Nü-Metal

Originating Location: USA

Originating Era: Mid-1990s

Key Artists

 * Korn
 * Rage Against The Machine
 * Limp Bizkit
 * P.O.D.
 * Linkin Park

Key Albums

 * Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory
 * Limp Bizkit - Three Dollar Bill, Y'All$
 * Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine

Genre Description
Nü metal (also known as nü rock, rapcore, jock rock and pop metal) is a term often used to describe a subgenre of alternative metal which generally crossfades rock and metal influences with rap and punk, as well as hip-hop elements including turntablism. However, the term is quite ambiguous, and is used to refer to varying artists and bands, from Cypress Hill to Nickelback. However, the term is typically associated with popular metal bands such as Korn, Rage Against the Machine, Limp Bizkit, P.O.D. and Linkin Park. The term is often used as a disparaging term for the genre, thus groups such as System of a Down have refused to be categorized under it, preferring the term alternative metal.

Artists considered nü metal typically use electric guitar distortion, rapping and singing in the vein of pop, rock, metal, emo and/or reggae, and in many cases screamo. Artists who prominently perform guitar-driven rap and hip-hop are generally referred to as rapcore, rap rock or rap metal, while most decidedly nü metal artists and bands have their own unique traits, including elements of electronica (Linkin Park), hardcore (Rage Against the Machine), funk (Faith No More) and reggae (P.O.D.). Modern rock artists such as Nickelback and Evanescence are sometimes associated with nü metal due to use of distorted electric guitar, electronic effects or other nü metal-related elements. Screamo and rap are also blended often in nü metal, recalling Bad Brains but recited in the vein of rap. Common elements of the genre include electric guitar and bass, drumkits, singing, a form of rap, screaming and sometimes turntablism, though many artists discontinued use of turntablism and sampling by 2000.

Lyrics generally revolve around anger, social rejection, relationships, issues and controversy regarding America and occasional hip-hop themes. Angst is common in lyrics, though many groups such as Linkin Park and P.O.D. (an all-Christian group) are known for being more positive than the majority of nü metal artists and bands.

While most nü metal outfits (including Limp Bizkit, Korn and Papa Roach) have converted to conventional rock, P.O.D. continues to cross rapping, screaming, guitar distortion and soulful singing, though they discontinued use of turntablism early in their career. Some new nü metal bands have also appeared, such as up-and-comers Family Force 5 who use most nü metal and rapcore traits including turntablism.

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