NU METAL

“Nu metal bands lack an engagement with the history of metal”(Kahn-Harris 136). Bands associated with this so called “nu metal” genre derive influence from a variety of diverse styles, including everything from rap metal, funk metal, alternative metal and thrash metal. Nu metal’s main characteristic of a sound based mostly on rhythmic riffs, mid-song breakdowns and pretty obvious lack of virtuosity contrasts it with other metal subgenres creating some real tension in the metal world. Some nu metal bands even use seven-string guitars over traditional six-string guitars. The use of 7-string guitars, which are sometimes tuned to a lower octave to increase heaviness, result in bass guitarists using five-string and six-string instruments to add an even more notion of driving force. Even DJs are sometimes used for additional rhythmic instrumentation with the use of pre-recorded samples and sound effects.

Most true death metal artists and fans alike make the statement that they want nothing to do, ”with trendy metal”(Kahn-Harris 136). Did the heavy metal heads simply grow weary of nu metal because, “it had become almost as popular as heavy metal had been”(Kahn-Harris 135)? That’s honestly the only conclusion I can come to (as a huge fan of nu metal and growing up in the 90’s).

Lets take a look at my favorite nu metal band of all time, Rage Against The Machine with their classic track “Killing In The Name”. The driving rhythmic melodies and angry aggressive vocals are undeniable! See for yourself below…