Nu Metal
Nu Metal is a fusion metal genre characterized by its aggressive, downtuned guitar riffs, often incorporating elements of hip-hop's rhythmic drive and scratching, alongside electronic textures and funk influences, creating a raw and often angsty soundscape. Emerging in the mid-1990s, it built upon the foundations laid by alternative metal and rock bands like Faith No More, Rage Against the Machine, and Primus, blending metal's intensity with diverse genres. Iconic artists representing the genre include Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park. Its cultural impact was significant, bringing a new, often controversial, sound to mainstream rock and metal audiences.
More about Nu Metal
Nu Metal is one of the most explosive cultural phenomena of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Born in the United States from within alternative metal, it pushed the boundaries of what could be "metal" by freely integrating elements of hip-hop, funk, electronic music, and sometimes punk, creating an immediately recognisable and massively popular hybrid sound.
Musically, nu metal is characterised by detuned and powerful guitar riffs, a very prominent and dark bass, drumming combining rock and hip-hop patterns, and vocals alternating between melodic singing and rapping or screaming. Guitar detuning (drop D or lower) is one of the genre's sonic signatures. DJ turntables, samples, and electronic loops are often integrated into arrangements, creating this unique blend of metal and hip-hop culture. Lyrical themes frequently explore alienation, anger, trauma, and rebellion.
The founding groups of nu metal achieved phenomenal commercial success. Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park are its most universally recognised figures. On FestT, PAPA ROACH is the most represented artist with 21 appearances, followed by P.O.D. (14), BLOODYWOOD (13), and LIMP BIZKIT (12). GODSMACK and KITTIE attest to the diversity of this genre in current festivals.
On FestT, Nu Metal appears in 148 festivals — one of the most active metal genres in our database. Also explore related genres on FestT such as Alt Metal, Grunge, and Rap Metal.