10 Current Bands Keeping Nu Metal Music Alive
Is this the dawn of nu-nu metal?
In a fine example of the light that burns twice as bright burning for half as long, nu metal lit the music world up before crashing horribly into obscurity in the early noughties. With many of its top acts either splitting or changing tack and embracing new genres, nu metal faded away, drowning in new fads from metalcore to pop punk as the noughties rolled on.
Known for downtuned guitars, aggressive vocals, and blending alternative and groove metal with the likes of hip hop, funk, and trap, nu metal kept heavier music in the mainstream throughout the late '90s. In more recent years, its mosaic-like approach to the concept of musical genre has seen a subtle, but notable, resurgence in the metal scene.
With many groups now re-embracing the signature elements of nu metal whilst providing a more modern coat of paint, the genre seems ripe for a return to the top. The surprise revival coming in has highlighted the enduring impact and influence on the genre.
While it's not quite revolutionary the way it was when Korn dropped their debut LP in '94, nu metal's budding comeback could have a whole new generation of listeners buzzing like it's 1998 again. Here are 10 current acts employing the power of nu metal in everything from minor to major quantities.
10. Bury Tomorrow
Southampton's No.1 metalcore group are currently riding high on the release of their seventh LP - aptly titled The Seventh Sun - earlier this year. Injecting some melody into their metalcore mayhem, the group have also emphasised the creative intensity of post-hardcore in their work.
Their subtle nu metal influence can be found primarily in their instrumentals, where the group have frequently blistered listeners with chugging guitar riffs and powerful drumming. They have a curious knack for seamlessly transitioning between faster-paced, more nu-friendly riffing and crushing, palm-muted sections, establishing a neat balance between technicality and heaviness in the process.
At the lyrical level, Bury Tomorrow are very much in line with the tortured soul style of many of nu metal's finest. Tackling a litany of issues, from politics and society to personal struggles and relationship issues, the group show no fear of timidity in their approach to hard-hitting subject matter.
This emotional range of lyrics is bolstered by the eclectic use of two lead vocalists. Founding member Daniel Winter-Bates handles the heavier stuff, while newer member Tom Prendergast takes up former vocalist Jason Cameron's microphone duties, ensuring the group have both melodic singing and monstrous screaming at the ready.