Tapes had two sides, both 45 minutes long. You had that long to say what you needed to say and then it was time to move on. We’re bringing that challenge back. 45 minutes to convince someone why they should like a certain band, artist, genre, or era.
The Nu-Metal revival has been here for a few years now and i’ve been loving it. The current wave of Nu-Metal enthusiasts have been fusing the genre in weird and wonderful ways. It is taking something that felt like a novelty for angsty teens in the 00s into something that is actually musically creative and interesting, while also appealing to angsty teens (and folks who used to be angsty teens in the 00s). So, if you missed out on all the fun 20 years ago! Or the current wave has passed you by. I have you covered with this two-sided mixtape. Nu-Metal past and present.
Side A – Past
Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove It) (3:34)
That massive and meandering rift. The slow whisper like vocals that explode. Full of anxiety and emo that are the Nu-Metal hallmarks. But it’s the dark atmosphere that makes this track stick out to me. It’s a perfect soundtrack for hiding away from the world.
Linkin Park – In The End (3:36)
Well they are the kings of the genre. Linkin Park quickly graduated from Nu-Metal and became a cross over sensation. They were my favorite band for a LONG time. Though ‘In The End’ is not my personal favorite I had to include it as their breakout hit. It has everything good about the genre without being self-indulgent.
Papa Roach – Between The Angels and The Insects (3:54)
This is a tight and cohesive song and definitely Papa Roach’s best (sorry “Last Resort’). I love the driving bass line that dances under the big but simple heavy guitars. And the coherent rejection of society and our role as consumers is unmissable. I’ve always liked straightforward messaging. And it doesn’t get simpler than this.
System Of A Down – Chop Suey (3:30)
‘Chop Suey’ is exhausting. It flips frenetically from delicate melodic harmonizing to furiously screaming ‘Fuck Off’ into the mic. And that’s just the vocals. Despite the musical whiplash and weird obtuse lyrics of the track it has over 1 billion views on Youtube. I think its because it somehow manages to be a singalong anthem.
Limp Bizkit – Break Stuff (2:47)
Well Fred Durst is probably one of the reasons Nu-Metal got a bad name. It’s crazy to think there was a time he was as big as Eminem. And though it feels juvenile listening back, ‘Break Stuff’ is just fun. And emblematic of a whole swathe of goofy Nu-Metal songs.
P.O.D. – Alive (3:24)
Yes they are a Christian Rock band. And the sincerity is alost sickening. But hey. You’re here for Nu-Metal. And this is it. While everyone else was finding productive outlets for their teenage rage, P.O.D. preached positivity. On the rare occasions I wasn’t being pissy, I needed a different soundtrack and this filled that hole. They provided a nice counterbalance for the genre.
Side B – Present
Nova Twins – Antagonist (3:06)
What a way to start. The Mercury-nominated Nova Twins! Antagonist is Nu-Metal through and through. Vital and energetic while still being abrasive and emotional. The electronic elements of the song have been modernized though with the massive wobbly bass that has become a hallmark of many electronic tracks since the first wave of Nu-Metal.
Grimes (feat. HANA) – We Appreciate Power (2:27)
Ok. Here comes the poppier picks. Grimes has always fused different alternative music into her poppy tracks, but ‘We Appreciate Power’ from her 2020 album has maybe the strongest signature with those hard guitars, and varied singing styles.
Fever 333 – Burn It (3:52)
There’s no beating round the bush with these guys. ‘Burn It’ is one Fever 333’s standout tracks. Straight forward, angry and hooky. It got under my skin quickly. Within 30s I know what they are all about. And despite the unbridled fury at racism and the need for radical societal change, this song manages to be more of a ‘call to arms’ then a simple release of anger.
Poppy – BLOODMONEY (3:03)
Poppy can make catchy and inoffensive pop music. That is not this though. She takes her pop sensibilities and fused them with an industrial Nu-Metal sound for the album ‘I Disagree’. My song of choice is ‘BLOODMONEY’ which has a delicate vocal melody at its core, but that is often abruptly pushed out the way and smacks you with glitchy and distorted guitars. I talked about whiplash with S.O.A.D. Poppy is just as disorienting.
WARGASM- Spit (4:08)
WASRGASM manage to sound like they have 6 different vocalist, whilst it just the 2 of them. Rapping, Screaming, Growling, Talking, Singing, Harmoninsing etc. The interplay between the vocalists is really engaging. Bouncing around over musical moments that in one second feel claustrophobic, but in the next fell soaring. ‘Spit’ is simply relentless.
STFU! – Rina Sawayama (3:24)
Rina Sawayama is my favourite of the new guard. The album SAWAYAMA perfectly encapsulates what I like about music. It’s weird but also catchy. It’s straightforward but theatrical. ‘STFU!’ walks that tightrope of being specific to Rina’s story, but captures a feeling and energy that everyone can get. Catharsis in a tight 3 and a half minutes.
Bonus Track!
Linkin Park – One Step Closer (100 gecs Reanimation)
You thought you got rid of me? Well it only felt right to close with this cover of Linkin Park. The handing over of the baton. From the artists that rules over Nu-Metal to the 100 gecs who seem intent on melting all genres into one weird cesspool. Enjoy.
Words by Matt Paul
What other artists, genres and eras of music should we be sum up in 45 minutes? Let us know in the comments below or over at @PickyBs on Twitter.
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