10 Nu Metal Bands Still Proving The Genre Isn't Dead

Originally emerging from the music scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s, nu metal established a new wave of alternative music that blended elements of heavy metal with hip-hop and a variety of experimental sounds. The initial nu metal movement rapidly garnered a large base of fans due to its more accessible approach compared to styles of metal music that were originally a little polarizing. The impact that nu metal has had on the music industry as a whole has been monumental, celebrating raw songwriting with relatable lyrics, aggressive and intricate instrumentation, and presenting a platform that allowed many artists to truly express themselves.

Despite the original wave of nu metal gradually fading in the mid-2000s, a new wave of artists and bands has generated a revival of the genre in recent years. Additionally, many of the original bands of the nu metal era have continued to participate in worldwide tours, with both fans, and new fans, embracing the genre in new ways. The resurgence of nu metal proves that the original movement was not just a nostalgic phase, but a timeless movement with the potential for an endlessly expanding audience. Today, many bands and artists are proving that the nu metal genre is alive and well.

Whether someone is a fan from the original days of the nu-metal era or they're a new listener who is growing up with the new age, it's clear that the genre is not going anywhere. Continuously pushing boundaries and challenging genres, nu metal - whether from the late '90s or 2020s - is alive and well. With many of the original nu-metal bands collaborating with newer bands who are pioneering for the genre to stick around, there is a wholesome sense of community among the nu-metal scene as well as its fandom, and its continuous room for growth and development is what makes the genre the phenomenal success that it is.

10 Tetrarch

Active Since: 2007

Inspired by original bands of the early 2000s nu metal era like Korn and Slipknot, Tetrach are one of the current pioneers of the modern nu metal movement with their strictly nu metal sound. The band produce heavy, infectious tracks which emphasize guitar riffs, technical metal drums and electronic elements, but they also know exactly how to blend their sound with a commercial one for mainstream appeal.

With a distinct and exciting sound, Tetrarch's live performances have been nothing short of spectacular, opening for iconic bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Alter Bridge, and Seether. The band's latest single release, "Live Not Fantasize", encapsulates familiar elements of the original nu-metal songs, but also provides an excellent example of the sound of the modern nu-metal era.

9 Kittie

Active Since: 1996

Kittie have been one of the most revolutionary nu metal bands of all time, being one of the first all-women nu metal bands to form. Inspiring many other aspiring artists and bands looking up to the scene, Kittie are probably best known for their hit album Spit as well as single hits like "Brackish", which delivered a distinctly nu metal sound with aggressive and heavy guitars and melodic elements.

The band's resurgence and latest releases continue to impress original fans, as well as inspire a wave of new ones, who seek influence from Kittie as one of the original pioneers of women in nu-metal music.

8 Nova Twins

Active Since: 2014

Nova Twins are one of the most important acts to get behind in the modern nu metal movement. The duo, praised for their DIY ethos from their clothes to their impressive and technical live performances, have been a monumental act in the development of fusing heavy metal with elements of both hip-hop and punk.

Inspiring a new generation and wave of fans, Nova Twins' lyrics challenge modern day society, highlighting issues with all the things that are wrong with the world in a way that resonates with fans. Songs like "Antagonist" and "Choose Your Fighter" offer moments for listeners to sing and shout along, while the production of the songs pushes boundaries between multiple genres.

7 Vended

Active Since: 2018

It's no surprise that Vended are one of the most exciting bands in the modern new wave movement of nu metal, considering the band was founded by the son of Slipknot's Corey Taylor, Griffin Taylor, as well as the son of Slipknot's Shawn Crahan, Simon Crahan.

The pair have successfully carried every essence of nu-metal with their unique and raw energy, which has seen the band embark on worldwide tours with their impressive live shows. Appealing to a younger audience of fans who did not grow up with Slipknot, Vended are proving that nu metal is a timeless genre that has the opportunity to appeal to a world of fans.

6 Wargasm

Active Since: 2018

UK duo Wargasm, with their signature sound blending elements of punk, electronic and heavy metal music, have been one of the most iconic acts of the modern nu metal movement. Sam Matlock's harsh vocals mixed with Milkie Way's distinctly recognizable melodic voice make for a call and response experience that is undeniably pleasing on the ear.

At the same time their consistent backdrop of chaotic, heavy music offers a modern twist on the music from the original nu metal movement that so many have grown to love. The band's live shows are nothing short of exciting, and their success has led to opportunities opening for some of the original nu metal acts such as Korn, and even collaborating with Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst and Slipknot's Corey Taylor.

5 Slipknot

Active Since: 1995

Known for their intense, aggressive sound, masked appearances and theatrical live performances, Slipknot have been one of the nu metal bands from the original movement and, whether someone's a fan or not, their name is known all over the world. The band, who were originally a little bit polarizing given their extreme sound and persona as a whole, are one of the most influential bands in nu metal history.

With hit singles like "Wait and Bleed" and "Psychosocial", Slipknot's heavy sounds somehow blend with melodic elements that allow their songs to have just a tinge of mainstream appeal. Today, still touring, Slipknot have become a household name and one of the most famous nu metal bands of all time.

4 Static-X

Active Since: 1994

With iconic hit songs like "Push It" reaching the mainstream back during the original nu metal era, Static-X have been pioneers of the genre since the beginning of its emergence. The nu metal band fuse their sound with industrial elements and have always delivered a futuristic image that still provides nostalgia of the noughties for many today.

In 2019, Static-X released the album Project Regeneration Vol. 1, which not only revived their sound in the alternative music scene, but also honored the late Wayne Static. The band's dedication to honoring Static's memory has resonated with fans all over the world, and they continue to release new music, with Project Regeneration Vol. 2 released in 2024.

3 Korn

Active Since: 1993

One of the most universally popular bands from the original nu metal wave in the late 1990s, Korn have become a household name and a staple favorite among both fans from the original nu metal era and brand-new ones today. Still selling out enormous tours all over the world and headlining huge festivals, Korn is an example of the power of integrity.

Jonathan Davis' unique vocal style is so distinct and recognizable, and that paired with the introspective lyrics he sings in every Korn song make for a triumph. The band has reached mainstream success over the years and their influence on the music scene has been undeniable.

2 Limp Bizkit

Active Since: 1994

Limp Bizkit are arguably one of the most rebellious bands in nu metal of all time, as well as one of the genre's most synonymous. The band's songs, which are ultimately as chaotic as they are fun, combine Fred Durst's vocals with blunt, raw lyrics, which often can be a little bit crass.

The backdrop of heavy instrumentation, breakbeat-style drums and electronic elements create a nostalgic energy in Limp Bizkit's music, with the majority of the band's songs being infectiously easy to sing- or shout - along to, despite the often rude lyrics. Today, Limp Bizkit are still proving their place at the very top of the nu metal scene, selling out their iconic, energetic and nostalgic live shows all over the world.

1 Linkin Park

Active Since: 1996

One of the most beloved nu-metal bands in history, Linkin Park are proving that there is always a place for the genre. With hit albums like Hybrid Theory and Meteora, the band powerfully blended nu-metal with a more commercial sound, which has allowed their music to reach the mainstream in an accessible way to many who might not necessarily have been fans of metal music in the first place.

Their latest album release, From Zero, is a further testament to the band's mission to keep the nu-metal genre alive, while honoring the late Chester Bennington’s legacy. Linkin Park's blend of rap verses with soaring rock choruses and heavy riffs allowed the band to maintain a distinct sound which resonates with a worldwide audience of fans.