Nu metal, also known as aggro is a genre of music that blends heavy metal elements with other styles, such as hardcore punk, grunge and industrial rock. The genre became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s.Characteristics
Bands associated with nu metal derive influence from a variety of diverse styles, includinghardcore punk,[2][4] grunge, hip hop, industrial rock, electronica,[4] funk,[4] glam rock,[4] gothic rock,[4] thrash metal,[2] andjazz.[4]
The lyrics of many nu metal bands focus on pain and personal alienation rather than traditional heavy metal themes.[4][5] Nu metal fashion can include baggy shorts, piercings and tattoos.[6][7]
Some nu metal bands use seven-string guitars over traditional six-string guitars.[4] 7-string guitars, which are sometimes downtuned to increase heaviness, resulted in bass guitarists using five-string and six-string instruments.[4] Some nu metal bands feature a DJ for additional rhythmic instrumentation (such as music sampling, scratching and electronic backgrounds). [4]
[edit]History
In Nu-metal: The Next Generation of Rock & Punk, Joel McIver cites the bands Faith No More, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Nirvanaand Jane's Addiction as setting up various musical characteristics which are prominent in the genre.[8] Many of the first nu metal bands came from California.[9] In 1994, Korn became the first band to be labeled as "nu metal".[10] Producer Ross Robinson has been cited as a key figure in shaping the genre.[8]
In Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal, Ian Christie wrote that the genre demonstrated that "pancultural metal could pay off."[11] However, some metal purists did not fully embrace the style.[11]
Established artists such as Sepultura,[12] Slayer,[13] Vanilla Ice[14] and Machine Head[15] released albums which critics felt drew from the style.