View source for Nu metal

{{short description|Subgenre of alternative metal}}
{{distinguish|New metal|mu metal}}
{{Infobox music genre
| name              = Nu metal
| stylistic_origins = <!-- Please do NOT add and/or remove genres! A consensus for the stylistic origins field has been made. Discuss before changing. -->
* [[Alternative metal]]
* [[rap metal]]<!-- Don't add hip-hop. Hip-hop elements are already included in the rap metal subgenre -->
* [[funk metal]]
* [[groove metal]]
* [[industrial metal]]
* [[grunge]]
| cultural_origins  = Mid-1990s, California, U.S.
| derivatives       = {{hlist|[[Emo rap]]|[[trap metal]]|[[hyperpop]]<ref>{{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}}</ref>}}
| fusiongenres      = {{hlist|[[Nu gaze (2020s)|Nu-gaze]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Enis |first1=Eli |title=How shoegaze and nu-metal became entwined: A brief explainer |url=https://www.elienis.com/how-shoegaze-numetal-became-entwined-explained/ |website=Chasing Sundays |access-date=21 January 2026 |language=en |date=27 June 2024}}</ref>|[[nu metalcore]]}}
| regional_scenes   = {{hlist||[[California]]|[[Midwestern United States]]|[[New England]]|[[Florida]]|[[Ontario]]}}
| other_topics      = * [[Post-grunge]]
* [[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 music|industrial]], and [[grunge]]. Nu metal rarely features [[guitar solo]]s or other displays of [[musical technique]] and emphasizes rhythm with instrumentation that is heavily [[Syncopation|syncopated]]. Nu metal guitarists often use [[seven-string guitar]]s that are [[guitar tunings|down-tuned]] to produce a heavier sound. Vocal styles are often rhythmic and influenced by hip hop, and include [[singing]], [[rapping]], [[screaming (music)|screaming]] and sometimes [[death growl|growl]]ing. [[Turntablism|DJs]] are occasionally featured to provide instrumentation such as [[Sampling (music)|sampling]], turntable [[scratching]] and [[electronic musical instrument|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 (band)|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 [[Korn (album)|self-titled]] debut album. Nu metal became popular in the late 1990s, with bands and artists such as Korn, [[Limp Bizkit]], and [[Slipknot (band)|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 debut album, ''[[Hybrid Theory]]''. By the mid-2000s, however, the oversaturation of bands, combined with the underperformance of several high-profile releases, signaled the subgenre's decline. Many nu-metal bands disbanded or changed their 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 (band)|Of Mice & Men]], [[Emmure]], [[Issues (band)|Issues]], [[My Ticket Home]], [[Bring Me the Horizon]], and [[Motionless in White]] combined nu metal with metalcore or deathcore. Artists like [[Grimes]], [[Poppy (singer)|Poppy]], and [[Rina Sawayama]] integrated nu-metal sounds into [[Electropop|electronic pop music]] in the late 2010s and early 2020s, and interest in nu metal rose in the early 2020s.

==Characteristics and fashion==
 <!--Note that none of the information below is meant to describe all nu metal songs or meant to be the defining characteristics of the genre. These are generalizations.-->
{{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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
 |filename2    = Slipknot - Surfacing.ogg
 |title2       = "Surfacing" by Slipknot (1999)
 |description2 = Citing the lyrics of the song's chorus, Karan Pradhan of ''[[Firstpost]]'' called [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]]'s "Surfacing" the "best encapsulation of the aggression, attitude, simplicity and indeed, the spirit of nu metal".<ref name="firstpost-anatomy" />
}}

===Terminology and origins===
Nu metal is a subgenre of [[alternative metal]].<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref name="mollylambert">{{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}}</ref> Sometimes stylized as nü-metal,<ref name=DAngeloMTV3 /><ref name="daddy">{{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 }}</ref> the genre has also been dubbed aggro-metal or simply aggro.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/style/alternative-metal-ma0000012328 |title=Alternative Metal |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=May 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> [[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]]."<ref name="mollylambert"/> ''[[Stereogum]]'' similarly said that nu metal was a "weird outgrowth of the [[Lollapalooza]]-era alt-metal scene".<ref>{{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}}</ref> Nu metal merges elements of heavy metal music<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref name="horror">{{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 }}</ref><ref name="descent">{{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}}</ref> with elements of other music genres such as [[hip hop music|hip hop]],<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref name="Chad Bowar">{{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 }}</ref> [[grunge]], [[funk]],<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref name="horror"/>{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}}<ref name=Citron>{{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.}}</ref><ref name="KahnHarris">{{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.<br>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.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Iannini |first=Tommaso |title=Nu Metal |publisher=[[Giunti Editore|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.}}</ref> and alternative rock according to [[Blabbermouth.net]].<ref name=Dez/> Nu metal bands use many elements of heavy metal genres such as [[rap metal]], [[groove metal]], and [[funk metal]].<ref name="Allmusic"/>{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}}<ref>{{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."</ref> Some nu metal bands, such as [[Static-X]]<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Dope (band)|Dope]],<ref name="NoRegrets">{{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}}</ref> 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}}<ref name="Oxford" /><ref>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)."</ref>

===Musical characteristics===
====Instrumentation====
[[File:ReginaldArvizu.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Korn bassist [[Fieldy]] (''pictured'') cites bassists such as [[Flea (musician)|Flea]] of [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]] and [[Les Claypool]] of [[Primus (band)|Primus]] as influences.<ref name="mollylambert" /><ref>{{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}}</ref>]]{{Quotebox
| quote = Then a funny thing happened: [[wikt:myopic|myopic]] anti-rap sentiment within more conservative heavy metal quarters saw a slew of new bands already busy blurring these genre lines ([[Faith No More]], [[Infectious Grooves]], etc.) repositioned as “[[funk metal]]”; but this did nothing to slow down the increasing cross-pollination, as some bands added [[record scratch|record-scratching]] DJs to their arsenal. Finally, a generation of [[groove metal]] bands led by Texas’ [[Pantera]] brought a new level (pun intended) of [[rhythm]]ic elements into heavy metal, and most of the ingredients were finally in place for bands like [[Korn]], [[Deftones]], [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] and [[Limp Bizkit]] to kickstart and [[wikt:coalesce|coalesce]] the Nu-Metal craze.
| source = Eduardo Rivadavia of ''[[Loudwire]]'' (October 27, 2017) [https://loudwire.com/albums-defined-nu-metal-beginning/]
| align = left
| width = 30%
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Instrumentation in nu metal is heavily [[Syncopation|syncopated]] and is based mostly on guitar [[riff]]s, although these riffs are prominent, guitar solos are not integrated heavily within the genre. These riffs often being inspired by groove metal.<ref name="daddy"/> Mid-song bridges and the general lack of [[guitar solo]]s contrasts it with other genres of heavy metal.<ref name="daddy"/><ref name=Sam /> Kory Grow of ''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]'' wrote, "...&nbsp;[i]n its efforts to tune down and simplify riffs, {{nowrap|nu-metal}} effectively drove a stake through the heart of the guitar solo".<ref name="FinalSix">{{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 (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 }}</ref> Another contrast with other [[heavy metal genres]] is nu metal's emphasis on rhythm, rather than on complexity or mood.<ref name="horror"/> The [[wah pedal]] is occasionally featured in nu metal music.<ref name="FinalSix" />

Nu metal bassists and drummers are often influenced by funk and hip hop, respectively, adding to nu metal's rhythmic nature.<ref name="crhythm">{{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 |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201193516/http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Rock_File_British_Christian_NuMetal/7793/p1/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="McIver2008">{{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}}</ref> [[Blast beat]]s and [[Bass drum#Double bass drum|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,<ref name="Oxford">{{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}}</ref> with drummers such as [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot's]] [[Joey Jordison]] and [[Mudvayne]]'s [[Matthew McDonough|Matt McDonough]] being notable exceptions.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Nu metal's similarities with many heavy metal subgenres include its use of [[common time]], [[distortion (music)|distorted]] guitars, and [[power chord]]s and note structures primarily revolving around [[Dorian mode|Dorian]], [[Aeolian mode|Aeolian]] or [[Phrygian mode|Phrygian]] [[musical mode|modes]].<ref name="daddy" /> While loud and heavily [[distortion (music)|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."<ref>Whitehead, Neil L. ''Virtual War and Magical Death: Technologies and Imaginaries for Terror and Killing''. Duke University Press, 2013. p. 221</ref>

Some nu metal bands use [[seven-string guitar]]s<ref name="MichiganDaily" /> that are generally [[guitar tunings|down-tuned]],<ref name="Oxford" /><ref name="ozzfest2">{{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}}</ref> rather than traditional {{nowrap|[[six-string guitar]]s.{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}}}} Likewise, some bass guitarists use [[extended-range bass|five-string and six-string]] instruments.{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}}<ref>{{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 Publications|SAGE]] |year=2011 |last=Brabazon |first=Tara |isbn=978-1-84787-436-8 |page=162 |access-date=January 28, 2017}}</ref> {{nowrap|Bass guitar-playing}} in nu metal often features an emphasis on funk elements.<ref name="MichiganDaily" /> In nu metal music, [[Turntablism|DJs]] are sometimes featured to provide instrumentation such as [[sampling (music)|sampling]], turntable [[scratching]] and [[electronic musical instrument|electronic]] backgrounds.{{sfn|McIver|2002|pp=12–13}} {{nowrap|Nu metal}} tends to have hip hop grooves and rhythms.<ref name="Sam">{{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}}</ref>{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=16}}<ref name="MichiganDaily">{{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}}</ref>

====Vocals====
{{Quote box
| quote = For a genre that blends the vocally-centric music of hip-hop with the visceral fury of metal, any given nu-metal band's identity is defined in large part by the sonic persona of their frontperson.
| source = Eli Enis of [[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] (July 26, 2021) [https://www.revolvermag.com/music/10-best-nu-metal-vocalists-all-time/]
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Vocal styles used in nu metal music include singing,{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=16}} [[rapping]],<ref name="Sam" /><ref name="RockNAmerica" /> [[screaming (music)|screaming]]<ref name="Oxford" /><ref name="RockNAmerica" /> and [[death growl|growl]]ing.<ref name=RockNAmerica>{{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}}</ref> Vocals in nu metal are often rhythmic and influenced by hip hop.<ref name=Utsandiego /> While some nu metal bands, such as [[Limp Bizkit]]<ref>{{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 (magazine)|SPIN]] |last=Herzog |first=Kenny |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=January 25, 2017}}</ref> and [[Linkin Park]],<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 (magazine)|Complex]] |date=April 30, 2012 |access-date=January 25, 2017}}</ref> have rapping in their music, other nu metal bands, such as [[Godsmack]]<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Staind]],<ref name="StaindArtistDirect" /> 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 [[Family Values Tour 1998|1998 Family Values Tour]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Limp Bizkit has recorded with multiple hip hop musicians including [[Method Man]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Lil Wayne]],<ref>{{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 (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=March 25, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2015}}</ref> [[Xzibit]],<ref name="Chocolate">{{cite magazine |title=Personal Bizness |magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |author=Christgau, Robert |year=2001 |volume=17 |number=1 |issn=0886-3032 |pages=111–112 <!--|access-date=January 25, 2017-->|author-link=Robert Christgau }}</ref> [[Redman (rapper)|Redman]],<ref name="Chocolate" /> [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]]<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Snoop Dogg]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Linkin Park]] collaborated with hip hop musician [[Jay-Z]] on their 2004 extended play ''[[Collision Course (EP)|Collision Course]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Kid Rock]] has recorded with hip hop musicians [[Eminem]]<ref>{{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}}</ref> and Snoop Dogg.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Trevor Baker of ''[[The Guardian]]'' wrote, "Bands such as Linkin Park, Korn and even the much reviled Limp Bizkit&nbsp;... did far more to break down the artificial barriers between 'urban music' and rock than any of their more critically acceptable counterparts."<ref name="guardian">{{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}}</ref>

====Lyrics====
Lyrics in nu metal songs are often angry or nihilistic;{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=16}}<ref name="MichiganDaily" /><ref name=RockNAmerica /> many of the genre's lyrics focus on topics such as pain,<ref name="KahnHarris"/><ref name=RockNAmerica /> angst,<ref name="Sam" /><ref name=RockNAmerica /> bullying,<ref name="firstpost-anatomy" /> emotional issues,<ref name="firstpost-anatomy" /><ref name="MichiganDaily" /> abandonment,<ref name="firstpost-anatomy" /><ref name="MichiganDaily" /> betrayal,<ref name="firstpost-anatomy" /> and personal alienation,<ref name="KahnHarris"/><ref name=RockNAmerica /> in a way similar to those of grunge.<ref name="firstpost-anatomy">{{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}}</ref><ref name="KahnHarris"/><ref name=RockNAmerica /><ref name=slayer>{{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}}</ref> Many nu metal lyrics that are about these topics tend to be in a very direct tone.<ref name="MichiganDaily" /> However, some {{nowrap|nu metal}} songs have lyrics that are about other topics. [[P.O.D.]] has used positive lyrics about promise and hope.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The nu metal<ref>{{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}}</ref> song "[[Bodies (Drowning Pool song)|Bodies]]" by [[Drowning Pool]] is about [[moshing]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> ''[[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".<ref name="MichiganDaily" /> Limp Bizkit's lyrics have also been described as misogynistic.{{sfn|Devenish|2000|pp=67–68}} [[Dope (band)|Dope]]'s lyrics are usually about sex, drugs, parties, women, violence, and relationships.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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."<ref name="JoshChesler" />

===Fashion===
[[File:Korn Logo Black PNG.png|thumb|The [[Korn]] logo (stylized as KoЯn) became an iconic symbol of nu metal.]]
Nu metal clothing typically consists of baggy pants,<ref name=FinalSix /><ref name=VH1 /><ref name="metalsux" /><ref name=vice>{{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 (magazine)|Vice]] |last=Hutchinson |first=Kate |date=February 12, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2017}}</ref> shirts, and shorts,<ref name="Sam" /><ref name=NM-gurus>{{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}}</ref> [[JNCO]] jeans,<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=Decibel /> [[Adidas]] tracksuits,<ref name=Decibel /> sports jerseys,<ref name=28bands>{{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}}</ref> baseball caps,<ref name="Lucy" /> baggy [[hoodie]]s,<ref name=vice /> [[cargo pants]], and [[sweatpants]].<ref name=houston /> Nu metal hairstyles and facial hairstyles include [[dreadlocks]],<ref name=houston>{{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 }}</ref> [[Braid (hairstyle)|braids]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> spiky hair,<ref name=VH1 /><ref name="28bands" /> chin beards,<ref name=metalsux>{{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}}</ref><ref name="houston" /> bald heads,<ref name="houston" /><ref name="fashion-guide" /> [[goatee]]s,<ref name="houston" /> [[frosted tips]],<ref name=vice /> and [[hair coloring|bleached or dyed hair]].<ref name=VH1 /><ref name="houston" /> Common accessories in nu metal fashion include [[Wallet chain|wallet chains]],<ref name="Sam" /><ref name="28bands" /><ref name=fashion-guide>{{cite web |url=http://www.fuse.tv/galleries/2015/02/nu-metal-fashion |title=The Complete Guide to Nu-Metal Fashion |publisher=[[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]] |last1=Sherman |first1=Maria |last2=Nuñez |first2=Jatnna |date=February 18, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2017}}</ref> tattoos,<ref name="Sam" /><ref name="NM-gurus" /><ref name="fashion-guide" /> and piercings,<ref name="Sam" /><ref name=FinalSix /><ref name="NM-gurus" /><ref name="houston" /> especially facial piercings.<ref name=vice /><ref name="fashion-guide" /> Nu metal fashion has been compared to [[hip hop fashion]].<ref name=FinalSix />

Some nu metal bands such as [[Motograter]],<ref>{{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 }}</ref> [[Mushroomhead]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Mudvayne]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mudvayne-mn0000509156 |title=Mudvayne |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=January 25, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Hay">{{cite magazine |last1=Hay |first1=Carla |title=No Name's Mudvayne 'Digs' into the Billboard 200 |publisher= |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |volume=113 |number=17 |pages=17; 81 |issn=0006-2510 |date=April 28, 2001 <!--|access-date=January 25, 2017-->}}</ref> and [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]]<ref name="fashion-guide" /><ref>{{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}}</ref> wear masks, jumpsuits, costumes, face paint, [[corpse paint]] or [[body paint]]. A few nu metal bands, such as [[Coal Chamber]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Kittie]]<ref name=RS>{{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}}</ref> are known for having [[Goth fashion|gothic]] appearances.

==History==
===1980s–1993: Precursors and origins===
[[File:Mike patton.jpg|thumb|right|[[Mike Patton]] of [[Faith No More]] and [[Mr. Bungle]] was a major influence on nu metal<ref name=eightgroups>{{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}}</ref>]]

[[Thrash metal]] band [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]]<ref name=HarvardCrimson>{{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}}</ref> was an influence on nu metal by combining hip hop and metal on their 1987 [[rap metal]] EP ''[[I'm the Man (EP)|I'm the Man]]'';<ref>{{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}}</ref> this laid groundwork for {{nowrap|nu metal's}} development.<ref name=Lucy /> Nu metal bands often borrowed their metal influence from [[groove metal]] band [[Pantera]], with the pioneering nu metal band Korn's lead vocalist [[Jonathan Davis]] saying of Pantera guitarist [[Dimebag Darrell]], "if there was no Dimebag Darrell, there would be no Korn".<ref name=Dimebag>{{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}}</ref> [[Alternative metal]] musician [[Mike Patton]] of [[Faith No More]] and [[Mr. Bungle]] was a major influence on many nu metal vocalists due to his wide range of vocal styles.<ref name=eightgroups />

===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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> The aggressive riffs of Korn, the rapping of [[Limp Bizkit]], and the melodic ballads of Staind created the sonic template for nu metal.<ref name="Grierson Alt-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,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/life-is-peachy-mw0000079144/credits |title=Life Is Peachy – Korn &#124; Credits |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/korn-mw0000121939/credits |title=Korn – Korn &#124; Credits |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 20, 2013}}</ref> Limp Bizkit<ref>{{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}}</ref> and Slipknot.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/slipknot-mw0000241229/credits |title=Slipknot – Slipknot {{!}} Credits |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/iowa-mw0000589672/credits |title=Iowa – Slipknot {{!}} Credits |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref> Many of the first nu metal bands, such as Korn<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Deftones]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> came from California; however, the genre soon spread across the United States and many bands arose from various states, including Limp Bizkit from Florida,<ref name="Grierson Alt-Metal">{{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}}</ref> Staind from [[Massachusetts]],{{sfn|Kitts|Tolinski|2002|p=11}} and Slipknot from [[Iowa]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/slipknot-mn0000750742/biography |title=Slipknot &#124; Biography & History |last=Huey |first=Steve |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=November 3, 2014}}</ref> 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|''Spin'' magazine]]."{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=197}}

In 1994, Korn released [[Korn (album)|their self-titled debut album]], which is widely considered the first nu metal album.<ref name="RollingStoneKorn">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>{{sfn|McIver|2002|p=23}} Korn had experienced underground popularity at this time; their debut album peaked at number 72 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name=KornALBUMS /> In 1995, the band [[Sugar Ray]] released its debut studio album ''[[Lemonade and Brownies]]'', an album described as both funk metal and nu metal.<ref name="orig">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/original-album-series-mw0002477174|title=Original Album Series – Sugar Ray – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic|website=AllMusic}}</ref><ref name=PhoenixLopez>{{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''<!---Don't remove the italics. The italics are in the article's title.---> Artistic Integrity Disintergrate<!---Don't correct the spelling of "disintegrate", they spelled it incorrectly.---> |work=[[Phoenix New Times]] |last=Lopez |first=Michael |date=October 26, 2010 |access-date=August 14, 2018}}</ref> In 1995, Deftones released their debut album ''[[Adrenaline (album)|Adrenaline]]''. The album peaked at number 23 on the [[Heatseekers Albums]] chart on October 5, 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deftones/chart-history/tln/ |title=Deftones Chart History (Heatseekers Albums) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=December 20, 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> ''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}}

Sepultura's 1996 album ''[[Roots (Sepultura album)|Roots]]'' features nu metal elements that were considered influential to the genre,<ref name="Roorback" /><ref name="Juggalos">{{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}}</ref> while ''Roots'' itself was influenced by Korn's self-titled debut album.<ref name="Roorback">{{cite web |url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/sepultura-roorback/ |title=Sepultura: Roorback |first=Adrien |last=Begrand |work=[[PopMatters]] |date=November 11, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{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 <!--|access-date=January 26, 2017-->}}</ref><ref>{{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 (magazine)|Revolver]] |last=Burgess |first=Aaron |date=September 9, 2014 |access-date=September 21, 2015}}</ref> Nu metal continued to rise in popularity when Korn's 1996 album ''[[Life Is Peachy]]'' peaked at number 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200<ref name=KornALBUMS />{{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===
{{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 (magazine)|Decibel]]'' as ''[[Around the Fur]]''{{'s}} "most nü-metal track".<ref name="Decibel" />
}}

Few bands played nu metal until 1997, which ''Billboard'' writer William Goodman called a "banner year" for the genre, as [[Sevendust]], Coal Chamber, [[Limp Bizkit]] and [[Papa Roach]] all released their debut albums.<ref name="Banneryear">{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/limp-bizkit-three-dollar-bill-yall-anniversary-7850188/ |title= 20 Years Ago, Limp Bizkit's 'Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$' Introduced the World to Fred Durst's White Rage |work=[[Billboard.com|Billboard]] |last=Goodman |first=William |date=July 1, 2017 |access-date=August 19, 2021}}</ref> Limp Bizkit's ''[[Three Dollar Bill, Y'all]]'' (July 1997) grew in popularity as the band's mainstream profile rose, eventually going double platinum in the United States.{{Certification Cite Ref|title=Three Dollar Bill, Y'All|artist=Limp Bizkit|type=album|region=United States}} Coal Chamber's [[Coal Chamber (album)|self-titled debut]] was a minor hit—frequently compared to Korn—and gained exposure through the band's appearances at [[Ozzfest]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Sugar Ray]]'s ''[[Floored]]'' went multi-platinum, though its only hit—the [[reggae]]-leaning "[[Fly (Sugar Ray song)|Fly]]"—pointed toward the [[pop rock]] direction the band fully embraced on ''[[14:59]]'' (1999).<ref name=SugarRayBio>{{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}}</ref> [[Deftones]]' ''[[Around the Fur]]'', also from 1997, reached number 29 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and was later certified platinum.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Korn London 1997.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Korn bassist [[Reginald Arvizu]] and former drummer [[David Silveria]] performing live with the band in 1997]]
In 1998, nu metal achieved full mainstream success. ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' later called August 18, 1998—which saw the release of Korn's ''[[Follow the Leader (Korn album)|Follow the Leader]]'', [[Kid Rock]]'s major-label debut ''[[Devil Without a Cause]]'' and [[Orgy (band)|Orgy]]'s ''[[Candyass]]''—the "Biggest Day in Nu-Metal History".<ref>{{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}}</ref> ''Follow the Leader'' topped the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="KornALBUMS">{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=korn|chart=Billboard 200}} |title=Korn – Chart history (''Billboard'' 200) |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref> was certified multi-platinum, and paved the way for other nu metal bands.<ref name="guardian" /> By this point many were signed to major labels and drew on heavy metal, hip hop, industrial, or grunge.<ref name="Allmusic" /> A number of established acts also adopted nu metal elements, among them rappers [[Vanilla Ice]] and Cypress Hill and metal bands [[Sepultura]], [[Primus (band)|Primus]], [[Fear Factory]], [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]] and [[Slayer]].<ref name="citypaper">{{cite web|url=http://www2.citypaper.com/music/review.asp?rid=7475 |title=Baltimore City Paper: Nothingface / An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity &#124; 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}}</ref><ref name="Roorback" /><ref name=InsidetheMachine /> In 1999, Korn's fourth album ''[[Issues (Korn album)|Issues]]'' also reached number 1 and was certified multi-platinum within a month.<ref name="KornALBUMS" /><ref name="KornDreDion">{{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}}</ref> Korn, Limp Bizkit and P.O.D. appeared repeatedly on ''[[Total Request Live]]''. As the genre grew, Limp Bizkit's hedonistic, hypermasculine songs appealed especially to "[[Jock (stereotype)|jocks]]" and [[fraternity]] men,{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=207}} while heavier bands drew [[mall goth]]s and other outsiders who identified with the genre's angst-driven lyrics.<ref name=GenZ>{{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}}</ref>

The [[Woodstock 1999]] festival featured multiple nu metal artists and bands such as Korn, Limp Bizkit and [[Sevendust]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]]".<ref name="LimpBizkitThrashBack">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Several sexual assaults were reported to have happened during the festival;<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Despite the incidents at the festival, Limp Bizkit's popularity and the sales of their then-recent album ''[[Significant Other (album)|Significant Other]]'' were not affected.<ref name="LimpBizkitThrashBack" /> The album topped the ''Billboard'' 200 and was certified multi-platinum.{{sfn|Devenish|2000|pp=95–113}}{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Significant Other|artist=Limp Bizkit}}

[[File:Slipknot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Slipknot performing in [[Buenos Aires]] in 2005]]

In 1999, Slipknot emerged with an extremely heavy nu metal sound, releasing their [[Slipknot (album)|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.<ref name=slipknotreview>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/slipknot-mw0000241229 |title=Slipknot – Slipknot |website=[[AllMusic]] |last=Anderson |first=Rick |access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref> Slipknot drummer [[Joey Jordison]], noted by Anderson for his death metal-influenced drumming,<ref name=slipknotreview/> 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}}

[[File:Disturbed live 2005.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Disturbed performing in 2005]]

In 1999, Staind's second album ''[[Dysfunction (album)|Dysfunction]]'' yielded the Mainstream Rock hit "[[Mudshovel]]" and went multi-platinum.<ref name="StaindAwards">{{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]]}}</ref> In 2000, Limp Bizkit's third album ''[[Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water]]'' set a record for the highest first-week sales of a rock album, selling over a million copies in its first week and breaking a seven-year-old record held by [[Pearl Jam]]'s ''[[Vs. (Pearl Jam album)|Vs.]]''<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Reese |first=Lori |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,85663,00.html |title=Bizkit in Gravy &#124; 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 }}</ref> The same year, Papa Roach's ''[[Infest (album)|Infest]]'', [[Disturbed (band)|Disturbed]]'s debut ''[[The Sickness]]'' and P.O.D.'s ''[[The Fundamental Elements of Southtown]]'' all reached platinum status. Many nu metal acts—among them [[Kittie]], Disturbed, [[Mudvayne]], [[Linkin Park]], Slipknot, Papa Roach, [[Static-X]] and [[Drowning Pool]]—performed at the commercially successful [[Ozzfest]],<ref name=ozzfest1>{{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}}</ref> while Papa Roach and Limp Bizkit joined rappers [[Eminem]] and [[Xzibit]] on the sold-out [[Anger Management Tour]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Linkin Park - Summer Sonic 2006.jpg|thumb|left|Linkin Park in 2006]]
Late in 2000, Linkin Park released their debut ''[[Hybrid Theory]]'', which became the best-selling debut album of the 21st century and marked the commercial peak of nu metal.<ref>{{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}}</ref> It was the best-selling album of 2001 in the United States<ref name="RockNY">{{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}}</ref><ref name="LinkinParkShaggyNSYNC">{{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}}</ref> and was ultimately certified diamond by the RIAA.{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|type=album|title=Hybrid Theory|artist=Linkin Park}} The band won a [[Grammy Award]] for "[[Crawling (song)|Crawling]]", and its single "[[In the End]]" reached number 2 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in early 2002.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Staind Lewis.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Aaron Lewis (musician)|Aaron Lewis]], the vocalist of Staind, performing in August 2001]]

[[Crazy Town]]'s debut ''[[The Gift of Game]]'' reached number 9 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and went platinum.<ref name="CrazyAMG">{{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}}</ref> Staind's 2001 album ''[[Break the Cycle]]'' debuted at number 1 and was certified multi-platinum,<ref name="StaindAwards" /><ref name="LinkinParkShaggyNSYNC" /> although much of it showed the band moving toward a softer sound.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In August 2001, Slipknot released ''[[Iowa (album)|Iowa]]'', which reached number 3 and went platinum; critic John Mulvey called it the "absolute triumph of nu metal".<ref name="Yahoo">{{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}}</ref> P.O.D.'s ''[[Satellite (P.O.D. album)|Satellite]]'' went triple platinum, and the band's popularity carried into 2002.<ref name="DAngeloMTV2">{{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}}</ref> Drowning Pool's debut ''[[Sinner (Drowning Pool album)|Sinner]]'' also went platinum, and its single "[[Bodies (Drowning Pool song)|Bodies]]" became a frequently played video on MTV.<ref name="Drowning Pool">{{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 }}</ref> [[System of a Down]]'s ''[[Toxicity (album)|Toxicity]]'' topped the ''Billboard'' 200 and was certified multi-platinum; the band blended nu metal with [[Middle Eastern music]], [[Armenian music]] and jazz, and was noted for its political lyrics.<ref name=Wiederhorn>{{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}}</ref>

===2001–2004: Continued success and early signs of decline===
In 2003, MTV reported that nu metal's mainstream popularity had declined over the previous year, noting that Korn's ''[[Untouchables (album)|Untouchables]]'' and Papa Roach's ''[[Lovehatetragedy]]'' both sold less than their predecessors and that the bands' new releases featured fewer hip hop elements.<ref name=Utsandiego /><ref name=DAngeloMTV>{{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 }}</ref> Korn's Jonathan Davis attributed the lower sales of ''Untouchables'' to [[music piracy]], as the album had leaked online months before release.<ref>{{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}}</ref> MTV further observed that nu metal received less radio and television airplay and that the genre's talent pool had been diluted by numerous similar-sounding bands, including [[American Head Charge]], [[Adema]], [[Cold (band)|Cold]] and [[Dope (band)|Dope]], whose albums "left more of a collective impression than individual ones".<ref name=DAngeloMTV3>{{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}}</ref> It also noted that [[Kid Rock]]'s country single "[[Picture (Kid Rock song)|Picture]]" outperformed his nu-metal-styled material.<ref name=JoshChesler>{{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}}</ref><ref name=DAngeloMTV3 />

Despite that narrative, ''Untouchables'' was certified platinum and its single "[[Here to Stay (Korn song)|Here to Stay]]" received heavy radio play and topped MTV's ''Total Request Live'', though the album still sold less than Korn's most successful release, ''Follow the Leader''.<ref name="Decibel">{{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 (magazine)|Decibel]] |date=August 13, 2015 |access-date=September 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name=DAngeloMTV /> Linkin Park's remix album ''[[Reanimation (Linkin Park album)|Reanimation]]'' sold over a million copies in 2002, which MTV called impressive for a remix album,<ref name="DAngeloMTV2" /> and P.O.D. remained popular with ''Satellite''.

In 2003, Linkin Park's ''[[Meteora (album)|Meteora]]'' debuted at number 1 and was certified multi-platinum. Limp Bizkit's ''[[Results May Vary]]'' (2003) shifted toward alternative rock; it reached number 3 but drew poor reviews and sold far less than the band's earlier albums.<ref name="NYDailyNews">{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/story/165032p-144558c.html |title=Metal bands rocked by slump |newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040218235442/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/story/165032p-144558c.html |archive-date=February 18, 2004 |date=February 17, 2004}}</ref> Korn's ''[[Take a Look in the Mirror]]'' likewise sold less than its predecessors.<ref name="NYDailyNews" /> Even so, several international acts found success with the style, including [[Three Days Grace]] from Canada and [[Lostprophets]] from Wales, the latter scoring the highest-charting single by a UK rock band in 2003 with "[[Last Train Home (Lostprophets song)|Last Train Home]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/slipknot-metallica-the-darkness-among-best-band-nominees-at-kerrang-awards|title=SLIPKNOT, METALLICA, THE DARKNESS Among 'Best Band' Nominees At KERRANG! AWARDS 2004|date=25 August 2004 }}</ref>

===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.<ref name=Decibel /><ref name="NYDailyNews"/><ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>[https://loudwire.com/best-metalcore-albums-2004/ The 10 Best Metalcore Albums of 2004], ''Loudwire''</ref><ref>[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''</ref><ref>[https://www.furious.com/perfect/numetal.html Perfect Sound Forever: Nu-Metal]</ref> By this point in time, [[indie rock|indie]] and [[Post-punk revival|garage rock revival]] bands such as [[the Strokes]],<ref name=g1000>{{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}}</ref> [[The White Stripes]],<ref>[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]</ref> and [[Jet (Australian band)|Jet]]<ref name="NYDailyNews" /> 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.<ref name=KahnHarris /> 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 (band)|Unearth]], [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]], and [[Bullet for My Valentine]]. Groove metal band [[Lamb of God (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".<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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 (Linkin Park album)|Minutes to Midnight]]'', released in 2007, was noted for its near-complete departure from the band's nu metal sound.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Describing the album's style, singer [[Chester Bennington]] stated, "We've really moved away from anything that sounds like nu-metal."<ref name="Blabbermouth2007">{{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}}</ref> Nu metal bands such as Disturbed,<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Soulfly]], Drowning Pool,<ref name="Drowning Pool"/> and Slipknot<ref>{{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}}</ref> had begun to utilize heavier elements of [[groove metal]], [[death metal]] and [[thrash metal]] into their music.<ref>{{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)</ref><ref>{{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)</ref> Similarly to Limp Bizkit; Staind and Papa Roach had also begun experimenting with Alternative Rock into their sound.<ref name="StaindAbout">{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/papa-roach-mn0000007731 |title=Papa Roach &#124; Music Biography, Credits and Discography |website=AllMusic |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> Staind's 2003 album ''[[14 Shades of Grey]]'' was significantly less heavy than previous albums<ref>{{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)</ref> and shows the band's departure from nu metal and a movement towards a lighter sound.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Papa Roach abandoned the nu metal genre entirely with their 2004 album ''[[Getting Away with Murder (album)|Getting Away with Murder]]'',<ref>{{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}}</ref> moving to a hard rock style.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> [[System of a Down]] released two albums in 2005, ''[[Mezmerize (album)|Mezmerize]]'' and ''[[Hypnotize (album)|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2005, Limp Bizkit released an EP called ''[[The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)]]'' which had little promotion and advertising.<ref name=Harris>{{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}}</ref> The album was not very popular;<ref>{{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}}</ref> its sales fell 67% during its second week of release.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2006, Limp Bizkit went on hiatus.<ref name=Harris /> 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."<ref>{{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}}</ref>}}

===2010s: Underground revival===
[[File:Of Mice & Men November 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Of Mice & Men (band)|Of Mice & Men]] 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.<ref>{{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)</ref> 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<ref>{{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}}</ref> gained moderate popularity in the 2010s and used elements from nu metal. This fusion is [[nu metalcore]].<ref name="Thrash Hits - Nu metalcore2">{{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}}</ref> Suicide Silence's 2011 album ''[[The Black Crown]]'', which features elements of nu metal and deathcore,<ref name="MetalSucksNuDethcore2">{{cite web |title=Is Nu-Dethcore The Next Big Thing???? #Bouncewitme |url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2011/10/24/is-nu-<!--- Do NOT change dethcore to deathcore. MetalSucks spelled it as deathcore.--->dethcore-the-next-big-thing-bouncewitme/ |access-date=June 27, 2014 |publisher=MetalSucks}}</ref> peaked at number 28 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Black Crown – Suicide Silence <nowiki>|</nowiki> Awards |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-black-crown-mw0002165230/awards |website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Suicide Silence – Chart history |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/280951/suicide-silence/chart |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> In 2014, [[Issues (band)|Issues]]' [[Issues (Issues album)|self-titled debut album]] peaked at number 9 on the same chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |title='Frozen' Earns Most Weeks At No. 1 For A Soundtrack Since 'Titanic' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5915773/frozen-earns-most-weeks-at-no-1-for-a-soundtrack-since-titanic |magazine=Billboard}} (February 26, 2014)</ref> The album features elements of metalcore, nu metal, pop and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Heaney |first=Gregory |title=Issues – Issues |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/issues-mw0002585187 |access-date=January 28, 2017 |website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> Of Mice & Men's 2014 album ''[[Restoring Force (album)|Restoring Force]]'', which features elements of nu metal,<ref name="Megusta2">{{cite web |title=Of Mice & Men – Restoring Force (2014) |url=http://www.megustareviews.com/2014/01/of-mice-men-restoring-force-2014.html |publisher=Megusta Reviews}}</ref> peaked at number 4 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite news |title=Of Mice & Men's 'Restoring Force' Cracks U.S. Top 5 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/of-mice-mens-restoring-force-cracks-u-s-top-5/}} (February 5, 2014)</ref> [[Bring Me the Horizon]], often described as a [[metalcore]] band, released their fifth album ''[[That's the Spirit]]'', which peaked at number 2 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 20, 2015 |title=Bring Me The Horizon's 'That's The Spirit' Lands At No. 2 On The Billboard 200 Chart |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bring-me-the-horizons-thats-the-spirit-lands-at-no-2-on-the-billboard-200-chart/#comments |access-date=October 11, 2015}}</ref> The album draws from multiple genres including nu metal<ref name="theguardian2">{{cite web |author=Lanre Bakare |date=September 10, 2015 |title=Bring Me the Horizon: That's the Spirit review – nu-metal reanimators |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/10/bring-me-the-horizon-thats-the-spirit-review |access-date=October 8, 2015 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |date=July 23, 2015 |title=Bring Me the Horizon on Ditching Metalcore for Poppy, Positive New LP |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bring-me-the-horizon-on-ditching-metalcore-for-poppy-positive-new-lp-20150723 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> and would experiment further with nu metal on their 2020 album ''[[Post Human: Survival Horror]]''. The band's keyboardist has described them as a nu metal band.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Jake |date=January 6, 2021 |title=Bring Me the Horizon Is a Nu-Metal Band, According to Keyboardist |url=https://notetoscene.com/bring-me-horizon-nu-metal-jordan-fish/ |access-date=2021-01-27 |website=Note To Scene |language=en}}</ref> [[Motionless in White|Motionless In White]] in ''[[Graveyard Shift (album)|Graveyard Shift]]'' and ''[[Disguise (album)|Disguise]]'' features elements of industrial, gothic, metalcore and nu metal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-12 |title=ALBUM REVIEW: Motionless In White – Disguise {{!}} DEAD PRESS! {{!}} It's more than "just music" to us |url=http://www.deadpress.co.uk/album-review-motionless-in-white-disguise/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612144831/http://www.deadpress.co.uk/album-review-motionless-in-white-disguise/ |archive-date=2019-06-12 }}</ref>

Some media outlets viewed a nu metal revival as beginning in the 2010s with groups like [[Blood Youth]], [[Cane Hill (band)|Cane Hill]],<ref name="Stewart 20212">{{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]]}}</ref> [[Stray from the Path|Stray From The Path]], [[Sworn In (band)|Sworn In]], [[DangerKids]], [[Islander (band)|Islander]],<ref>{{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 }}</ref> and [[Blind Channel]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Within this movement, nu metalcore became increasingly prominent through the popularity of groups like [[Vein.fm]], [[Loathe (band)|Loathe]] and [[Code Orange (band)|Code Orange]]. According to ''[[PopMatters]]'' writer Ethan Stewart, Code Orange's 2017 album ''[[Forever (Code Orange album)|Forever]]'' led to nu metalcore becoming "one of the most prominent flavors of contemporary metal".<ref name="Stewart 20212" />

===Late 2010s–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 (band)|Tetrarch]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Other notable acts in this wave include [[Tallah]], [[Orthodox (band)|Orthodox]], [[Vended]], and [[Wargasm (band)|Wargasm]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:John Cooper Skillet Lifest 2017.jpg|thumb|[[Skillet (band)|Skillet]] frontman [[John L. Cooper]] founded Fight the Fury to return to a specifically heavy sound.|274x274px]]
In 2018, [[John Cooper (musician)|John L. Cooper]], the frontman of [[Christian rock]] band [[Skillet (band)|Skillet]], formed Fight the Fury as a side project inspired by the sound of acts like [[Metallica]], Disturbed, and Slipknot.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Blue |first=Jeannie |date=November 9, 2018 |title=Interview – John Cooper of Fight the Fury & Skillet |url=https://crypticrock.com/interview-john-cooper-of-fight-the-fury-skillet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260106232013/https://crypticrock.com/interview-john-cooper-of-fight-the-fury-skillet/ |archive-date=January 6, 2026 |access-date=January 6, 2026 |work=Cryptic Rock}}</ref> Echoing elements of nu metal from [[Collide (Skillet album)|''Collide'']] in 2003,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Francesco |first=J.J. |date=July 26, 2023 |title=Skillet's 'Collide' Turns 20 |url=https://www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=3878 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260206025210/https://www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=3878 |archive-date=February 6, 2026 |access-date=February 6, 2026 |website=New Release Today}}</ref> the ''[[Still Breathing (EP)|Still Breathing]]'' EP explores various social themes, such as child abuse, spiritual issues, and mental health.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Graff |first=Gary |date=November 26, 2018 |title=Skillet's John Cooper Reveals 'My Demons' Video From Side Project Fight the Fury: Premiere |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/john-cooper-my-demons-fight-the-fury-premiere-8481789/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260106234909/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/john-cooper-my-demons-fight-the-fury-premiere-8481789/ |archive-date=January 6, 2026 |access-date=January 6, 2026 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCormack |first=Jeff |date=October 27, 2018 |title=Fight the Fury: Still Breathing |url=https://heavensmetalmagazine.com/index.php/2018/10/27/fight-the-fury-still-breathing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107000330/https://heavensmetalmagazine.com/index.php/2018/10/27/fight-the-fury-still-breathing/ |archive-date=January 7, 2026 |access-date=January 7, 2026 |website=Heaven's Metal Magazine}}</ref>

[[File:Poppy_10_31_2018_-2_(45635254575).jpg|thumb|left|[[Poppy (entertainer)|Poppy]] incorporated nu metal into [[electropop]] on her albums ''[[I Disagree]]'' and ''[[Am I a Girl?]]''.|160x160px]]
[[Electropop|Electronic]] and [[art pop]] singer-songwriters incorporated nu metal into their sound in the late 2010s and early 2020s.<ref name=":2">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=<!--Not stated-->|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}}</ref> [[Poppy (entertainer)|Poppy]] has incorporated nu metal on her albums ''[[Am I a Girl?]]''<ref name=":1">{{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}}</ref> and ''[[I Disagree]]'',<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Grimes (musician)|Grimes]] on album ''[[Miss Anthropocene]]''<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Rina Sawayama]] on ''[[Sawayama]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The songs "[[We Appreciate Power]]" and "[[Play Destroy]]" were pioneering examples.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Poppy has described this fusion as "nu-Poppy" or "Poppymetal".<ref>{{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|archive-date=2023-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404234000/https://time.com/5455221/poppy-am-i-a-girl/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Dorian Electra]] incorporated nu metal influences on their album ''[[My Agenda]]'',<ref>{{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}}</ref> as did [[Ashnikko]] on ''[[Demidevil]]'', particularly on single "[[Cry (Ashnikko song)|Cry]]".<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ashnikko: Demidevil|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/ashnikko-demidevil/|access-date=2021-05-22|website=Pitchfork|language=en}}</ref> ''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 masculinity|toxic masculine]] tropes, but it's also almost taking the piss out of a very masculine expression of emotion".<ref>{{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}}</ref> Smaller bands have also rose to the scene in the early 2020s with the genre, including [[London]]-based [[Wargasm (band)|Wargasm]], who have been "[[Social validation|validated]] by the nu-metal daddies," after [[Korn]] vocalist Jonathan Davis described them as "his new favourite band."<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>
[[File:Linkin Park - Live at O2 Arena (September 24, 2024).jpg|thumb|[[Linkin Park]] 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.<ref>[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]</ref><ref>[https://www.loudersound.com/features/nu-metal-will-never-die-and-heres-why It’s official: we are living through a nu metal renaissance]</ref><ref>[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?]</ref><ref>[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'?]</ref> In 2023, [[Google Search]]es for the term "nu metal" were reported as being at their highest in "nearly 20 years".<ref>{{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}}</ref> Deftones and Slipknot began gaining popularity among Generation Z in the early 2020s when their music was featured in videos on the app
[[TikTok]].<ref name=GenZ/> Also, several nu metal bands returned and released new music after decades like [[Staind]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Staind Release First Album in over a Decade Confessions of the Fallen .HTML |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}}</ref> [[Adema]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Alien Ant Farm]]<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Kittie]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 (Linkin Park song)|Heavy Is the Crown]]", and "[[Two Faced (song)|Two Faced]]" call back to their earlier nu metal sound prominently featured on ''[[Hybrid Theory]]'' and ''[[Meteora (album)|Meteora]]''.

==Legacy==
===Reception===
Despite its popularity around the turn of the millennium, nu metal has often been criticized by heavy metal fans<ref name=guardian /><ref name=VH1>{{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}}</ref> and labelled with derogatory terms such as "mallcore" and "whinecore".{{sfn|Udo|2002|p=16}} Gregory Heaney of [[AllMusic]] called it "one of metal's more unfortunate pushes into the mainstream";<ref>{{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}}</ref> Lucy Jones of ''[[NME]]'' called it "the worst genre of all time";<ref name=Lucy>{{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}}</ref> and Garry Sharpe-Young dismissed it as "a dumbed-down and—thankfully short[-]lived exercise".<ref name=DefinitiveGuide>{{cite book |title=Metal: The Definitive Guide : Heavy, NWOBH, Progressive, Thrash, Death&nbsp;...|publisher=Jawbone Press |year=2007 |author=Garry Sharpe-Young |page=446 |isbn=978-1-906002-01-5}}</ref> When [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]] adopted a nu metal sound on ''[[The Burning Red]]'', the band were accused of "[[selling out]]", a charge they dismissed.<ref name=InsidetheMachine>{{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}}</ref>

Several prominent metal musicians voiced similar disdain: [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]]'s [[Randy Blythe]] said nu metal "sucks" and predicted audiences were "ready for angrier music",<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Megadeth]]'s [[Dave Mustaine]] said he would "rather have his eyelids pulled out" than listen to it,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Gary Holt (musician)|Gary Holt]] of [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] said he was "so glad" about its decline.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Some of nu metal's own influences also distanced themselves from it: [[Mike Patton]] of [[Faith No More]] said he felt "no responsibility" for the genre,<ref name="Weatherford">{{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}}</ref> while [[Page Hamilton]] of [[Helmet (band)|Helmet]] objected to being "credited with or discredited with creating" a sound the band "sound[ed] nothing like".<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Trent Reznor]] of [[Nine Inch Nails]] called many nu metal bands "insincere" and "a parody of itself".<ref name=TrentNu>{{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}}</ref> The animosity could be mutual: although [[Fred Durst]] of [[Limp Bizkit]] cited [[Rage Against the Machine]] as an influence, that band's bassist [[Tim Commerford]] called Limp Bizkit "one of the dumbest bands in the history of music", though he later said, "I do apologize for Limp Bizkit".<ref name="Commerford">{{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}}</ref><ref name="TimSpin">{{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 Magazine|SPIN]] |last=Carley |first=Brennan|date=September 29, 2015|access-date = October 1, 2015}}</ref>

Others have defended the genre. Jody MacGregor of [[FasterLouder]], while calling nu metal "music's most hated genre", argued it was "not as bad as people think".<ref name=":0">{{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 }}</ref> [[Coal Chamber]]'s [[Dez Fafara]] said he was proud of the association and that nu metal bands "broke new musical ground",<ref name=Dez>{{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}}</ref> while [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]]'s [[Corey Taylor]], [[The Smashing Pumpkins]]' [[Billy Corgan]] and Sevendust's [[Lajon Witherspoon]] praised its cross-pollination of styles and its influence on later metal.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Jack Porter of ''[[The Michigan Daily]]'' argued that the label had become "a ghetto" for any heavy, radio-friendly band perceived as low in quality, causing serious listeners to overlook the genre's merits.<ref name=MichiganDaily /> Writing for ''[[Loudwire]]'', Eduardo Rivadavia credited nu metal with reviving the commercial fortunes of heavy metal in the late 1990s and helping pave the way for the [[new wave of American heavy metal]], [[metalcore]] and [[post-metal]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo RivadaviaEduardo |date=2017-10-27 |title=Roots: 10 Albums That Defined Nu-Metal's Beginnings |url=https://loudwire.com/albums-defined-nu-metal-beginning/ |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>

===Rejection of the label===
Many heavy metal musicians have rejected nu metal as a legitimate metal subgenre, arguing it is not "true heavy metal",<ref name=MikeSmithMetalUnderground>{{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}}</ref> and several of the acts most associated with the genre have likewise distanced themselves from the term. [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] described their own music simply as "metal metal", treating their link to nu metal as a coincidence of timing.{{sfn|Porter|2003|p=117}} Korn's [[Jonathan Davis]] long resisted the label, maintaining that the band may have "invented a new genre" but that "nu-metal" was coined for the bands that followed,<ref name=Utsandiego>{{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}}</ref> and he also rejected the "heavy metal" tag, describing Korn instead as a [[funk]] band.<ref name="KornMetal">{{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}}</ref><ref name="NoiseyVice">{{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 (magazine)|Vice]] |last=Hill |first=John|date=March 26, 2015|access-date = November 4, 2015}}</ref> By 2019, however, he had grown comfortable with it, calling it "pretty cool to say we helped invent some kind of movement".<ref name="DavisMovementKerrang">{{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}}</ref>

Staind's [[Aaron Lewis (musician)|Aaron Lewis]],<ref name=StaindArtistDirect>{{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 }}</ref> [[Wes Borland]] of Limp Bizkit, [[Mike Wengren]] of Disturbed and Godsmack's [[Sully Erna]] similarly disowned the nu metal or "heavy metal" labels.<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Mike Shinoda]] of [[Linkin Park]] said the band "never held the flag for nu-metal", which he associated with "arrogant, misogynistic" frat rock.<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Chino Moreno]] of [[Deftones]]—a band frequently grouped with nu metal early on—was especially vocal, refusing to be "lumped in" with the scene and criticizing peers such as Korn, which prompted a public exchange with Davis.<ref name="Chino">{{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)</ref><ref name="ChinoKorn">{{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}}</ref> Linkin Park's [[Chester Bennington]] initially said he "hate[d] that genre", but by 2012 had come to accept the label for the band's early work, noting that few others were blending metal and hip hop when Linkin Park began.<ref name=numetalok-lp>{{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}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of nu metal bands]]
*[[Alternative metal]]
*[[Rap rock]]
*[[Rap metal]]
*[[New wave of American heavy metal]]
*[[Neue Deutsche Härte]]

==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 (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 |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 (magazine)|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}}

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