20 Most Underrated Nu-Metal Anthems

3. Hed PE – Renegade

As one of the best bands to sprout out of the nu-metal scene, Huntington Beach, California badasses Hed PE concocted a unique sound that traversed through many genres, including but not limited to, nu-metal, punk, ska, hip-hop and funk. But on their epically eclectic double record New World Orphans, they delivered a nu-metal masterpiece – the defiant anthem ‘Renegade.’

It showcases the group’s underappreciated songwriting skills by expertly transitioning from a vicious, attitudinal verse section into a melodic and anthemic chorus – both of which complement each other with their contrasting styles. Frontman Jared Gomes spits over the song’s fierce instrumentation with equally aggressive intent, before hammering home the main vocal refrain of “I might be bleeding, but I’m still breathing” with real passion.

Had this been released at the height of nu-metal’s popularity, I think it’s safe to say it would have been absolutely huge. However, even though it came years after the sub-genre petered out, ‘Renegade’ deserves to be acknowledged for what it is – an angst-fueled banger that’s as infectious on the 100th listen, as it is on the first.