When Tyson Burden played Deftones’ “Change (In the House of Flies)” in his car in April 2020, he was taken by surprise. It wasn’t the roaring music or nostalgic memories that almost brought him to tears; it was the fact that his 15-year-old daughter, Nia LaVey Burden, knew all the lyrics. Nia had discovered the band on TikTok a few months earlier. Despite the initial shock, Tyson joined in, and the two shared a magical moment singing the chorus together. This experience reflects a trend among Generation Z, as more of them are discovering and enjoying nu metal music for the first time.
Nu metal, a subgenre blending heavy sounds with elements of hip-hop, funk, and alternative rock, has become increasingly popular among young listeners. Bands like Slipknot, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Kittie gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Today, thanks to TikTok, the Y2K revival, and teenage angst, nu metal has found a second life.
For Los Angeles-based musician Asher Nevélle, nu metal is incredibly inspiring. It instills a “I don’t care” attitude and a feeling that anything is possible. The genre’s flamboyant style, characterized by silver chains, oversized outfits, and unique hairstyles, has become influential in celebrity fashion. Artists like Billie Eilish, Machine Gun Kelly, and Justin Bieber have adopted aspects of nu metal fashion, further popularizing the genre.
The visual aesthetics of nu metal were intentionally distinct, with bands using flashy costumes and provocative stunts to capture attention. Over two decades later, these moments are being recirculated on social media platforms like Twitter, captivating audiences and generating tens of thousands of views. The internet allows Gen Zers to mix and match different genres, creating a unique blend of tastes and preferences.
Nu metal historically connected with outsiders who resonated with its dark subject matter. Die-hard fans felt protective of their favorite bands and were wary of “normies” entering their world. However, today’s Gen Zers prioritize sociopolitical issues over social circles, leading to a more inclusive environment for nu metal fans. Nevertheless, there is still a sense of gatekeeping within the community, both from older fans looking down on newcomers and from pretentious individuals of all ages who judge the bands deemed uncool.
Aside from online communities, physical spaces are emerging to foster the nu metal community. “Nu Metal Night” dance parties, organized by passionate fans Sam Gans and Danielle Steger, have gained popularity in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Attendees express themselves through heightened fashion choices, proudly displaying gelled and colored hair, studded belts, JNCO jeans, chain wallets, and face paint. The parties are known for their energetic atmosphere, with people headbanging and moshing to the music. It’s a place where fans can fully immerse themselves in the nu metal experience.
The influence of nu metal extends to popular artists today. Musicians like Grimes, 100 gecs, Rina Sawayama, and Demi Lovato incorporate elements of the genre into their sound. Even bands from the initial nu metal explosion, like Kittie, are experiencing a resurgence in interest. Kittie’s drummer, Mercedes Lander, believes that the songs they wrote as teenagers still resonate because “teenage angst is timeless.”
For Tyson Burden, his daughter’s newfound love for Deftones allowed him to share the band’s discography, particularly the album “White Pony,” which he loved as a teenager. In May 2022, he fulfilled a dream he had harbored for over 20 years. He attended a Deftones concert, screaming, headbanging, and thrashing alongside sweaty, devoted fans. The best part was that he stood next to his daughter, sharing a love for the same music.
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