Origins — Korn and the Mid 1990s
Nu-metal emerged in the mid 1990s primarily from the American west coast. Korn's 1994 self-titled debut is widely cited as the genre's founding document, featuring seven-string downtuned guitars, hip-hop influenced rhythms, rapped and sung vocals and deeply personal lyrics dealing with childhood trauma and alienation. The raw emotional directness of Korn's approach connected immediately with young audiences who felt alienated from both mainstream pop and traditional metal.
Mainstream Breakthrough — Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park
Nu-metal achieved massive commercial success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Limp Bizkit, combining heavy riffs with rap vocals and an aggressive hip-hop aesthetic, became one of the biggest bands in the world with their 1999 album Significant Other. Linkin Park brought greater melodic sophistication and musical polish to the genre on their 2000 debut Hybrid Theory, one of the best-selling albums in rock history. The genre dominated mainstream rock radio and MTV throughout this period.
Rage Against The Machine — The Political Blueprint
While often grouped adjacent to nu-metal, Rage Against the Machine's influence on the genre was enormous. Their fusion of heavy guitar riffs with politically charged rap vocals created a template that many nu-metal bands followed. Their 1992 self-titled debut remains one of the most politically and musically powerful albums in rock history, combining genuine musical innovation with an uncompromising political stance.
Nu-Metal Today
Nu-metal experienced a major commercial decline in the mid 2000s as alternative rock and metalcore rose to prominence. However the genre has experienced a significant nostalgic revival in recent years, with many original nu-metal bands returning to touring and recording. A new generation of artists has also emerged citing nu-metal as a primary influence, demonstrating the genre's lasting cultural impact.
Key Bands
Rage Against The Machine, Linkin Park, Korn, Deftones, Limp Bizkit, System of a Down, Mudvayne, Slipknot, Nothingface, DevilDriver