10 Most Underrated Nu Metal Songs

Of all the heavy hitters to come out of the nu metal scene, Deftones always seemed to be proud to fly the flag for the genre. Though you can’t really categorize newer albums like Ohms and Diamond Eyes as nu metal from skin to core, you can hear that the band is still looking to reinvent themselves while staying true to their roots. On White Pony, they were already firing on all cylinders, but why not bring another musical titan into the mix?

Looking to get a different perspective on one of their newer songs, the band invited Maynard James Keenan down to the studio to have a listen to some of the songs. While the original plan was to ask him for advice on where to go, Maynard soon found himself behind the glass on the studio floor and belting at the top of his lungs, providing the rousing climax for Passenger.

Even though most of White Pony was already beautiful for what it was, hearing Maynard’s voice is the perfect combo to come at this point in the record. Since the song takes place inside a car for most of the runtime, Maynard is like the out of control person right at your side, willing to fly off the handle or try to take the wheel at any given moment. While Chino Moreno has one of the most distinct vocals in the genre, he even admits that Maynard practically showed him up on his own song. There’s a great Deftones song to be found here, but as soon as that bridge kicks in, this is practically a Tool song that just features the members of Deftones.