Nu Metal Jumps Da Fuck Up (Again); Return of Korn Leads This 'Serenity of Suffering'

2016 in Lists

BY Bradley Zorgdrager Published Dec 8, 2016

The original nu metal explosion was the most mainstream burst for the genre since glam, and nothing since has surpassed it. Despite all the hate lobbed its way, the meathead of the metal world mounted a comeback this year. Though it'll never reach world domination status again, here are five signs the world is coming "Down With the Sickness" again.
 

1. Korn Released a New Nu Album
Perhaps the most reactionary of the old guard (remember that Skrillex collab?), Korn decided life really was peachier in the '90s. The Serenity of Suffering has scats, growls and even a Corey Taylor feature — enough to throw you into a time machine, JNCO jeans and all.
 

2. The Cavalera Brothers Toured Roots
Sepultura burst out of Brazil on the back of deadly thrash; years later, Roots was the nuvement-spawning tribal monstrosity that marked Max Cavalera's last with the band. Coming together as a brotherly band only served as a celebration of who they were, what they became and what followed in their wake.
 

3. Roadrunner Rejects Radio Rock
Roadrunner Records was once the unofficial home of the genre and showed signs of a revival. Code Orange's electronic experimentation and scratchy pick scrapes brought their metalcore closer to nu's swagger, while Turnstile's hardcore fusion — think Crown of Thornz if they listened to more Beastie Boys — delivers urban vibes. Neither are nu metal themselves, but somewhere between the two lies its DNA.
 

4. Bands Wear the Influence Proudly
Despite general disdain for the subgenre, growing numbers proudly wave the nu metal flag. Kitchener-based Exalt openly admit their love for it; on their The Shape We Took Before the Ache, they tastefully weave Korn riffs and Deftones-esque atmospheres.
 

5. The Vans Warped Tour Is On Board
Ground zero of mainstream alt subculture, Warped Tour, featured Issues, Cane Hill and more, plus alumni Attila are as popular as ever. Rapping and turntables haven't been this celebrated at "punk rock summer camp," since the late '90s witching hour.
 

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