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Music genre

Nu metal

Nu metal is a music genre that emerged in United States in the 1990s. It is usually classed as a form of alternative metal. Explore its 1 subgenres, key artists and related styles.

About Nu metal

Nu metal is a music genre that emerged in United States in the 1990s. It is usually classed as a form of alternative metal.

Well-known performers associated with it include Demi Lovato, Linkin Park, Chester Bennington, System of a Down, Slipknot and Korn.

Nu metal has given rise to 1 subgenre on this site, such as Nu metalcore.

From Wikipedia

Nu metal (sometimes stylized as nü-metal, with a metal umlaut) is a subgenre of alternative metal that combines elements of heavy metal music with elements of other music genres such as hip-hop, funk, industrial, and grunge. Nu metal rarely features guitar solos or other displays of musical technique and emphasizes rhythm with instrumentation that is heavily syncopated. Nu metal guitarists often use seven-string guitars that are down-tuned to produce a heavier sound. Vocal styles are often rhythmic and influenced by hip-hop, and include singing, rapping, screaming and sometimes growling. DJs are occasionally featured to provide instrumentation such as sampling, turntable scratching and electronic background music. Nu metal is one of the key genres of the new wave of American heavy metal.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Nu metal.

Key artists

  • Demi Lovato
  • Linkin Park
  • Chester Bennington
  • System of a Down
  • Slipknot
  • Korn
  • Mike Shinoda
  • XXXTentacion
  • Amy Lee
  • Limp Bizkit

Related genres

Questions people ask

Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nu metal?

Nu metal is a music genre that emerged in United States in the 1990s. It is usually classed as a form of alternative metal.

Where and when did Nu metal originate?

Nu metal originated in United States in the 1990s.

Who are famous Nu metal artists?

Demi Lovato, Linkin Park, Chester Bennington, System of a Down, Slipknot and Korn.

Sources & credits