Top 10 Heaviest Nu-Metal Bands
Nu-metal emerged in the 1990s as a subgenre of alternative metal, fusing elements of heavy metal with hip hop, grunge, and industrial music. The sound is characterized by its heavy guitar riffs, downtuned and syncopated rhythms, and a mix of clean and aggressive vocals. The genre quickly gained a massive following, and many bands in the nu-metal scene achieved significant commercial success.The heaviest nu-metal bands typically have a more aggressive and darker sound than their counterparts, often incorporating elements of death metal or other extreme metal subgenres. These bands push the boundaries of the nu-metal sound, creating a powerful and immersive experience for listeners.
But enough of the background - it's time to dive into the bands themselves! With your help, we've compiled a list of the heaviest nu-metal bands for you to explore, and we invite you to vote for the bands you think deserve to be at the top. Keep in mind that everyone's taste is subjective, so you might not necessarily agree with the current rankings. That's why your input is so important! Your votes will help shape the future of this list, allowing other fans to discover new and exciting bands.
We're not only looking for the pioneers of the nu-metal scene but also the lesser-known bands who are taking the genre to new heights. If you think we've missed any heavy-hitters, feel free to nominate your favorites for inclusion in the list.
Slipknot is an American metal band formed in Des Moines, Iowa in 1996. The band is best known as one of the pioneers of the New Wave of American Alternative Metal during the late 1990s - 2000s and are distinguishable by the band's clothing choices, consisting of black/red jumpsuits and horror inspired... read more Well, the band members refuse to identify Slipknot as a Nu-metal band. They referred to the band as "Metal Metal" at one point.
I also need to point out that Joey Jordison used to play for Grindcore bands and Mick Thompson played guitar for a Death Metal band prior to joining Slipknot. Additionally, the band cites Emperor, Mayhem, and Dimmu Borgir as influences, indicating that Slipknot had more influence from Extreme Metal compared to other Nu-metal bands who were normally inspired by Grunge bands.
This should probably explain why Slipknot, when compared to other Nu-metal bands, is very aggressive.
Korn is an American nu-metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The band's current lineup includes founding members Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Brian "Head" Welch, and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, with the addition of Ray Luzier, who replaced the band's original member, David... read more
Mudvayne was an American nu-metal/alternative metal band that was formed in Peoria, Illinois, in 1996. Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, they are known for their sonic experimentation, innovative album art, face and body paint, masks, and uniforms.
Static-X formed in Los Angeles in 1994. The band had many lineup changes, but the main vocalist and guitarist throughout has been frontman Wayne Static. Other well-known members of Static-X include Tony Campos (bassist), Ken Jay (drummer), and Koichi Fukuda (guitarist). The final lineup of Static-X... read more
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California. The band, which was founded in 1988, consists of Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Frank Delgado, Abe Cunningham and Sergio Vega. They have released a total of 9 studio albums. Some of their most popular songs are Change (in... read more Around the Fur and Adrenaline. Enough said.
System of a Down, formed in 1994, is an Armenian-American alternative metal group from Glendale, California. The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. They've always been a very political band since their inception. Often being against genocide and war most notably in songs like: Pluck,... read more System of a Down is heavier than Korn. Don't believe me? Listen to Sugar, Prison Song, and Suite-Pee.
Soulfly is an American heavy metal band formed in 1997 and based in Phoenix, Arizona. The original lyrical content revolved around spirituality, political and religious themes, with later albums encompassing other themes including war, violence, aggression, slavery, hatred and anger. Soulfly is led... read more
Chimaira was an American alternative metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1998, the group was a notable member of the New Wave of American Alternative Metal scene.
Coal Chamber was a nu-metal band formed in Los Angeles, CA, in 1993. The current members of Coal Chamber are Dez Fafara (Vocals), Nadja Peulen (Bass), Meegs Rascón (Guitar), and Mike Cox (Drums). Former members of the band include Rayna Foss, Chela Rhea Harper, and John Thor. Coal Chamber is typically... read more These guys are like Korn, but much heavier. Also, arguably heavier than most songs by Slipknot. For an example, listen to Friend (Fiend is also good, but don't confuse them), because that is their heaviest.
Mushroomhead is an American nu metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in the Cleveland Warehouse District, the band is known for their avant-garde sound which includes influence from heavy metal, art rock and electro-industrial and their imagery which features masks and costumes as well as... read more While Mushroomhead leans more toward Industrial Metal than Nu-metal in my personal opinion, they are close enough to be compared, so I'll let it slide. Let me get one thing clear: Mushroomhead is a good band, but they're not for everyone. They have purposefully limiting production value on some of their songs. While it's not everyone's cup of tea, it can make songs darker and more sinister.
One of these examples is Xeroxed, which is by far the heaviest song I can say that I have heard from a Nu-metal band. Not even Slipknot can compare.
The Newcomers
Arguably heavier than all bands in the top 10, maybe aside from 2. What gets this higher?
Linkin Park is an American alternative rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The current members include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ), Emily Armstrong (vocals), and Colin Brittain (drums). Linkin... read more What! Try to listen to "Lying From You" or any of their Nu-metal songs. This band made a new genre of Nu-metal and the best in rap metal and Nu-metal. Especially the first two albums are extremely epic. This band succeeded in making Nu-metal music heard on the radio with very meaningful songs full of anger and awesomeness. I will not say that Linkin Park is the best band ever, but #12 is shameful.
Nothingface was an American alternative/nu-metal band from Washington, D.C., that was formed in 1993.
I wish this band was more well known. It would take the top spot for sure. Just listen to Rot ONCE, and you will immediately know why. I mean, Rot isn't even their heaviest song, but it gives you a good idea of their level.
Heavier than a pool full of tar.
American Head Charge is an industrial metal band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. The band has earned two nominations at the Kerrang!
Disturbed is an American alternative metal/nu-metal/hard rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The band comprises vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren. They are known for songs like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stricken". Disturbed is the best Nu-metal band of all time. They make consecutive good songs. If it's not good, it's amazing. If it's not, it's murderously awesome. If not, it's an emotional rollercoaster of hardcore ecstasy and fourth dimension feelings you'll only know when you hear their songs.
Only a few of all their albums combined are not good, but they are far from horrible. In fact, I've never heard a horrible song from them. Even their latest album shows that they never run out of good music ideas and will never disappoint you as long as they are alive and making music.
(Nutty-Nyc) - I listen to Black Metal and I think Disturbed is as good as the best of them, from Bathory to Immortal. Try Sickened, Stupify, Sons of Plunder, Old Friend, and The Night. You'll be hooked for life.
Drowning Pool is an American nu-metal band formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1996. The band was named after the 1975 film The Drowning Pool.Their biggest hit was the song Bodies, released in 2001 from their debut album, Sinner.
Original vocalist Dave Williams passed away in 2002. The group... read more
They are fairly heavy, but they are not very good.
Check out Bodies, Hate, and Think. Those are their heaviest songs.
Limp Bizkit is an American nu-metal/rap metal/rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 1994. Their lineup consists of Fred Durst, Sam Rivers, John Otto, and Wes Borland. They're mostly known for their singles like Break Stuff, My Way, My Generation, Nookie, Eat You Alive, Rollin', and Take a... read more
Project 86 is an American alternative metal band that was formed in Orange County, California, in 1996. Primarily categorized within the Christian rock and alternative metal genres, the band has gained recognition for its intense, aggressive sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Over the years, they have... read more
Fear Factory is an American industrial metal band that was formed in 1989. During the band's career, it has released nine full-length albums and has evolved through a succession of styles, including industrial metal, death metal, groove metal, and thrash metal.
Emmure is an American metalcore band formed in 2003. Originally based in New Fairfield, Connecticut, but now residing in Queens, New York, the group has a total of seven releases, with their first public release being a 2006 EP entitled The Complete Guide to Needlework.