10 Most Underrated Nu Metal Albums
Undervalued gems from the fallen phenomenon.
Arguably starting with Korn's classic debut album in 1994, nu metal gradually took over as the number one trend in the headbanging world as the '90s rolled on. With fashion senses one can't even really describe, rockers inspired by everything from grunge to hip hop started churning out riff-heavy, solos-non-existent hybrid music.
For the first time in metal's grumpy, mosh pit-loving history, turntables were in the house and the mainstream was buzzing more than ever before. While the late '90s proved to be an improbably huge boom period for the new urban scene, the noughties saw it crumble under the weight of its own success.
Over-saturation took a heavy toll as every band under the sun tried to quickly cash in while the cashing was good. By 2002, nu metal was the past, a place it remains mostly trapped in to this day. It lives on predominantly in the subgenres it helped inspire such as the once unthinkable emo rap.
Groups like Korn, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park dominated nu metal at its peak, often leagues ahead of everyone else. Under these titans' long shadows lay many exciting records deserving of more hype and recognition. Here are 10 of the best.
10. The Workhorse Movement - Sons of the Pioneers
Bursting onto the scene in 2000, The Workhorse Movement wowed listeners with their diverse, hybrid sound. Blending nu metal conventions with funk, rap and groove metal, the group put together a thrilling, nuanced sound. In the UK, they gained a surprise explosion in traction, garnering acclaim and the beginnings of a cult following.
While their lyrics weren't exactly intellectual, they had a certain wit and sharpness to them that bigger rap metal outfits like Limp Bizkit rarely displayed. There was a level of creativity and eclectic heaviness here that had many wondering for a split second if The Workhorse Movement would eventually catch fire and take nu metal to new heights.
Unfortunately, their debut LP proved to be their final LP. Three members went on to form Dirty Americans, another underrated outfit and The Workhorse Movement quietly faded away.
It's a shame as rollocking, genre-blending tracks like 'Livin' Evil' and 'Keep the Sabbath Dream Alive' showed real promise and audio power in arguably the peak year for new urban mayhem. Despite the blink-and-you'll-miss-it lifespan of the group, 'Sons of the Pioneers' is an eccentric masterclass in the perks of the once titanic nu metal genre.