Is Nü Metal the most divisive music subgenre of the 1990s? It sure seems to generate a lot of mixed reactions. While some see it as a low point in metal’s storied history, others cherish it as a vital, cathartic outlet that gave voice to a generation of disaffected youth.
Nü Metal arose in the wake of grunge and alternative rock, particularly in the early 90s, with bands like Korn and Deftones leading the charge. It shared grunge’s raw, emotional intensity but mixed it with a heavier, more groove-oriented sound and a strong dose of hip-hop influence, inspired by bands such as Faith No More, Rage Against the Machine, and Public Enemy’s collaboration with Anthrax.
Nü Metal’s sonic palette was distinct and instantly recognizable. Bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Deftones brought a new heaviness that wasn’t about flashy guitar solos but about creating a wall of sound. The guitars were downtuned to deep, resonant notes reminiscent of Pantera’s groove metal, the basslines were prominent and often slap-heavy, much like those found in Primus or Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the vocals ranged from rapped verses to anguished screams, drawing on the vocal delivery styles popularized by Mike Patton of Faith No More and Chuck D of Public Enemy.
This sound was mirrored by an equally distinctive visual style. Baggy jeans, tracksuits, and baseball caps replaced the leather and spikes of traditional metal. The look was more streetwise, drawing from the fashion seen in hip-hop culture, particularly on the West Coast. This made Nü Metal more accessible and, for many, more relatable. It was a genre built for the mosh pit, with its emphasis on tension and release, making it the perfect soundtrack for anyone needing to vent their frustrations.
One of the most defining characteristics of Nü Metal was its emotional rawness. Korn’s self-titled debut album, produced by Ross Robinson, with its brutal honesty about abuse and neglect, struck a chord with listeners who had never heard their struggles so directly reflected in music. Unlike the macho posturing of earlier metal or the poetic introspection of grunge, Nü Metal was about confronting pain head-on, often in the most visceral way possible. Tracks like “Clown” or “Freak on a Leash” weren’t just songs; they were anthems of survival for many fans, particularly those who grew up in turbulent environments.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its massive popularity, Nü Metal quickly became a target for critics. Detractors lambasted the genre for its perceived lack of technical skill and its often juvenile lyrics, with bands like Limp Bizkit and their frontman Fred Durst often embodying this criticism. But as the years have passed, the genre is undergoing a bit of a reevaluation. Much like how we now look back on hair metal with a mix of nostalgia and amusement, Nü Metal is beginning to be seen as a legitimate, if flawed, chapter in the history of rock.
There’s no denying that Nü Metal’s influence persists. The genre’s blend of aggression, rhythm, and emotional release can be heard in many of today’s metal and hardcore bands. And with the resurgence of interest in 90s culture, Nü Metal is getting another moment in the spotlight, with bands like Limp Bizkit selling out tours and younger artists citing Korn, Deftones, and even more theatrical acts like Slipknot as influences.
So, is Nü Metal the most divisive subgenre of the 90s? Perhaps. But it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Behind the baggy pants and aggressive riffs was a generation looking for something real—something that spoke to their anger, their pain, and their need for something new. And for that, we thought Nü Metal deserves more than just a passing glance; so we gave it second listen.
Songs in this Episode
Intro - Blind by Korn (from Korn)
17:11 - Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck by Prong (from Cleansing)
26:20 - We Care A Lot by Faith No More (from Introduce Yourself)
37:04 - Denial by Sevendust (from Home)
49:32 - Last Resort by Papa Roach (from Infest)
50:27 - Rock That Doesn't Roll / Dope Nostalgia podcast promos
58:21 - A.D.I.D.A.S. by Korn (from Life Is Peachy)
1:11:24 - 10 Seconds Down by Sugar Ray (from Lemonade and Brownies)
1:24:35 - Boom by P.O.D. (from Satellite)
Outro - Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle) by Limp Bizkit (from Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water)
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Nü Metal in the 90s | Roundtable