Why Dave Mustaine Will Never Be a Fan of Nu Metal

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Over the course of the past few years, nu metal has had a fascinating resurgence in the metal scene. This year alone we got new music from Code Orange, Vein.fm, and Tallah, all of who have brought back – and have even elevated – the nu metal genre in some way.

We even have a nu metal/industrial theme metal festival taking place in 2023! But while some folks are stoked by this resurgence, there are some people who probably are not too pleased – like Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine.

Mustaine has been vocal about how much he cannot stand the subgenre, going as far as to say he would rather have his “eyelids pulled out” than listen to nu metal.

During a conversation with Faster Louder back in the day, Dave spoke about why he is not a fan of the genre. He starts off by sharing (the following quotes have been transcribed by Ultimate Guitar):

“They had this wave of metal that came through in the ’90s and it was called ‘nu-metal,’ I don’t know if you remember it but it was so bad. I would have rather had my eyelids pulled out.”

After making this comment, Mustaine is then asked about specific bands; he is asked if he is referring to bands like Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park, to which Dave says:

“No, no. I can’t even remember their names. Linkin Park, those guys are good at what they do. I have no problems with those guys. But I wouldn’t call them nu-metal.”

He then continues, sharing a particular issue he has with the metal subgenre:

“I’m talking about the bands that wouldn’t do guitar solos. Guys who get out there and they’d do rhythms and stuff but they’d never do a guitar solo. It’s like … come on, play a solo. But apparently solos aren’t cool.”

What do you think of Dave Mustaine’s points? Do you agree or disagree with him?

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