Subgenre of rock that often involves elements of hip-hop (sometimes) and hard rock that ends up coming out with a beat and riff mixed music masterpeice that is popular among people who aren't jealous of success. Nu-metal often involves the most post-work in rock because of extra elements besides the same guitar-bass-drum-singer combo.
by Sithian December 6, 2003
Classified by some people to be any rock band that sounds sorta hard and gets MTV and radio play. Much of it IS unoriginal and contains meaningless repetitive lyrics but that doesn't mean all nu-metal sucks. Unimaginative doesn't equal untalented. Sounding similar doesn't necessarily equal cookie cutter pattern. Some is all of the above but if you like it, then that's your choice. Songs like Headstrong by Trapt are pretty catchy, though.
by kaze2k5 March 8, 2004
A marketing term used by record companies to classify a band. Usually it is used in an insulting kind of way, and many bands are unwillingly placed in the genre. Often confused with New Metal.
by Stigma July 9, 2004
A genre of music that was formed in the late 90s in the post-grunge era. The influences are the meaning of songs from the grunge bands like Nirvana and Alice in Chains and the sound from the metals bands from the 70s, 80s and early 90s like Black Sabbath, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Pantera. Personally, I think nu-metal is o.k. Some of the bands are pretty good (Linkin Park, KoRn) while others are a disgrace to music all together (Limp Bizkit). The whole music war going on is pointless because nu-metal is no where near the best type of music out there and it will never be. For all of the die hard haters, just think of it as metal with maybe Megadeth or Motley Crue. For the die hard fans, listen to Queen, Sublime, STP or Foo Fighters for a little, then you'll see what good music is.
Linkin Park and KoRn are pretty good bands. Limp Bizkit is horrible. STP, Metallica, Foo Fighters and Led Zeppelin are 100x better than any nu-metal band out there.
by Jamarcus Fat May 31, 2010
Nü Metal isn't classic metal. It's not supposed to be classic metal. It is a different genre. That's what everybody that has defined nü metal needs to understand.
For nü metal, I mainly listen to Mudvayne, System of a Down, and Stone Sour. But I also listen to real metal; Children of Bodom, In Flames, and Arch Enemy to name a few.
Just because it isn't as hard as classic metal, that doesn't mean it isn't good.
For nü metal, I mainly listen to Mudvayne, System of a Down, and Stone Sour. But I also listen to real metal; Children of Bodom, In Flames, and Arch Enemy to name a few.
Just because it isn't as hard as classic metal, that doesn't mean it isn't good.
by brqgn June 22, 2004
Classic metal fan: Let's listen to Manowar.
Nu metal fan: I'd rather listen to Korn.
Classic metal fan: Fuck, dude, it isn't REAL metal, it's just shitty nu metal, without awesome guitar solos or musical talent.
Nu metal fan: a music's value isn't based on its complexity. Read Adorno, asshole.
Classic metal fan: I'd rather play WoW.
Nu metal fan: I'd rather listen to Korn.
Classic metal fan: Fuck, dude, it isn't REAL metal, it's just shitty nu metal, without awesome guitar solos or musical talent.
Nu metal fan: a music's value isn't based on its complexity. Read Adorno, asshole.
Classic metal fan: I'd rather play WoW.
by bluesmaster June 11, 2010
Copied from wikipedia:Bands linked with nu metal derive influence from a variety of diverse styles, including electronica/electronic music, funk, glam rock, gothic rock, grunge, hardcore punk, hip hop, industrial rock, jazz, post punk and synthpop. Also, nu metal derives influence from multiple subgenres of heavy metal including rap metal, funk metal and thrash metal. Nu metal music is mostly syncopated and based on riffs. Its lack of guitar solos and virtuousity contrasts it with other metal subgenres. Another way in which nu metal is contrasted with other metal subgenres is its emphasis on rhythm. Similarities with other metal subgenres include its use of common time, distorted guitars, power chords and note structures primarily revolving around Dorian, Aeolian or Phrygian modes. Some nu metal bands use 7-string guitars over traditional 6-string guitars. 7-string guitars, which are sometimes downtuned to increase heaviness, resulted in bass guitarists using five-string and six-string instruments. Some nu metal bands feature a DJ for additional rhythmic instrumentation. The vocals of many bands may range from melodic singing to rapping to screaming to death growling or in some cases have all of these styles in a single song but it can range from song to song. The lyrics of many nu metal bands focus on pain and personal alienation rather than the themes of other metal subgenres. I thought Id put a definition in that doesnt use childish behaviour to put foward biased arguments
by Metalftw December 5, 2010