Music

Best nu metal songs of the 90s

Explore the golden era of nu metal with a definitive selection of the most influential and powerful songs from the 1990s. This list covers the tracks that defined a genre, blending heavy riffs, hip-hop rhythms, and emotive vocals. Discover the anthems from iconic bands that left their mark on a generation and continue to resonate in music culture. Ideal for alternative metal fans and those looking to relive the energy of the 90s.

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  1. 1

    Deftones - My Own Summer (Shove It) (1997)

    135 Global Votes
    • First Deftones track to break into the mainstream

      (+4)

    This track from *Around The Fur* highlights Deftones' unique, atmospheric, and dynamic approach to nu metal. It blends heavy riffs with Chino Moreno's distinctive vocals and a more experimental sound.

  2. 2

    Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name (1992)

    112 Global Votes
    • Features the band's breakout single

      (+4)

    While often categorized as rap-metal, "Killing in the Name" is widely considered one of the earliest and most revolutionary songs that fused rap and metal. It set an early standard and arguably provided the first inkling of what later became nu metal.

  3. 3

    Slipknot - (sic) (1999)

    32 Global Votes
    • Features urgent Amen breaks

      (+4)

    From their self-titled debut, "(sic)" is a brutal and chaotic track that laid out a blistering blueprint for nu metal's more extreme and aggressive inclinations. It features industrial percussion and punishing riffs.

  4. 4

    Sevendust - Black (1997)

    30 Global Votes
    • Released in 1997

      (+4)

    From their self-titled debut album, "Black" is a powerful track that showcases Sevendust's blend of heavy riffs, soulful vocals, and intricate rhythms. It established them as a significant force in the nu metal movement.

  5. 5

    Korn — Freak On A Leash (1998)

    25 Global Votes
    • Defining moment for the nu metal movement

      (+2)

    A massive hit from *Follow the Leader*, this song solidified Korn's status as a nu metal anthem through its experimental rhythms and unique vocal delivery. It achieved significant commercial and critical success.

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  7. 6

    Godsmack - Whatever (1998)

    21 Global Votes
    • Features an aggressive hard rock and nu metal sound

      (+4)

    From their self-titled debut, "Whatever" became a breakout hit for Godsmack, known for its aggressive, driving riffs and Sully Erna's powerful vocals. It established them as a prominent band in the late 90s nu metal scene.

  8. 7

    P.O.D. - Southtown (1999)

    16 Global Votes
    • Released in 1999

      (+3)

    The title track from their album *The Fundamental Elements of Southtown*, this song showcases P.O.D.'s unique blend of nu metal with reggae and hardcore punk influences. It delivers a powerful and uplifting message.

  9. 8

    Soulfly - Eye For An Eye (1998)

    9 Global Votes
    • Debut album released in 1998

      (+4)

    The opening track from Soulfly's self-titled debut, "Eye For An Eye" showcases Max Cavalera's post-Sepultura project. It blends tribal rhythms and hip-hop grooves with heavy metal, fully embracing the nu metal movement.

  10. 9

    Limp Bizkit - Counterfeit (1997)

    7 Global Votes
    • Debut single by Limp Bizkit

      (+3)

    One of the key tracks from their debut album, "Counterfeit" was instrumental in defining Limp Bizkit's fusion of hip-hop and metal. It features Fred Durst's rap-infused vocals over heavy, grinding riffs.

  11. 10

    Static-X - Push It (1999)

    7 Global Votes
    • Signature blend of aggressive guitars, electronic programming, and powerful vocals

      (+4)

    This hit from *Wisconsin Death Trip* broke Static-X's industrial-infused nu metal sound into the mainstream. It features heavy, danceable guitar rhythms and Wayne Static's unique "robot rock" vocal style.

  12. 11

    Staind - Mudshovel (1999)

    7 Global Votes
    • Aggressive breakthrough single

      (+3)

    Featured on their album *Dysfunction*, "Mudshovel" is a significant track for Staind, known for its heavy, brooding atmosphere and Aaron Lewis's raw, emotional vocals. It contributed to the genre's more introspective side.

  13. 12

    Powerman 5000 - When Worlds Collide (1999)

    4 Global Votes
    • Nu metal and industrial metal genre

      (+4)

    The lead single from *Tonight the Stars Revolt!*, "When Worlds Collide" achieved heavy radio rotation and became a commercial breakthrough for Powerman 5000. It's known for its industrial-tinged, energetic sound.

  14. 13

    Coal Chamber - Loco (1997)

    3 Global Votes
    • Promoted powerful simplistic riffs

      (+4)

    A highly recognizable track from their self-titled debut, "Loco" is known for its simplistic yet effective, heavy groove and Dez Fafara's distinctive vocal style. It established Coal Chamber as early torchbearers of the genre.

  15. 14

    Korn - Blind (1994)

    0 Global Votes
    • Genre-defining anthem

      (+4)

    This track is widely considered a foundational piece of the nu metal genre, introducing Korn's signature sound with downtuned guitars and raw, emotional vocals. It set the blueprint for many bands that followed.