |publisher=MTV |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal_meltdown/news_feature_030124/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221121551/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal_meltdown/news_feature_030124/ |archive-date=December 21, 2010 |access-date=January 28, 2017 |url-status=dead }} MTV wrote that Papa Roach's third album Lovehatetragedy has less hip hop elements than the band's previous album Infest and also said that Saliva's 2002 album Back into Your System has less {{nowrap|hip hop}} elements than the band's 2001 album Every Six Seconds. MTV also wrote that Crazy Town's second album Darkhorse had no hit singles and sold less than the band's previous album The Gift of Game.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal_meltdown/news_feature_030124/index3.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201100950/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal_meltdown/news_feature_030124/index3.jhtml |archive-date=February 1, 2003 |title=Nu Metal Meltdown (Page 3) |publisher=MTV |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe |access-date=September 28, 2015}} MTV wrote that although Kid Rock's album Cocky had characteristics of the musician's 1998 album Devil Without a Cause, Cocky{{'s}} song "Forever", which featured the style of Kid Rock's {{nowrap|nu metal{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/10-nu-metal-songs-that-actually-dont-suck-7339562 |title=10 Nu-Metal Songs That Actually Don't Suck |work=Phoenix New Times |first=Josh |last=Chesler |date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2017}}}} song "Bawitdaba", was not as popular as Cocky{{'s}} country song "Picture". MTV also wrote, "Another cause for nü-metal and rap-rock's slip from the spotlight could be a diluted talent pool caused by so many similar-sounding bands. American Head Charge, Primer 55, Adema, Cold, the Union Underground, Dope, Apartment 26, Hed (Planet Earth) and Skrape—all of whom released albums between 2000 and 2001—left more of a collective impression than individual ones".
Despite what MTV wrote, the RIAA certified Korn's album Untouchables platinum in July 2002,{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Untouchables|artist=Korn}} and one of the album's singles, "Here to Stay", received a lot of radio play and peaked at number one on MTV's Total Request Live twice.{{cite web |url=http://atrl.net/trlarchive/?s=recap&y=2002&m=05 |title=The TRL Archive – Recap: May 2002 |publisher=ATRL |access-date=September 15, 2015 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923060117/http://atrl.net/trlarchive/?s=recap&y=2002&m=05 |url-status=dead }} Untouchables sold at least 434,000 copies in first week of release and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75358/korn-cant-stop-eminems-show-at-no-1 |title=Korn Can't Stop Eminem's 'Show' At No. 1 |magazine=Billboard |date=June 20, 2002 |access-date=January 28, 2017}}{{cite web|last=D'Angelo|first=Joe|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1455302/20020619/korn.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040204233309/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1455302/20020619/korn.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2004|title=Korn Can't Kick Eminem From Top Of Billboard Chart|date=June 19, 2002|access-date=January 28, 2017|publisher=MTV}} However, Untouchables still did not sell as many copies as Korn's most commercially successful album, Follow the Leader.{{cite web |url=http://decibelmagazine.com/blog/2015/8/13/they-did-it-all-for-the-nookie-decibel-explores-the-rise-and-fall-of-nu-metal |title=They Did It All for the Nookie: Decibel Explores the Rise and Fall of Nu-Metal |work=Decibel |date=August 13, 2015 |access-date=September 15, 2015}} Linkin Park's remix album Reanimation was released in July 2002{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/reanimation-mw0000221252|title=Reanimation – Linkin Park |author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|website=AllMusic|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine }} and sold more than a million copies that year, which MTV described as "impressive for a remix album". Additionally, P.O.D.'s popularity continued into 2002 with its 2001 album Satellite.
In 2003, Linkin Park's album Meteora peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71722/linkin-parks-meteora-crashes-chart-at-no-1 |title=Linkin Park's 'Meteora' Crashes Chart At No. 1 |magazine=Billboard |date=April 2, 2003}} and sold at least 810,000 copies in its first week of being released.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1470920/linkin-park-make-meteoric-debut-on-billboard-chart/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104191713/http://www.mtv.com/news/1470920/linkin-park-make-meteoric-debut-on-billboard-chart/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |title=Linkin Park Make Meteoric Debut On Billboard Chart |publisher=MTV |first=Joe |last=D'Angelo |date=April 2, 2003}} Meteora by Linkin Park was certified multi-platinum in the United States{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Meteora|artist=Linkin Park}} and sold at least 6,100,000 copies in the United States.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6128793/ask-billboard-with-nico-vinz-norway-continues-us-chart-invasion?page=0%2C2 |title=Ask Billboard: With Nico & Vinz, Norway Continues U.S. Chart Invasion |magazine=Billboard |author=Gary Trust |date=June 24, 2014}} Limp Bizkit's 2003 album Results May Vary, which features a change in sound with many alternative rock songs{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,492382,00.html |title=Results May Vary Review |last=Browne |first=David |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 10, 2003 |access-date=October 14, 2015 |archive-date=April 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425164359/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,492382,00.html |url-status=dead }} alongside nu metal songs,{{cite magazine |url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/limp-bizkit-results-may-vary |title=Limp Bizkit – Results May Vary |magazine=MusicOMH |last=Day |first=Tom|date=September 22, 2003|access-date = October 14, 2015}} peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200,{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/results-may-vary-mw0000028670/awards |title=Results May Vary – Limp Bizkit
=2004–2010: Further decline and new directions=
Although nu metal's popularity survived into 2002 and 2003, much of it had dropped significantly by 2004.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/review-korn-the-serenity-of-suffering-w445696 |title=Review: Korn's 'The Serenity of Suffering' Is Ridiculously Heavy |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Weingarten |first=Christopher R.|date=20 October 2016 }}[https://loudwire.com/best-metalcore-albums-2004/ The 10 Best Metalcore Albums of 2004], Loudwire[https://knotfest.com/blogs/from-the-artist/20-year-view-how-in-flames-embraced-their-evolution-on-soundtrack-to-your-escape 20 Year View: How In Flames Embraced Their Evolution on 'Soundtrack to Your Escape'], Knotfest[https://www.furious.com/perfect/numetal.html Perfect Sound Forever: Nu-Metal] By this point in time, indie and garage rock revival bands such as the Strokes,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/nov/22/1000tohearbeforeyoudie|title=Artists beginning with S (part 2) (1000 Albums To Hear Before You Die)|work=The Guardian|date=November 22, 2007|access-date=March 28, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213174702/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2007/nov/22/1000tohearbeforeyoudie|url-status=live}} The White Stripes,[https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/07/10-years-after-the-white-stripes-saved-it-rock-is-again-in-crisis/241365/ 10 Years After the White Stripes 'Saved' It, Rock Is Again in Crisis] and Jet were achieving mainstream success as nu metal's popularity started to decline, and by the mid-late 2000s, the popularity of emo exceeded that of nu metal. Also during this time, metalcore, a fusion of extreme metal and hardcore punk, became one of the most popular genres in the new wave of American heavy metal, with the success of bands like Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, God Forbid, Unearth, Trivium, and Bullet for My Valentine. Groove metal band Lamb of God also became successful in the heavy metal genre. Stephen Hill of Louder Sound called the rise of metalcore after the decline of nu metal "the metalcore revolution".{{cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/killswitch-engage-story-of-metalcore |title=Killswitch Engage and the Metalcore Revolution |work=Louder Sound |last=Hill |first=Stephen |date=May 25, 2020 |accessdate=February 10, 2022}}
By 2004, several nu metal bands had begun to experiment with other genres to adapt to the changes in trends. Linkin Park's third studio album Minutes to Midnight, released in 2007, was noted for its near-complete departure from the band's nu metal sound.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/15/linkin-park-minutes-to-midnight |title=Linkin Park – Minutes To Midnight |website=IGN |author=Spence D. |date=May 15, 2007 |access-date=August 27, 2012}} Describing the album's style, singer Chester Bennington stated, "We've really moved away from anything that sounds like nu-metal."{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/linkin-park-singer-chester-bennington-i-hate-nu-metal/ |title=Linkin Park Singer Chester Bennington: I Hate Nu Metal |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=April 8, 2007}} Nu metal bands such as Disturbed,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,350620,00.html |title=Music Review Believe (2002) Disturbed |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Josh |last=Tyrangiel |date=September 20, 2002 |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803092443/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,350620,00.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1382607|pure_url=yes}} |title=Indestructible – Disturbed |author=James Christopher Monger |website=AllMusic|access-date = October 1, 2015}} Soulfly, Drowning Pool, and Slipknot{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/26/slipknot-all-hope-is-gone-review |title=Slipknot – All hope Is Gone Review |website=IGN |author=Jim Kaz |date=August 26, 2008 |access-date=June 27, 2014}} had begun to utilize heavier elements of groove metal, death metal and thrash metal into their music.{{cite web |last=Loeffler |first=Shawn |title=Slipknot: 'All Hope Is Gone' & 'Psychosocial' |url=http://www.yellmagazine.com/slipknot-all-hope-is-gone/150/ |publisher=Yell! |quote=Fans will also be happy to see that Slipknot has made good on their promise of putting out an album that ranks among their heaviest, and one that expands on their thrash metal guitar work and vocal melodies. |access-date=2015-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122110233/http://www.yellmagazine.com/slipknot-all-hope-is-gone/150/ |archive-date=2016-01-22 |url-status=dead }} (September 30, 2010){{cite web |url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2008/08/25/slipknots-all-hope-is-gone-another-step-in-a-new-direction/ |title=Slipknot's All Hope Is Gone – Another Step In a New Direction |date=25 August 2008 |publisher=MetalSucks}} (August 25, 2008) Similarly to Limp Bizkit; Staind and Papa Roach had also begun experimenting with Alternative Rock into their sound.{{cite web |url=http://rock.about.com/od/staind/p/staind.htm |title=Staind – Career Biography and Discography |publisher=About.com |last=Grierson |first=Tim |access-date=September 28, 2015 |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906204914/http://rock.about.com/od/staind/p/staind.htm |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/papa-roach-mn0000007731 |title=Papa Roach | Music Biography, Credits and Discography |website=AllMusic |access-date=June 27, 2014}} Staind's 2003 album 14 Shades of Grey was significantly less heavy than previous albums{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1470447/new-staind-lp-marked-by-grey-matters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130033334/http://www.mtv.com/news/1470447/new-staind-lp-marked-by-grey-matters/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 30, 2015 |title=New Staind LP Marked By Grey Matters |publisher=MTV |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe}} (March 10, 2003) and shows the band's departure from nu metal and a movement towards a lighter sound.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/14-shades-of-grey-mw0000031439 |title=14 Shades of Grey – Staind |website=AllMusic |author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|access-date = November 1, 2015|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine }} Papa Roach abandoned the nu metal genre entirely with their 2004 album Getting Away with Murder,{{cite web |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/1128/Papa-Roach-Getting-Away-with-Murder/ |title=Papa Roach – Getting Away with Murder (album review 3) |website=Sputnikmusic |author=Damrod|date=January 16, 2005|access-date = November 1, 2015}} moving to a hard rock style.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/_/id/6438852/paparoach?pageid=rs.ArtistDiscography&pageregion=triple1 |title=CD Review – Papa Roach – Getting Away With Murder |magazine=Rolling Stone |author=Christian Hoard |date=September 16, 2004 |access-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040928231428/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/_/id/6438852/paparoach?pageid=rs.ArtistDiscography&pageregion=triple1 |archive-date=September 28, 2004}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/06/arts/music/songs-that-vote-early-and-often.html?_r=0 |title=Songs That Vote Early and Often |work=The New York Times |last=Pareles |first=Jon|date=September 6, 2004|access-date = November 1, 2015}} System of a Down released two albums in 2005, Mezmerize and Hypnotize. Both did well commercially and critically, but the band took a more alternative metal approach to the two albums compared to their past three efforts.{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/inside-system-downs-epic-outraged-double-album-mezmerizehypnotize|title=Inside System of a Down's Epic, Outraged Double Album 'Mezmerize'/'Hypnotize'|date=May 2005}} In 2005, Limp Bizkit released an EP called The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) which had little promotion and advertising.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1526158/bye-bye-bizkit-wes-borland-says-limp-are-pretty-much-done/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008215056/http://www.mtv.com/news/1526158/bye-bye-bizkit-wes-borland-says-limp-are-pretty-much-done/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |title=Bye Bye Bizkit? Wes Borland Says Limp Are Pretty Much Done |last1=Harris |first1=Chris |publisher=MTV|date=March 17, 2006|access-date = September 19, 2015}} The album was not very popular;{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/limp_bizkit/news_feature_052305/index.jhtml |title=Limp Bizkit: What Happened? |publisher=MTV |author=Corey Moss |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413041411/http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/limp_bizkit/news_feature_052305/index.jhtml |archive-date=April 13, 2015}} its sales fell 67% during its second week of release.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/limp_bizkit/news_feature_052305/index2.jhtml |title=Limp Bizkit: What Happened? (Part 2) |publisher=MTV |author=Corey Moss |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412054547/http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/limp_bizkit/news_feature_052305/index2.jhtml |archive-date=April 12, 2015}} In 2006, Limp Bizkit went on hiatus. In 2012, vocalist Fred Durst said:
{{blockquote|"Here's the deal: say in 2000, there were 35 million people who connected to this band. Twelve years later, lots of those people have moved on. We were a moment in time and it's over."{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/limp-bizkit-frontman-fred-durst-band-moment-time-article-1.1138873 |title=Durst: Limp Bizkit 'was a moment in time and it's over' |work=New York Daily News |last=Sacks |first=Ethan |date=August 17, 2012}}}}
=2010–2020: Underground revival=
File:Of Mice & Men November 2010.jpg is one of several metalcore bands that added elements of nu metal to later albums.]]
During the mid-2010s, there was a discussion within media of a possible nu metal revival because of bands fusing nu metal with other genres.{{cite web |last=Neilstein |first=Vince |date=25 February 2014 |title=The Nu-Metal Revival Apocalypse Is Here!!! |url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2014/02/25/nu-metal-revival-apocalypse/ |publisher=MetalSucks}} (February 25, 2014) Despite the lack of radio play and popularity, some nu metal bands recaptured some of their former popularity as they released albums in a nu metal style. Many metalcore and deathcore groups{{cite web |last1=Lloyd |first1=Gavin |date=September 19, 2013 |title=Nu Metalcore is definitely happening. Why? |url=http://www.thrashhits.com/2013/09/nu-metalcore-is-definitely-happening-why/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315001209/http://www.thrashhits.com/2013/09/nu-metalcore-is-definitely-happening-why/ |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |access-date=March 14, 2017 |website=Thrash Hits}} gained moderate popularity in the 2010s and used elements from nu metal. This fusion is nu metalcore.{{cite web |title=Thrash Hits – Nu metalcore |url=http://www.thrashhits.com/2013/09/nu-metalcore-is-definitely-happening-why/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315001209/http://www.thrashhits.com/2013/09/nu-metalcore-is-definitely-happening-why/ |archive-date=2017-03-15}} Suicide Silence's 2011 album The Black Crown, which features elements of nu metal and deathcore,{{cite web |title=Is Nu-Dethcore The Next Big Thing???? #Bouncewitme |url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2011/10/24/is-nu-dethcore-the-next-big-thing-bouncewitme/ |access-date=June 27, 2014 |publisher=MetalSucks}} peaked at number 28 on the Billboard 200.{{cite web |title=The Black Crown – Suicide Silence
Some media outlets viewed a nu metal revival as beginning in the 2010s with groups like Blood Youth, Cane Hill,{{cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Ethan |date=31 August 2021 |title=SLIPKNOT TRANSFORMED MODERN METAL WITH 'IOWA' 20 YEARS AGO |url=https://www.popmatters.com/slipknot-iowa-album-atr20 |access-date=7 September 2021 |website=PopMatters}} Stray From The Path, Sworn In, DangerKids, Islander,{{Cite web |title=The Nu-Metal Revival Is Real |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-nu-metal-revival-is-real/ |website=Vice.com|date=27 June 2014 }} and Blind Channel.{{Cite web |last=Leiverspublished |first=Dannii |date=2022-03-25 |title=10 modern day nu metal bangers you need to hear right now |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-best-new-nu-metal-songs-right-now |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=louder |language=en}} Within this movement, nu metalcore became increasingly prominent through the popularity of groups like Vein.fm, Loathe and Code Orange. According to PopMatters writer Ethan Stewart, Code Orange's 2017 album Forever led to nu metalcore becoming "one of the most prominent flavors of contemporary metal".
=2020–present: Mainstream revival and influence on other genres=
While some media outlets believed these 2010s artists marked the start of a nu metal revival, Metal Hammer writer Dannii Leivers cited the aforementioned groups as simply hinting towards a revival, instead claiming a revival began in 2021, "a crop of young revivalists... looking to put a brand-new spin on the music of their formative years", namely Tetrarch.{{cite news |last1=Leivers |first1=Dannii |date=26 April 2021 |title=Tetrarch's Unstable is the nu metal album 2021 needs |website=Metal Hammer |url=https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/tetrarch-unstable-album-review |access-date=7 September 2021}} Other notable acts in this wave include Tallah, Orthodox, Vended, and Wargasm.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-18 |title=10 Bands Leading the New Wave of Nu-Metal |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/10-bands-leading-new-wave-nu-metal |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Revolver |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Injection |first=Metal |date=2020-09-17 |title=5 New Bands That Prove Nü-Metal Is Back |url=https://metalinjection.net/scene-report/5-new-bands-that-prove-nu-metal-is-back |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}
File:Poppy_10_31_2018_-2_(45635254575).jpg incorporated nu metal into electropop on her albums I Disagree and Am I a Girl?|160x160px]]
Electronic and art pop singer-songwriters incorporated nu metal into their sound in the late 2010s and early 2020s.{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Mo|title=A Brief History Of The Nu-Metal Revival, From Ashnikko To Doja Cat|url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/nu-metal-revival-in-music|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Nylon|date=10 February 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Is Pop Going Metal?|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/is-pop-going-metal/|access-date=2021-09-01|website=Kerrang!|date=17 November 2020 }}{{Cite web|author=|title=How Billie Eilish, Halsey, And More Are Tapping Into Trip-Hop, Nu-Metal, And Industrial To Vent Their Angst|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3119037/pop-goes-industrial-nu-metal/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401180434/http://www.mtv.com/news/3119037/pop-goes-industrial-nu-metal/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 1, 2019|access-date=2021-09-01|website=MTV News|language=en}} Poppy has incorporated nu metal on her albums Am I a Girl?{{Cite web|last=Magazine|first=Alternative Press|date=2018-11-02|title=Poppy may be the future of heavy metal with new song "Play Destroy"|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/poppy-grimes-metal-play-destroy/|access-date=2021-01-13|website=Alternative Press|language=en-US}} and I Disagree,{{Cite news|last=Cliff|first=Aimee|date=2020-01-10|title=Poppy: I Disagree review – online pop-bot embraces IRL nu-metal|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jan/10/poppy-i-disagree-review|access-date=2021-01-13|issn=0261-3077}} Grimes on album Miss Anthropocene{{Cite web|title=Grimes details "nu-metal" fifth album Miss_Anthrop0cene|url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/03/20/grimes-new-album-2019-miss-anthrop0cene-announcement|access-date=2021-01-13|website=The FADER|language=en}} and Rina Sawayama on Sawayama.{{Cite web|title=How Nu-Metal Crept Back Into Popular {{sic|Conscio|uness|nolink=y}} |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/features/how-nu-metal-crept-back-into-popular-consciouness |access-date=2021-01-14 |website=Clash Magazine |date=9 December 2020 |language=en}} The songs "We Appreciate Power" and "Play Destroy" were pioneering examples.{{Cite web|title=Listen to "We Appreciate Power," Grimes's Absolute Monster of a New Single|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/gy7jkb/grimes-we-appreciate-power-stream|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022185147/https://www.vice.com/en/article/gy7jkb/grimes-we-appreciate-power-stream|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 22, 2020|access-date=2021-01-13|website=Vice.com|date=29 November 2018 |language=en}} Poppy has described this fusion as "nu-Poppy" or "Poppymetal".{{Cite magazine|title=Poppy Makes a Case for a New Kind of Artificial Pop Star|url=https://time.com/5455221/poppy-am-i-a-girl/|access-date=2021-01-13|magazine=Time}} I Disagree received critical acclaim for this fusion, with single "Bloodmoney" nominated for the 2021 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, making her the first female solo artist to be nominated for the award in its history.{{Cite web|last=Pasbani|first=Robert|date=2020-11-24|title=Here Are The Nominees For Best Metal Performance at the 2021 GRAMMYs|url=https://metalinjection.net/metal-in-the-mainstream/here-are-the-nominees-for-best-metal-performance-at-the-2021-grammys|access-date=2021-01-13|website=Metal Injection|language=en-US}} Dorian Electra incorporated nu metal influences on their album My Agenda,{{Cite web|date=2020-11-22|title=Dorian Electra makes light of the darkness in sophomore album 'My Agenda'|url=https://www.thegryphon.co.uk/2020/11/22/dorian-electra-makes-light-of-the-darkness-in-sophomore-album-my-agenda/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=The Gryphon|language=en-GB|archive-date=2021-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117234136/https://www.thegryphon.co.uk/2020/11/22/dorian-electra-makes-light-of-the-darkness-in-sophomore-album-my-agenda/|url-status=dead}} as did Ashnikko on Demidevil, particularly on single "Cry".{{Cite web|title=Ashnikko: Demidevil|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/ashnikko-demidevil/|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Pitchfork|language=en}} The Guardian noted that these mostly female artists have revived nu metal, a mostly male genre, and successfully adapted it to showcase a female perspective. Rina Sawayama said "metal itself lends itself to toxic masculine tropes, but it's also almost taking the piss out of a very masculine expression of emotion".{{Cite news|last=Solomon|first=Kate|date=2019-12-13|title=The female pop stars channeling nu-metal's rage|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/dec/13/theres-a-lot-to-be-angry-about-the-female-pop-stars-reclaiming-nu-metals-rage|access-date=2021-01-14|issn=0261-3077}} Smaller bands have also rose to the scene in the early 2020s with the genre, including London-based Wargasm, who have been "validated by the nu-metal daddies," after Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis described them as "his new favourite band."{{cite web |title=Wargasm: "We love being validated by all the nu-metal daddies" |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/wargasm-download-2022-interview-radar-nu-metal-explicit-debut-album-3247406 |date=14 June 2022 |first=Ali |last=Shutler |access-date=7 April 2024 |website=NME}}
File:Linkin Park - Live at O2 Arena (September 24, 2024).jpg generated a large amount of media publicity by its revival in 2024.]]
In the early 2020s, several media outlets noted that nu metal has undergone a resurgence in interest among Generation Z listeners.[https://theface.com/music/nu-metal-comeback-fashion-deftones-heaven-limp-bizkit-tour-woodstock-99-fred-durst-mike-shinoda-interview-linkin-park-wargasm-scowl-music Nu-metal is cool now][https://www.loudersound.com/features/nu-metal-will-never-die-and-heres-why It’s official: we are living through a nu metal renaissance][https://www.canvas8.com/library/reports/2022/08/03/whats-driving-gen-zs-love-of-nu-metal What’s driving Gen Z’s love of nu metal?][https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/2022/02/04/has-korn-somehow-breathed-new-life-into-nu-metal-music-with-requiem/ Has Korn somehow breathed new life into nu metal music with 'Requiem'?] In 2023, Google Searches for the term "nu metal" were reported as being at their highest in "nearly 20 years".{{Cite web |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn|date=2023-04-25 |title=Interest in Nu-Metal Is the Highest It's Been in Nearly 20 Years, According to Google |url=https://loudwire.com/interest-nu-metal-highest-nearly-20-years-google/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Loudwire |language=en}} Deftones and Slipknot began gaining popularity among Generation Z in the early 2020s when their music was featured in videos on the app
TikTok. Also, several nu metal bands returned and released new music after decades like Staind,{{Cite web |url=https://www.bmg.com/us/news/Staind-release-first-album-in-over-a-decade-Confessions-Of-The-Fallen-.html |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.bmg.com}} Adema,{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2023-01-08 |title=ADEMA Singer Says Upcoming Album Will Sound Like It Came After 'Unstable' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/adema-singer-says-upcoming-album-will-sound-like-it-came-after-unstable |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}} Alien Ant Farm{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-01-19 |title=ALIEN ANT FARM Announces First Album In Nearly A Decade |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/alien-ant-farm-announces-first-album-in-nearly-a-decade |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}} and Kittie.{{Cite web |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |date=2023-03-15 |title=KITTIE Has Plans For The Next Few Years, Including New Music |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/kittie-has-plans-for-the-next-few-years-including-new-music |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}} Late 2024 saw the surprise revival of Linkin Park after a seven-year hiatus following the death of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017. With new singer Emily Armstrong of the rock band Dead Sara and new drummer Colin Brittain, the band released their eighth studio album From Zero on November 15. Several songs on the album, such as lead single "The Emptiness Machine", "Heavy Is the Crown", and "Two Faced" call back to their earlier nu metal sound prominently featured on Hybrid Theory and Meteora.
Legacy
=Reception=
Despite its popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, nu metal has often been criticized by many fans of heavy metal music,{{cite web |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/gy3zmn/underrated-nu-metal-albums |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604163153/https://www.vh1.com/news/gy3zmn/underrated-nu-metal-albums |url-status=live |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |title=The 12 Most Underrated Nu Metal Albums |publisher=VH1|date=September 15, 2015|access-date = September 18, 2015}} often being labelled with derogatory terms such as "mallcore" and "whinecore".{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=16}} Gregory Heaney of AllMusic called nu metal "one of metal's more unfortunate pushes into the mainstream".{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/koi-no-yokan-mw0002426695|title=Deftones – Koi No Yokan|website=AllMusic|author=Heaney, Gregory|access-date=April 29, 2013}} Lucy Jones of NME called nu metal "the worst genre of all time".{{cite magazine |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/10-reasons-why-nu-metal-was-the-worst-genre-of-all-time?recache=1&t=1231314 |title=10 Reasons Why Nu-Metal Was The Worst Genre Of All Time |magazine=NME |last=Jones |first=Lucy|date=September 20, 2013|access-date = October 25, 2015}} In Metal: The Definitive Guide : Heavy, NWOBH, Progressive, Thrash, Death ... , Garry Sharpe-Young described {{nowrap|nu metal}} as "a dumbed-down and—thankfully short[-]lived exercise".{{cite book |title=Metal: The Definitive Guide : Heavy, NWOBH, Progressive, Thrash, Death ...|publisher=Jawbone Press |year=2007 |author=Garry Sharpe-Young |page=446 |isbn=978-1-906002-01-5}} When Machine Head moved to the nu metal genre with their album The Burning Red and their vocalist Robb Flynn spiked his hair in the fashion of many nu metal musicians, the band were accused of "selling out" and many fans criticized their change of appearance and musical style.{{cite book |title=Machine Head: Inside The Machine |last=McIver |first=Joel |author-link=Joel McIver |publisher=Music Sales Group |date=October 15, 2012 |isbn=978-1-78038-551-8}}{{cite magazine |author=Wiederorn, Jon |date=May 2007 |title=Machine Head: Through the Ashes |magazine=Revolver}} Machine Head's drummer Dave McClain said, "Pissing people off isn't a bad thing, you know? For people to be narrow-minded is bad ... [i]t doesn't bother us at all, we know we're going to piss people off with this record, but some people hopefully will actually sit down and listen to the whole record". Robb Flynn, Machine Head's vocalist, said {{blockquote|There's a minute and a half of rapping on that album. The other 53 minutes of the record are like a giant scar being ripped open while I projectile-vomit through it. If all that people got out of [The Burning Red] was rap-metal, then they didn't fucking listen to it.}}
Jonathan Davis, the vocalist of Korn, spoke about the criticism of nu metal from heavy metal fans, saying: {{blockquote|There's a lot of closed-minded metal purists that would hate something because it's not true to metal or whatever, but Korn has never been a metal band, dude. We're not a metal band. We've always been looked at as what they called the nu-metal thing. But we've always been the black sheep and we never fitted into that kind of thing so ... We're always ever evolving, and we always piss fans off and we're gaining other fans and it is how it is.{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/korn-jonathan-davis-were-not-a-metal-band/|title= Korn's Jonathan Davis: 'We're Not a Metal Band'|magazine=Loudwire|access-date=December 8, 2012}}}} Lamb of God's vocalist Randy Blythe criticized the nu metal genre and spoke about its loss of popularity in 2004, saying: "Nu-metal sucks, so that's why that's dying off. And I think... people are ready for angrier music. I think people are ready for something that's real, not, you know, 'I did it all for the nookie.'"{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lamb-of-god-singer-people-are-ready-for-angrier-music/ |title=Lamb Of God Singer: 'People Are Ready For Angrier Music' |work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 9, 2004|access-date = September 26, 2015}} Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine said he would "rather have his eyelids pulled out" than listen to nu metal.{{cite web |url=http://fasterlouder.junkee.com/dave-mustaine-in-the-firing-line-so-many-people-misinterpret-what-i-say/835547 |title=Dave Mustaine In The Firing Line: 'So many people misinterpret what I say' |publisher=FasterLouder |last=Swan |first=David|date=January 23, 2014|access-date = September 26, 2015|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928033630/http://fasterlouder.junkee.com/dave-mustaine-in-the-firing-line-so-many-people-misinterpret-what-i-say/835547|archive-date=September 28, 2015}} Guitarist Gary Holt of Exodus and Slayer said that he "was so glad about" the decline of {{nowrap|nu metal}}.{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exodus-guitarist-emo-bands-have-taken-all-the-testosterone-out-of-heavy-metal/ |title=Exodus Guitarist: 'Emo' Bands Have Taken All The Testosterone Out Of Heavy Metal |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 29, 2006}}
Some musicians who influenced nu metal have tried to distance themselves from the subgenre and its bands. Mike Patton, the vocalist of Faith No More and Mr. Bungle, tried to distance himself from the subgenre and criticized it,{{cite web|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/01277-why-the-world-doesn-t-need-new-nu-metal |title=Opinion | Black Sky Thinking | Why The World Doesn't Need New Nu Metal |work=The Quietus |last=Patterson |first=Dayal |date=March 11, 2009 |access-date=December 30, 2012}} even though he is featured on the song "Lookaway" on Sepultura's album Roots, which is often considered a nu metal album.{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/korn-joined-by-sepultura-members-for-roots-bloody-roots-performance-behind-the-scenes-footage/ |title=Korn Joined By Sepultura Members For 'Roots Bloody Roots' Performance: Behind-The-Scenes Footage |work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 8, 2014|access-date = November 9, 2015}} Patton said of his music's influence on nu metal, "I feel no responsibility for that, it's their mothers' fault, not mine".{{Cite news |last=Weatherford |first=Mike | title = Mr. Bungle serving up pop music from Mars | newspaper =The Las Vegas Review-Journal| page =32J | date=October 15, 1999}} Helmet frontman Page Hamilton said, "It's frustrating that people write [us] off because we're affiliated with or credited with or discredited with creating {{nowrap|nu-metal}} and rap metal ... which we sound nothing like".{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/helmet-mainman-we-re-better-than-99-9-of-the-other-bands-out-there-rock-or-any-other-genre/ |title=Helmet Mainman: We're Better Than 99.9% Of The Other Bands Out There, Rock Or Any Other Genre |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 11, 2011 |access-date=October 1, 2015}}
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails has said he knows some Korn members and that he thinks they are "cool guys",{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/n/ninfeature99_1.jhtml |title=Trent Reznor- A Conversation with Kurt Loder |publisher=MTV |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929154000/http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/n/ninfeature99_1.jhtml |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |access-date=September 18, 2015}} but he remains critical of nu metal, saying:
{{blockquote|When I'm asked what do I think of a lot of the nu-metal bands that are out there, my response is that it seems really insincere to me. 'I've had a really shitty childhood and I'm really upset and I'm really ugly and I've put a lot of make-up on and I'm harder and faster and my voice sounds more like the cookie monster's than yours does'. To me it all comes across as being comical, as being a parody of itself.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=1145 |title=Trent Reznor Slams "Nu-Metal"! |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=29 January 2002 |access-date=March 8, 2013}}}}
In response to reports that Fred Durst, lead singer of Limp Bizkit, is a big fan of Tool, the latter's vocalist Maynard James Keenan said, "If the lunch-lady in high school hits on you, you appreciate the compliment, but you're not really gonna start dating the lunch-lady, are ya?"{{cite web |url=http://rockdirt.com/maynard-not-impressed-with-durst-compliment/164/ |title=Maynard Not Impressed With Durst Compliment |publisher=rockdirt.com |date=2001-09-29 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=2010-11-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106101113/http://rockdirt.com/maynard-not-impressed-with-durst-compliment/164/ |url-status=dead }} While Durst has cited Rage Against the Machine as a major influence, Rage Against the Machine's bassist Tim Commerford is open about his hatred of Limp Bizkit, describing them as "one of the dumbest bands in the history of music". At the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, Limp Bizkit won the Best Rock Video category for their song "Break Stuff", beating Rage Against the Machine's "Sleep Now in the Fire".{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rage-against-the-machine-bassist-i-apologize-for-limp-bizkit-20150929 |title=Rage Against the Machine: 'I Apologize for Limp Bizkit' |magazine=Rolling Stone |author1=Jason Newman |author2=Brittany Spanos|date=September 29, 2015|access-date = October 1, 2015}} When Limp Bizkit accepted their award, Commerford went on stage and climbed {{Convert|20|feet|m|abbr=on|0}} up a backdrop, rocking back and forth.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1431245/rage-bassist-crashes-limp-bizkits-vma-party/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823034917/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431245/rage-bassist-crashes-limp-bizkits-vma-party/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 23, 2014 |title=Rage Bassist Crashes Limp Bizkit's VMA Party |publisher=MTV |last=Mancini |first=Rob|date=September 7, 2000|access-date = October 1, 2015}} After the incident, Commerford was arrested and spent a night in jail.{{cite magazine |url=http://loudwire.com/rage-against-the-machine-tim-commerford-outrageous-mtv-video-music-awards-protest/ |title=Tim Commerford Recalls Outrageous MTV VMA Protest |magazine=Loudwire |last=Bowar |first=Chad|date=February 11, 2015|access-date = October 1, 2015}} Commerford said in 2015, "I do apologize for Limp Bizkit. I really do. I feel really bad that we inspired such bullshit ... They're gone, though. That's the beautiful thing."{{cite magazine |url=http://www.spin.com/2015/09/rage-against-the-machine-limp-bizkit-apology-interview/ |title=Rage Against the Machine's Tim Commerford Apologizes for Inspiring Limp Bizkit |magazine=SPIN |last=Carley |first=Brennan|date=September 29, 2015|access-date = October 1, 2015}}
{{Quote box |quote = "After Korn's 'Follow the Leader' blew the whole movement into orbit in 1998, nu-metal produced some ridiculous bands, to be sure. And to be fair, plenty of them dwelled in the realms of corny rap-rock and dull alternative radio rock with the occasional heavy riff or tendency to scream, making their designation as 'metal' quite dubious indeed ... [b]ut the movement also produced plenty of heavier bands with primarily metal influences". |source = Metal Underground on nu metal's association with heavy metal. |width = 20%|align = right}}
Jody MacGregor of FasterLouder called nu metal "music's most hated genre"; conversely, he also wrote that nu metal is "not as bad as people think", praising several examples of the genre.{{cite web |url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/41992/9-things-about-nu-metal-that-didnt-suck |title=9 things about nu metal that didn't suck |publisher=FasterLouder |last=MacGregor |first=Jody |date=February 22, 2015 |access-date=September 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728161519/http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/41992/9-things-about-nu-metal-that-didnt-suck |archive-date=July 28, 2015 |url-status=dead }} Although multiple nu metal musicians rejected the nu metal label, Limp Bizkit's vocalist Fred Durst defended it, saying "Nu metal let people open up and it meant something to people. It really did."{{cite web |url=http://newmetal4u.com/en/archive/2014/06/23/limp-bizkitfred-durst-believes-nu-metal-revival/ |title=Limp Bizkit:Fred Durst Believes On A Nu Metal Revival |publisher=Newmetal4u |access-date=2015-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630060221/http://newmetal4u.com/en/archive/2014/06/23/limp-bizkitfred-durst-believes-nu-metal-revival/ |archive-date=2017-06-30 |url-status=dead }} (June 23, 2014) Slipknot's vocalist Corey Taylor also defended nu metal, saying "I'd like to think that that whole nu-metal wave was so important to that next wave of American heavy metal, to be honest."{{Cite web|last=Reeder|date=2020-12-12|title=SLIPKNOT's COREY TAYLOR Addresses People Who Say Nu-Metal Sucks {{!}} Metal Addicts|url=https://metaladdicts.com/slipknots-corey-taylor-addresses-people-who-say-nu-metal-sucks/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=metaladdicts.com/|language=en-US}} Coal Chamber's vocalist Dez Fafara also defended nu metal. He said he is proud to be associated with the subgenre{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chambers-dez-fafara-nu-metal-has-never-left/ |title=Coal Chamber's Dez Fafara: Nu Metal Has 'Never Left' |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=July 7, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2017}} and that nu metal bands "broke new musical ground" saying, "I think 'hair metal' was cheesy. [But] I think 'nu metal' was different. I think what's beautiful about 'nu metal' is it's different. And you've got so many different influences."{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/coal-chambers-dez-fafara-says-nu-metal-bands-broke-new-musical-ground/ |title=Coal Chamber's Dez Fafara Says 'Nu Metal' Bands Broke New Musical Ground |work=Blabbermouth.net}} (April 19, 2015) The Smashing Pumpkins vocalist Billy Corgan praised nu metal, saying "I think it's fantastic. I think the more people are cross-pollinating between different musical styles… it not only has musical implications but it has cultural ones as well."{{Cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=Musicians Reacting to Nu Metal|url=https://loudwire.com/musicians-reacting-nu-metal/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=Loudwire|date=19 July 2021 |language=en}} Sevendust vocalist Lajon Witherspoon, when asked about the 2020s resurgence of the genre, also spoke highly: "It's funny. I don't mind being in that category because I feel it's awesome that music is resurging and we're not letting a movement get away from us and get so far away that we don't even like it or listen to it anymore."{{cite web | url=https://metalinjection.net/news/sevendusts-lajon-witherspoon-backs-the-new-wave-of-nu-metal | title=SEVENDUST's LAJON WITHERSPOON Backs the New Wave of Nü-Metal | date=23 September 2023 }}
Jack Porter of The Michigan Daily defended {{nowrap|nu metal}}, writing {{blockquote|Unfortunately, some barriers prevent listeners from understanding nu-metal bands apart from the identity that genre label has given them—picture a bone-headed suburban white kid sporting a backwards baseball cap. What used to be a descriptor for a specific strain of alternative metal turned into a ghetto for every band that a) plays extremely heavy yet radio-friendly music and b) sucks. Because the genre came to be defined by its lack of quality, many 'serious' music fans have missed out on what it has to offer.}}
=Rejection of nu metal label by nu metal musicians=
Some nu metal musicians have rejected the label nu metal and have tried to distance themselves from it. Slipknot prefer to distance themselves from other nu metal groups, describing their music as "metal metal" and equating their link to nu metal as a coincidence of their time of emergence.{{sfn|Porter|2003|p=117}}
Jonathan Davis had originally rejected the nu metal label, saying "We're not 'rap rock,' we're not 'nu-metal' ... We might have invented a new genre of heavy music or rock, but I believe the term 'nu-metal' was made up for all the bands that followed us. Those guys to me are nu-metal. And we're just Korn."{{cite web |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040902/news_lz1w2korn.html |title=The face in the 'mirror' |last=Nixon |first=Chris |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=September 2, 2004|access-date = September 20, 2015}} In 2014, Davis spoke about the nu metal label, saying:
{{blockquote|I've always rejected [Korn's pigeonholing] into some kind of genre that we helped create. It seems like when a band comes out and we do something new and something different, that's all great. When a whole bunch of bands jump on the bandwagon and start copying what that one band did, then it gets called something and those bands are cheap knockoffs of what the original thing was. So, to me, that's why I never liked the 'nu metal' term.{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/korn-to-perform-entire-debut-album-to-celebrate-20th-anniversary/ |title=Korn To Perform Entire Debut Album To Celebrate 20th Anniversary |work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 21, 2014|access-date = September 20, 2015}}}}
Davis has since become more accepting of the term. In a 2019 interview, he remarked, "If we invented nu-metal then fuck yeah, cool. It's pretty cool to say we helped invent some kind of movement, that's pretty insane."{{cite web |title=Korn Release Can You Hear Me Video, Announce Podcast Series |url=https://www.kerrang.com/korn-release-can-you-hear-me-video-announce-podcast-series |website=Kerrang! |access-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329220711/https://www.kerrang.com/korn-release-can-you-hear-me-video-announce-podcast-series |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |date=September 6, 2019}} Expressing positive views of the genre's return to popularity in a 2020 interview, he endorsed Wargasm as a personal favourite.{{cite web | url=https://loudwire.com/korn-jonathan-davis-wargasm-favorite-nu-metal-revival-band/ | title=Korn's Jonathan Davis Names His Favorite Nu-Metal Revival Band | website=Loudwire | date=18 May 2022 }}
Staind's vocalist Aaron Lewis rejected the nu metal label, saying, "If we get called a 'nu metal' band one more time, I don't even know what I'm going to do!"{{cite web |url=http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0,,4759101,00.html |title=Interview: Staind (Aaron Lewis) |last=Florino |first=Rick |publisher=Artistdirect |date=August 26, 2008 |access-date=September 20, 2015 |archive-date=July 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701153620/http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0,,4759101,00.html |url-status=dead }} In 2003, Chino Moreno, vocalist of Deftones, rejected the nu metal label saying "We told motherfuckers not to lump us in with nu metal because when those bands go down we aren't going to be with them".{{cite news |date= May 2003 |title= Deftones [interview] |magazine= Kerrang!}} As Deftones abandoned the nu metal sound of their early work, Moreno tried to distance himself from nu metal bands and began to criticize the bands and their albums, including Korn's 2002 album Untouchables; he said, "As Korn go on, it's the same things—bad childhoods and mean moms. It gets too old after a while. How old is Jonathan [Davis]? Thirty? How long has it been since he lived with his parents?"{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/deftones-singer-slams-linkin-park-limp-bizkit-metallica-and-korn/ |title=Deftones Singer Slams Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Metallica And Korn |work=Blabbermouth.net}} (May 29, 2003){{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=13039 |title=Korn's Jonathan Davis: 'Chino Moreno Is Bitter And Pissed Off' |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 24, 2003 |access-date=April 11, 2013}} Davis responded saying, "Obviously, Chino hasn't listened to the words on the rest of my albums because they're nothing about my parents or my childhood." Moreno also said, "A big problem for me was opening for Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park, two bands that wouldn't exist if it weren't for me, straight up!". Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park spoke about the nu metal label in an interview with NME, saying "We never held the flag for nu-metal—it was associated with frat rock. Arrogant, misogynistic, and full of testosterone; we were reacting against that."{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/linkin-parks-mike-shinoda-says-band-never-identified-with-nu-metal/ |title=Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda Says Band Never Identified With 'Nu Metal' |work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 10, 2015|access-date = October 4, 2015}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/linkin_park_never_held_the_flag_for_nu_metal_says_mike_shinoda |title=Linkin Park "never held the flag for nu-metal," says Mike Shinoda |magazine=Alternative Press |last=Sharp |first=Tyler|date=September 9, 2015|access-date = October 4, 2015}} Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit said that he "never liked or condoned" the term "nu metal" in any way, and said he does not understand "how so many bands that sound nothing alike can be put into" the nu metal genre.{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/wes-borland-i-hate-the-term-nu-metal/ |title=Wes Borland: I Hate The Term 'Nu Metal' |work=Blabbermouth.net}} (May 9, 2002) Mike Wengren of Disturbed said that he doesn't think Disturbed "were ever a nu-metal band to begin with".{{cite web |url=http://www.westword.com/music/disturbed-not-down-with-the-altitude-sickness-8345023 |title=Disturbed Not Down With the (Altitude) Sickness |work=Westword |last=Callwood |first=Brett |date=September 27, 2016}}
Chester Bennington of Linkin Park initially disliked the band being labeled as nu metal, saying in 2007, "I know that we kind of helped create, I guess, the sound of that genre, but I hate that genre. I'm not going to speak for everyone, but I can personally tell you that I am not a big fan of almost everybody in that category. There are a few bands that I don't really believe belong in there, and we're one of those bands." However, by 2012 Bennington said he accepted the nu metal label:
{{blockquote|I think for the first time in our history, we're actually OK with being recognized as a nu metal band, especially for what we did early in our careers because the truth is that when we were first doing it, nobody else really was, especially in terms of the hip-hop thing.{{cite magazine |url=http://loudwire.com/linkin-park-chester-bennington-ok-nu-metal-label/ |title=Linkin Park's Chester Bennington 'OK' With Nu Metal Label |magazine=Loudwire |last=Childers |first=Chad|date=August 19, 2012|access-date = October 4, 2015}}}}
=Association with heavy metal=
In addition to criticizing nu metal, many heavy metal musicians have rejected nu metal as a legitimate subgenre of heavy metal, saying it is not "true heavy metal".{{cite web |url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=98982 |title='That's Not Metal!' Diagnosing A Nasty Strain Of Heavy Metal Elitism |publisher=Metal Underground |last=Smith |first=Mike|date=January 8, 2014|access-date = November 4, 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.westword.com/music/the-ten-biggest-arguments-in-metal-5680052 |title=The ten biggest arguments in metal |work=Westword |last=Steininger |first=Adam|date=July 17, 2013|access-date = November 4, 2015}} Some nu metal musicians have tried to distance themselves from being heavy metal at all. For example, Korn's Jonathan Davis rejected the "heavy metal" label.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/rank-your-records-korn/ |title=Rank Your Records: Korn's Jonathan Davis the Band's 11 Albums |magazine=Vice |last=Hill |first=John|date=March 26, 2015|access-date = November 4, 2015}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.westword.com/music/korns-jonathan-davis-on-debut-albums-legacy-and-a-country-side-project-7229136 |title=Korn's Jonathan Davis on Debut Album's Legacy and a Country Side Project |magazine=Westword |author=Michael Roberts|date=October 23, 2015|access-date = November 4, 2015}} When talking with Vice, Davis spoke about Korn being called a heavy metal band, saying, "I never thought of us to be metal to begin with. Yeah, we're heavy and downtuned, but metal, to me, is like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. That's metal, man. I always thought of us as a funk band. That funky, groovy shit." Godsmack's vocalist Sully Erna also rejected the "heavy metal" label and said he views Godsmack as a hard rock band.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/news/interview-godsmacks-sully-erna-talks-new-album-near-breakups-and-not-giving-up.html |title=Interview: Godsmack's Sully Erna Talks New Album, Near Breakups, and Not Being Nu-Metal |magazine=Revolver |last=Bienstock |first=Richard |date=July 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619172301/https://www.revolvermag.com/news/interview-godsmacks-sully-erna-talks-new-album-near-breakups-and-not-giving-up.html |access-date=November 4, 2015|archive-date=2017-06-19 }}{{cite magazine |title=Godsmack's Erna Digs Deep Into His Pain |magazine=Billboard |volume=118 |number=17 |page=38 |issn=0006-2510 |date=April 29, 2006 }} Linkin Park's vocalist Chester Bennington, though eventually accepting of the nu metal label, had expressed some disagreement with his band being labeled a heavy metal or nu metal group because he felt the term limited the scope of the band's actual style, particularly on their later albums. He elaborated:
{{blockquote|[We] wanted to make clear from the very beginning when we were kind of tagged as a 'nu metal' band. Not that we have anything against metal ... [w]e aren't just one thing. So there are elements of the band that are metal, there are elements of the band that are pop, there are elements that are electronic, and hip-hop as well. And we've kind of always felt like we weren't bound to just one genre. So after we made Hybrid Theory and Meteora, we really wanted to take risks beyond what we had already done on those first two records, creatively, and show the world that we can do a lot more than just make nu-metal songs.{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/linkin-parks-chester-bennington-were-not-a-metal-band/ |title=Linkin Park's Chester Bennington: We're Not A Metal Band |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 16, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2015}}}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
Bibliography
- {{cite book |last=Arnopp |first=Jason |title=Slipknot: Inside the Sickness, Behind the Masks With an Intro by Ozzy Osbourne and Afterword by Gene Simmons |year=2011 |publisher=Random House |isbn=978-0-09-187933-4}}
- {{cite book |title=Got the Life: My Journey of Addiction, Faith, Recovery, and Korn |last=Arvizu |first=Reginald |author-link=Reginald Arvizu |year=2009 |publisher=William Morrow |isbn=978-0-06-166249-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/gotlifemyjourney00fiel_0 }}
- {{cite book |author-link=Ian Christe |last=Christe |first=Ian |title=Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal |publisher=Harper |year=2004 |isbn=0-380-81127-8 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/soundofbeastcomp0000chri }}
- {{cite book |last=Devenish |first=Colin |title=Limp Bizkit |year=2000 |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=0-312-26349-X |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/limpbizkit0000deve }}
- {{cite book |title=Korn: Life in the Pit |last=Furman |first=Leah |year=2000 |publisher=St. Martin's Griffin |isbn=0-312-25396-6 |url=https://archive.org/details/korn00leah }}
- {{cite book |last1=Kitts |first1=Jeff |last2=Tolinski |first2=Brad |work=Guitar World |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |title=Guitar World Presents Nu-metal |year=2002 |isbn=0-634-03287-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/guitarworldprese00kitt }}
- {{cite book |last=McIver |first=Joel |title=Nu-metal: The Next Generation of Rock & Punk |year=2002 |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=0-7119-9209-6}}
- {{cite book |last=Porter |first=Dick |title=Rapcore: The Nu-Metal Rap Fusion |url=https://archive.org/details/rapcorenumetalra00port |url-access=registration |publisher=Plexus Publishing |year=2003 |isbn=0-85965-321-8}}
- {{cite book |title=Korn |last=Small |first=Doug |year=1998 |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=0-8256-1688-3 }}
- {{cite book |last=Udo |first=Tommy |title=Brave Nu World |publisher=Sanctuary Publishing |year=2002 |isbn=1-86074-415-X |url=https://archive.org/details/bravenuworld00tomm }}
- {{cite book |title=The New Metal Masters |last1=Newquist |first1=Harvey P. |author-link1=HP Newquist |last2=Maloof |first2=Rich |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-87930-804-9 }}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [http://decibelmagazine.com/blog/2015/8/13/they-did-it-all-for-the-nookie-decibel-explores-the-rise-and-fall-of-nu-metal They Did It All for the Nookie: Decibel Explores the Rise and Fall of Nu-Metal] – Decibel
- [http://metaldescent.com/nu-metal/ Heavy Metal Classifications: A History of Nu Metal] – Metal Descent
- [http://www.firstpost.com/living/the-anatomy-of-a-scene-charting-the-rise-dominance-and-fall-of-nu-metal-2578612.html The anatomy of a scene: Charting the rise, dominance and fall of nü metal] – Firstpost
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20161021123649/http://www.mtv.com/news/2945625/vintage-korn-life-is-peachy-at-20/ Vintage Korn: Life Is Peachy At 20] – MTV
- [http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1999-01-08/entertainment/9901060464_1_bands-blends-hip-hop-rock-music `Numetal' Blends Hip-hop, Rock] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906224942/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1999-01-08/entertainment/9901060464_1_bands-blends-hip-hop-rock-music |date=2017-09-06 }} – Sun Sentinel
{{Alternative metal}}
{{Alternative rock}}
{{Heavymetal}}
{{Extreme metal}}
{{hiphop}}
{{Rap rock}}
{{Electronic rock}}
{{Industrial music-footer}}
Category:American styles of music
Category:Alternative metal genres
Category:1990s fads and trends
Category:2000s fads and trends
Category:20th-century music genres