Heavy Metal vs. Nu Metal

Attribute	Heavy Metal	Nu Metal
Origins	1970s, UK and US	1990s, US
Instrumentation	Guitar, bass, drums, vocals	Guitar, bass, drums, vocals, turntables
Sound	Aggressive, fast tempo, distorted guitars	Combines elements of heavy metal with hip-hop, funk, and alternative rock
Lyrics	Often dark, fantasy, or political themes	Can vary from personal to social issues
Image	Leather, spikes, long hair	Baggy clothes, tattoos, piercings

Origins

Heavy Metal, also known as metal, is a genre of rock music that originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by its loud, distorted guitars, aggressive vocals, and powerful drumming. Bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple are considered pioneers of the genre. Nu Metal, on the other hand, emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a fusion of heavy metal with elements of hip hop, alternative rock, and industrial music. Bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park are often credited with popularizing the genre.

Sound

Heavy Metal is known for its complex guitar riffs, fast tempos, and intricate solos. The vocals in heavy metal are often high-pitched and powerful, with lyrics that touch on themes like fantasy, mythology, and social issues. In contrast, Nu Metal incorporates elements of rap and hip hop, with a focus on rhythmic vocals and catchy hooks. The guitar riffs in nu metal are often simpler and more repetitive, with a heavier emphasis on groove and rhythm.

Lyrics

Heavy Metal lyrics often explore dark and intense themes, such as death, war, and the occult. Bands in the genre frequently use imagery and symbolism to convey their message, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. Nu Metal lyrics, on the other hand, tend to be more introspective and personal, touching on topics like alienation, anger, and inner struggles. The lyrics in nu metal often reflect the angst and frustration of the late 90s and early 2000s.

Fashion

Heavy Metal has a distinct fashion sense, with fans and musicians often sporting leather jackets, band t-shirts, and denim jeans. The style is often associated with long hair, tattoos, and piercings. Nu Metal fashion, on the other hand, incorporates elements of hip hop and streetwear, with baggy pants, baseball caps, and oversized t-shirts being common staples. The fashion in nu metal reflects the genre's fusion of different musical influences.

Popularity

Heavy Metal has a long and storied history, with a dedicated fan base that spans generations. The genre has produced numerous iconic bands and albums that have stood the test of time. Nu Metal, on the other hand, experienced a surge in popularity in the late 90s and early 2000s, with bands like Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park dominating the airwaves. While nu metal enjoyed mainstream success for a time, its popularity has waned in recent years.

Legacy

Heavy Metal has had a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing countless bands and genres over the years. The genre continues to evolve and thrive, with new bands carrying on the traditions of their predecessors. Nu Metal, while not as enduring as heavy metal, has left its mark on the music world, paving the way for other hybrid genres like metalcore and rap rock. The legacy of nu metal can still be heard in the music of many contemporary artists.