Most Famous 2020s Alternative Metal from the Last 60 Days, updated on Jan 8,2025
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 1 . Linkin Park - The Emptiness MachineLinkin Park's debut with Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, this September 2024 track uses metaphors of false promises and cycles of disappointment. Premiered on The Tonight Show, it redefines the band's vocal dynamics while maintaining their signature emotional intensity. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock The music video is directed by Joe Hahn Featured on the album From Zero
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 2 . Linkin Park - Heavy Is The Crown [League Of Legends Worlds 2024]Linkin Park performs this nu-metal/rap rock fusion at the League of Legends Championship. Produced by Mike Shinoda and Colin Brittain, it weaves Meteora-esque melodic hooks, later reimagined for Arcane season two, solidifying the band's evolving sound with a refreshed lineup. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock Featured on the album FROM ZERO
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 3 . Falling In Reverse - Watch The World BurnBlurring the lines between rap and metal, Falling In Reverse’s "Watch The World Burn" erupts with Ronnie Radke’s rapid-fire verses reminiscent of Eminem, before transitioning into a chaotic metalcore breakdown. Produced by Radke and Tyler Smyth, the song plunges into themes of internal demons and conflicts with detractors, while the music video amplifies its intensity with Radke as a supervillain. The visuals, inspired by "Homelander" from The Boys and Injustice: Gods Among Us, highlight rebellion and frustration in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, pop punk, rap metal The music video is directed by Jensen Noen Featured on the album Popular Monster
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 4 . Linkin Park - Over Each OtherLinkin Park's “Over Each Other” lands as a 2024 offering steeped in alternative rock's melancholy hues and bursts of raw introspection. Composed with a focus on communication's slow collapse, the track channels a weariness that mirrors unresolved tensions in human connection, all while Emily Armstrong's lead vocals soar with controlled desperation. Shinoda, Delson, Brittain, and Mora craft a production layered yet unburdened by excess, allowing Armstrong's performance to inhabit the emotional forefront effortlessly. The shifting dynamics between vocals—poised yet fractured—and the textured sonic backdrop hint at conflicts both intimate and universal. An outro where Shinoda, Farrell, and Hahn interweave voices offers a haunting sense of unity dissolving under strain, underscoring the song's thematic weight. “Over Each Other” departs from typical elements of Linkin Park's catalog, with its restraint becoming as compelling as their past bombast, signaling a fresh experiment in their eighth studio album, *From Zero*. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock The music video is directed by Joe Hahn Featured on the album From Zero
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 5 . Linkin Park - LostUnearthed from Linkin Park’s Meteora sessions, "Lost" carries the haunting presence of Chester Bennington’s vocals, layered over nu metal and electronic elements. Released in 2023, the track delves into themes of regret, grief, and being trapped by the past. Its introspective lyrics hit harder with the knowledge of Bennington’s tragic passing in 2017. The accompanying anime-inspired video encapsulates the deep emotional core of the song, offering a visual journey through loss and memories left unresolved. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock The music video is directed by MACIEJ KUCIAR Featured on the album Meteora - 20th Anniversary
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 6 . Falling In Reverse - "Ronald"A post-apocalyptic thriller, Falling In Reverse’s "Ronald" sees the band team up with Tech N9ne and Alex Terrible (Slaughter to Prevail) to create a multi-genre fusion. Blending metalcore, deathcore, and rap, the song tackles the harsh transition from innocence to reality. In the music video, Radke flees from demons and SWAT teams, before confronting Tech N9ne as God and Alex Terrible as the Devil. It’s a visceral exploration of societal decay, rebellion, and the dark corners of the human psyche. Genres : Metal, Hip Hop, Rock,alternative metal, pop punk, rap metal, detroit hip hop, kansas city hip hop, pop rap, The music video is directed by Charles Massabo Featured on the album Popular Monster
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 7 . Falling In Reverse - PrequelAddressing societal disillusionment and personal contradictions, "Prequel" layers introspection with calls for rebellion. Its mix of cynical wit and melodic aggression marks a dynamic start to the band's fifth studio album, exploring the effects of internal and external battles. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, pop punk, rap metal The music video is directed by Jensen Noen Featured on the album Popular Monster
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 8 . Motionless In White - Another LifeMotionless In White's "Another Life" (2019) mixes gothic rock and metalcore, reflecting on the emotional aftermath of a painful breakup. The introspective lyrics focus on regret and the memories of a lost relationship. Genres : Metal,alternative metal, metalcore The music video is directed by Max Moore
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 9 . Falling In Reverse - Voices In My Head"Voices in My Head" by Falling In Reverse is a deeply personal track, produced by Tyler Smyth and Ronnie Radke, blending rock, metal, and electronic influences. Released in 2022, the song grapples with mental health struggles, depression, and self-destructive thoughts, with lyrics portraying a mind spiraling out of control. The intense beats and heavy guitars accompany Radke’s tortured vocals, bringing to life the chaotic and tormenting internal battles that the protagonist faces, metaphorically portrayed as a nightmarish carousel. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, pop punk, rap metal The music video is directed by Jensen Noen Featured on the album EP *Neon Zombie*
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 10 . Papa Roach & Carrie Underwood - Leave A Light On [Talk Away The Dark]Addressing mental health awareness and suicide prevention, this reimagined track emerged from Papa Roach's 2022 album "Ego Trip." Partnering with Carrie Underwood, the 2023 version amplifies its message in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, the song underscores the significance of seeking help and promotes the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. All royalties are perpetually donated to the AFSP, reinforcing the track's social impact. Genres : Metal, Country, Pop, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rap rock, rock, classic oklahoma country, contemporary country, country, country dawn, dance pop, pop The music video is directed by Bryson Roatch & Jeff Johnson
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 11 . Slipknot - Nero ForteSlipknot’s "Nero Forte" erupts with crushing riffs and explosive energy. Released in December 2019, the song showcases Greg Fidelman’s slick production, as Corey Taylor’s lyrics dive deep into themes of betrayal and emotional manipulation. The kaleidoscopic visuals of the video, filled with flashing lights and intense colors, mirror the internal chaos described in the song. Taylor’s battle against his inner demons is at the forefront, with the powerful instrumentation heightening the sense of inner struggle. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rock The music video is directed by Shawn Crahan Featured on the album We Are Not Your Kind
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 12 . Slipknot - UnsaintedSlipknot’s "Unsainted," produced by Greg Fidelman, opens with an unexpected choral arrangement, inspired by Pink Floyd’s "Another Brick in the Wall." Released in 2019, the track blends metal with melodic hooks, capturing the raw power of Corey Taylor’s vocal range. Lyrically, it embodies resilience, rejecting the idea of self-sacrifice for spiritual redemption. The music video, showcasing Slipknot’s new masks, uses religious imagery and dark, moody scenes to drive home themes of disillusionment and revolt against societal and religious expectations. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rock The music video is directed by Shawn "Clown" Crahan Featured on the album We Are Not Your Kind
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 13 . Falling In Reverse - Zombified"ZOMBIFIED" by Falling In Reverse rips into "cancel culture" with sharp lyrical critiques, addressing societal tendencies to hold individuals accountable for long-forgotten mistakes. Released in 2022, the track mixes metalcore and post-hardcore elements with a hard-hitting message. The accompanying post-apocalyptic music video, featuring the band fighting off zombies, symbolizes the mindless masses that perpetuate societal outrage. The song has also made its way into popular culture, notably used as the entrance music for AEW wrestler Saraya. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, pop punk, rap metal The music video is directed by Jensen Noen Featured on the album Popular Monster
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 14 . Skillet - Psycho In My HeadSkillet delves into the inner turmoil of battling destructive thoughts in "Psycho In My Head," released in 2021. Produced by Kane Churko, the track is a fusion of hard rock and metalcore, embodying the internal conflict between reason and chaos. John Cooper’s intense vocals, paired with heavy instrumentation, bring to life the psychological war depicted in the lyrics. The song, while not explicitly religious, resonates with Skillet’s signature focus on resilience and overcoming adversity. Genres : Metal, Rock, Pop,alternative metal, christian alternative rock, christian music, christian rock Featured on the album Dominion: Day of Destiny
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 15 . Falling In Reverse - Last Resort - ReimaginedFalling In Reverse revives the iconic "Last Resort" by Papa Roach in their 2023 reimagining of the 2000 hit. While staying true to the original’s raw emotional core, Ronnie Radke and Tyler Smyth inject modern electronic elements and heavier guitar riffs into the track. With Jacoby Shaddix’s blessing, the band reinvents the nu-metal classic, preserving its anguish while amplifying it for a new generation. The production is cleaner, yet the angst and urgency of the original remain intact, echoing themes of isolation and mental health struggles. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, pop punk, rap metal The music video is directed by Jensen Noen
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 16 . Papa Roach - Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)Papa Roach revisits "Leave A Light On" in 2023, partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This poignant anthem of hope and resilience, originally from their Ego Trip album, takes on new life with this re-recorded version. Jacoby Shaddix’s dedication to Chester Bennington adds another layer of emotional weight, with the lyrics offering support and a message of solidarity to those facing depression. The collaboration with Carrie Underwood in 2024 further amplifies the track’s reach, blending rock with country for a broader audience. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rap rock, rock The music video is directed by Bryson Roatch Featured on the album Ego Trip
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 17 . Breaking Benjamin - So ColdBreaking Benjamin’s "So Cold" (2004) is a haunting exploration of isolation and despair, weaving together atmospheric rock with lyrics pleading for vulnerability and authenticity. Produced by David Bendeth, the song’s emotional weight draws inspiration from the desolate landscapes of 28 Days Later, infusing the track with cinematic undertones. Benjamin Burnley’s vocals oscillate between melodic and aggressive, creating a tension that mirrors the internal conflict at the heart of the song. Genres : Metal,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge The music video is directed by Frank Borin Featured on the album We Are Not Alone
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 18 . Five Finger Death Punch - Blue On BlackFive Finger Death Punch brings a heavy twist to Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s "Blue On Black" in this 2019 cover. Collaborating with Shepherd, country singer Brantley Gilbert, and Queen’s Brian May, the band infuses the blues classic with hard rock grit. Produced by Kevin Churko, the cover is more than a tribute—it’s a charity single, with proceeds benefiting the Gary Sinise Foundation to support first responders. Filmed in the historical Goodsprings Saloon, the video adds a rustic, authentic edge to the song’s somber tone. Genres : Metal,alternative metal, groove metal, nu metal The music video is directed by Dale “Rage” Resteghini Featured on the album And Justice for None
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 19 . Daughtry - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Journey’s iconic hit, Daughtry teams up with Lzzy Hale of Halestorm to deliver a powerhouse rendition of "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)." Released in 2023, the cover blends Chris Daughtry’s commanding vocals with Hale’s soaring delivery, creating a fresh yet faithful take on the 80s classic. Produced by Scott Stevens and Marti Frederiksen, this collaboration pays homage to the original while injecting modern energy into the track, highlighting the enduring appeal of its heart-wrenching lyrics. Genres : Metal, Folk/Acoustic, Rock,alternative metal, neo mellow, pop rock, post-grunge, hel
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 20 . Black Veil Brides - BleedersBlack Veil Brides delivers a hard-hitting rock anthem with "Bleeders," released in 2024. Produced by Erik Ron, the track fuses glam rock with metal, tackling themes of resilience and personal sacrifice. As part of their "Bleeders Blood Drive" initiative with the American Red Cross, the band turns their U.S. tour into a platform for blood donation, using the song’s metaphorical call to action to inspire real-world impact. The lyrics address the pressures of living under scrutiny, symbolized by the term "bleeders," representing those constantly giving of themselves for others. Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, pop punk The music video is directed by Jensen Noen Featured on the album Bleeders (ep)
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ABOUT ALTERNATIVE METALAlternative Metal: Music and WordsThe musical content of 2020s Alternative Metal is defined by a broad sonic diversity. Guitars remain central to the composition, often featuring heavy, distorted riffs typical of metal, but these are paired with atmospheric, ethereal melodies borrowed from post-rock or electronic music. Vocals shift between clean, melodic lines and intense scream or growl techniques, heightening the emotional depth of the tracks. Guitar work frequently incorporates effects pedals such as reverb and delay to create expansive soundscapes. Drumming tends to be dynamic, transitioning from powerful, driving rhythms to more subtle, sophisticated sections. The use of synthesizers and electronic samples is common, adding a modern, innovative dimension to the tracks. Producers like Terry Date (who worked with Deftones), Will Putney (noted for collaborations with Knocked Loose), and Fredrik Nordström are at the forefront of Alternative Metal production in this decade, creating sounds that emphasize dense, powerful atmospheres. Thematically, Alternative Metal often explores dark and introspective subjects. Artists dig into issues such as mental health, isolation, societal dystopia, and personal struggles. The lyrics, often poetic, reflect the uncertainties and crises of the modern world, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Spiritbox‘”Holy Roller” uses religious imagery to convey themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Loathe’s “Two-Way Mirror” explores self-perception and vulnerability.
Metalcore vs Alternative Metal Metalcore is generally more aggressive and structured, featuring rapid guitar riffs, breakdowns, and a mix of screamed and sung vocals. In contrast, Alternative Metal is more diverse and experimental, with a melodic approach and a wider range of influences, allowing for a production style that often transcends traditional metal standards. – Metalcore: Originating from the fusion of hardcore punk and extreme metal (thrash, death metal) in the 1990s, metalcore tracks typically follow an energetic structure with fast, saturated, and heavy guitar riffs, often accompanied by breakdowns—slower sections with pounding rhythms that invite moshing. Vocals in metalcore are typically divided between screams (high-pitched shrieks or low growls) borrowed from death metal and melodic, clean singing. There’s often a clear “clean” and “harsh” vocal contrast. Lyrically, metalcore focuses on themes of anger, frustration, personal struggle, and intense emotions, with a direct tone reflecting the hardcore punk influence. – Alternative Metal: In Alternative Metal, there’s more room for experimentation with song structure. Melodic, atmospheric sections can coexist with heavier passages, creating dynamic contrasts. Vocally, there’s no rigid formula. Singers use a variety of styles, from clear, melodic vocals to screams, sometimes incorporating rap, spoken word, or other vocal techniques from different genres. The emphasis is often on diversity and the mood of the track. Lyrics in Alternative Metal are often more abstract and varied, addressing complex themes like psychology, spirituality, dystopia, or introspective experiences, using symbolic and metaphorical language. Alternative Metal: Further ReadingSeveral platforms are dedicated to Alternative Metal and alternative music in general. Specialized websites and magazines provide comprehensive coverage of the genre.
On the documentary front, “Metal Evolution” on Amazon Prime and “This Is Metal” on YouTube chronicle the history of metal and its subgenres, with episodes focused on Alternative Metal Alternative Metal: 10 Record LabelsThe Top 10 Labels Producing Alternative Metal are:
Alternative Metal and Visual ArtsAlternative Metal has long had strong ties with fashion, especially brands that draw from the genre’s dark, nonconformist aesthetic. |
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