Across the board, nü metal seems to be back in a big way. Led by bands like Gojira, Code Orange, and Vein, the genre that was once relegated to the “guilty pleasure” folder now seems to be front and center once again — and we’re here for it. Listening to Nashville’s metal act Orthodox’s new album, Let It Take Its Course, it’s clear that nu metal had a huge influence on the record and the band in general — from its distorted vocals and low, crunchy riffs, it sounds like a perfect successor to bands like KoRn, Slipknot, and early System of a Down.
Orthodox vocalist Adam Easterling let us in on favorite nu metal records of all time. Here they are, in no particular order:
Korn – Korn
“When talking about the roots of nu metal: this album and this band should be in every conversation. The point can be made that without KoRn – the genre wouldn’t exist.”
System Of A Down – System Of A Down
“Though SOAD doesn’t fit the usual musical mold of nu metal, the energy of obscurity and darkness mixed with the overall chaos of the music files them into the genre for me. This album specifically is System at their wildest, and was the first real showcase of elements that the genre hadn’t ventured into at this point.”
Slipknot – Slipknot
“Slipknot’s self-titled album introduced, for me, a new level of eerie paired with a form of aggression that forced them into a spotlight, no matter how hard it was to look at.”
Static-X – Wisconsin Death Trip
“The known introduction of industrial/techno into the genre, which left a lasting impression that only opened more doors to blend the genres together years later.”
Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory
“Love it or hate it (though if you hate it you’re wrong) there is no denying the genius behind the execution and the catchiness of Hybrid Theory.”
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Photo by Cam Smith
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