Overview

Nu Metal, often referred to as nü-metal or aggro-metal, is an American musical genre of alternative rock, which often fuses hip hop and heavy metal. Mostly dating from the late 1990s and early 2000s, nu metal is often ridiculed as part of 90s nostalgia. In addition, ironically positive references to popular nu metal lyrics, bands, and fashion choices are often used in shitposting.

History

Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Staind are generally thought to be some of the first nu metal bands.^[1] Korn and Limp Bizkit were both originally produced by Ross Robinson, who also invented the term, shortened from the words "new heavy metal."^[2] Korn's first record, a self-titled debut, was released in 1994, and is generally considered to be the first nu-metal album. Their style, which mixed screaming, low growling, and rapping with sludgy metal-type beats, laid the groundwork for the genre.^[3]

Other notable nu metal groups included Slipknot, Evanescence, Kittie, Kid Rock, Papa Roach, Incubus, Godsmack, and System of a Down.^[1] Singles from many of these groups reached high positions on the Billboard music charts, beginning with "Freak on a Leash," the initial single from Korn's multi-platinum 1998 hit record Follow the Leader.^[4] It is generally accepted that mainstream, authentic interest in nu metal began to die down over the years of 2002 and 2003, when the popularity of later styles of alternative metal began to grow in popularity.^[5]

Nu Metal Fashion

Nu metal had a distinctive mode of fashion that combined the styles of hip hop and metal. Members of the nu metal subculture often wore baggy pants or athletic track pants, an oversized shirt or sports jersey, and often died their hair black.^[1] The JNCO, Kikwear, and Adidas brands were popular, as was clothing from the chain outlet Hot Topic. Dreadlocks were common among both Caucasian and African-American members of the nu metal subculture, often died black or platinum blond, with streaks of artificial colors like blue. Piercings, tattoos, and other body modifications were widely used. Some nu metal bands, like Slipknot, wore masks, and many, like System of a Down, wore unique or creative facial hair.^[6]

An example of nu metal apparel

Reception

Even during its mainstream acceptance, nu metal was often ridiculed by devotees of heavy metal, rap, and other genres, who called it "whine core" or "mall core."^[1] Many complained that the melding of genres was an attempt by record executives to commercialize or popularize metal in a way that was disingenuous and rooted in marketing. However, the large numbers of records sold and the popularity of a wide variety of different nu metal bands would indicate that the trend was organically popular.

After the fact, nu metal is sometimes referred to as the "Worst Genre of All Time", leading to its ridicule in shitposting forums.^[7]

Related Memes

Wake Me Up Inside (Can't Wake Up)

'Wake Me Up Inside' and 'Can’t Wake Up' are lyrics from the 2003 alternative rock song “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence, which are associated with images of a calm-looking subject juxtaposed next to a picture of the same subject looking appearing distressed.

Crawling In My Skin

“Crawling In My Skin” is a lyric from the 2002 nu metal song “Crawling” by the American alternative rap rock group Linkin Park. On the web, the chorus of the song is frequently featured in anime music videos (AMVs), as well as in montage parodies to mock edginess due to its association with teenage angst.

Let The Bodies Hit The Floor

“Let The Bodies Hit The Floor” is a lyric from the 2001 song “Bodies” by the American nu metal group Drowning Pool, which has often used in dubbed remix videos online in a similar vein to the 2002 nu metal song “Crawling” by Linkin’ Park.

Search Interest

External References