Nu Metal

Originating from a foundation of alternative metal, nu metal emerged in the mid-1990s by fusing the down-tuned, groove-centric riffs of heavy metal with elements from hip hop, funk, and industrial music. Its sonic texture is defined by heavily distorted seven-string guitars, prominent slap-bass lines, and rhythmic structures borrowing from hip hop production, often augmented by turntablism and electronic samples. The genre's ethos frequently explored themes of personal angst, trauma, and social alienation. It achieved significant mainstream commercial success in the late 1990s and early 2000s before its initial wave receded, leaving a lasting influence on subsequent rock music.