Iconic songs that defined hard rock of the 2000s

This song is a landmark track known for its abrupt tempo changes and dynamic vocals, blending alternative metal with nu-metal and Armenian folk influences. It remains highly influential and frequently appears on 'best of' lists for the decade, showcasing System of a Down's distinctive sound.

This landmark nu-metal track perfectly blended Chester Bennington's melodic vocals with Mike Shinoda's rap verses, backed by heavy guitars and electronic elements. It's one of Linkin Park's most recognizable songs and a defining track of the nu-metal genre.

This driving, hypnotic stoner rock track with a distinctive guitar riff and infectious energy is one of Queens of the Stone Age's most popular songs. It showcases their unique blend of hard rock and desert rock.

This atmospheric and nuanced alternative metal track demonstrates Deftones' ability to blend heavy riffs with melodic and ethereal elements. It is considered a standout track from their critically acclaimed album *White Pony*.

A gothic metal/nu-metal track featuring Amy Lee's operatic vocals and a guest rap verse, this song was a massive global hit. It introduced Evanescence to the mainstream and became one of the most iconic rock songs of the decade.

A raw and intense nu-metal/alternative metal track known for its aggressive vocals, heavy instrumentation, and chaotic energy, 'Duality' is one of Slipknot's most iconic songs. It demonstrates their continued dominance and evolution within heavy music during the 2000s.

This song showcases Chris Cornell's powerful vocals and Tom Morello's distinctive guitar work, blending hard rock with a soulful, melodic sensibility. It is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful song from the supergroup Audioslave.

This melodic post-grunge/alternative metal song with heavy riffs and a strong chorus was a major hit for Breaking Benjamin. It showcased the continued popularity of post-grunge and alternative metal in the mid-2000s.

A quintessential post-grunge anthem, this song achieved immense commercial success and ubiquity on rock radio, making it one of the defining hard rock songs of the early 2000s. It topped charts and became the top mainstream rock song of the decade.

An emotionally charged nu-metal song with a memorable guitar riff and lyrics addressing themes of depression and suicide, it was a breakthrough hit for Papa Roach. It became an anthem for many, solidifying its place as a defining track of the nu-metal era.

This aggressive rap-rock anthem with a heavy, bouncy riff and Fred Durst's signature vocal delivery was a massive hit. It epitomized the commercial peak of nu-metal, becoming one of the most recognizable songs of the genre.

This catchy post-grunge track with a memorable chorus and a driving rhythm section was a huge commercial success. It became a staple on rock radio, defining the sound of mainstream hard rock in the early 2000s.

A powerful and aggressive alternative metal track with a strong, anthemic chorus, this song was featured prominently in the film *The Scorpion King*. It became one of Godsmack's most successful and enduring songs.

Featuring David Draiman's distinctive vocalizations and a driving, aggressive rhythm, this song became an instant nu-metal classic. It is synonymous with Disturbed and the nu-metal sound of the early 2000s, frequently appearing in media.

A progressive metal masterpiece with intricate rhythms, complex song structures, and Maynard James Keenan's powerful vocals, 'The Pot' from *10,000 Days* is a prime example of Tool's sophisticated and heavy sound that resonated deeply in the 2000s.