10 Greatest Nu Metal Albums Of All Time

10. Static-X: Wisconsin Death Trip (1999)

An impressive display of industrial power, Static-X’s towering debut is almost as grand scale as frontman Wayne Static’s hairdo. The Californian headbangers ramp up the aggression with a hard-hitting, surprisingly rhythmic LP chock full of big hit tracks such as Bled For Days, Push It and I’m With Stupid.

Named after the 1973 book of the same title by Michael Lesy, the band members were fascinated by its study of harsh midwestern life at the turn of the 19th century. A collection of photographs centred on various deceased residents of Black River Falls, Static briefly considered naming the band itself after the book.

To accomplish the very particular drumming sound they wanted, the group built their own triggering system out of plywood and piezo microphones. From there, they would record the sounds via Opcode Vision with cymbals played separately. The result was an impressive display of machine-like drums without assistance from any actual drum machine.

With a sound often described as evil disco, Static-X captured listeners’ imaginations thanks to their supercharged riffs and groovily heavy style. Static-X’s best selling album, it is a fine a showcase of the late Wayne Static’s often excellent front man capabilities.