Last updated on March 31, 2026, updated every month.
Combine heavy metal with hip-hop, grunge, funk, and a touch of electronica; add down-tuned guitars, a pronounced bass, syncopated rhythms, and vocals alternating between rap, singing, and screaming; finish with introspective lyrics dealing with anger, frustration, and alienation. You get a good dose of Nu Metal.
The list below ranks 20 vintage NU METAL songs in descending order of engagement over the last six months.
1 . Candlebox - Far Behind
“Far Behind,” released in 1993, is an emotional tribute by Candlebox to Andrew Wood of the band Mother Love Bone, a close friend of the group who died of an overdose. Frontman Kevin Martin, often associated with the Seattle grunge scene and bands like Pearl Jam, delivers a heartfelt performance. “Far Behind” became a major success and remains a classic 90s rock anthem.
The music video is directed by Nick Egan.
Writer(s) : Peter Andrew Klett, Kevin Colin Martin, Scott John Ric Hard Mercado, Bardi David Martin Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, grunge, nu metal, post-grunge
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, grunge, nu metal, post-grunge
The music video is directed by Nick Egan
Featured on the album 1993,Candlebox
63.58% / -4.31%
2 . Ministry - N.W.O. [New World Order]
Released in 1992, “N.W.O.” by Ministry is an iconic industrial metal track. It critiques the George H. W. Bush administration using samples from his speeches and excerpts from the film Apocalypse Now. The track reached No. 11 on the US Alternative Airplay chart. The video features scenes of police violence and chaos, including a depiction of a woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty being beaten by police, reflecting the intense political message of the song. “N.W.O.” appears in the soundtrack of the 1992 film Cool World by Ralph Bakshi and the video game Need for Speed: The Run.
The music video is directed by Peter Christopherson.
Writer(s) : Paul G Barker, Allen D Jourgensen Publisher(s) : Lovolar Music, Spurburn Music, Warner Tamerlane Pub Corp
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, industrial, industrial metal, industrial rock, nu metal
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, industrial, industrial metal, industrial rock, nu metal
The music video is directed by Peter Christopherson
Featured on the album 1992,Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs
35.11% / -0.95%
3 . Korn - Twisted Transistor
Released in 2005, “Twisted Transistor” is a single by Korn that blends nu-metal with electronic rock elements. The song stands out with its catchy guitar riff and lyrics about media manipulation. The band, led by Jonathan Davis, often explores dark and introspective themes. The music video for “Twisted Transistor” is particularly memorable, featuring famous rappers (Xzibit, Lil Jon, Snoop Dogg, and David Banner) playing the roles of Korn members, while the actual band members appear as their roadies.
The music video is directed by Ryan Ratajski.
Writer(s) : Scott Spock, David Randall Silveria, Graham Edwards, James Christia N Shaffer, Reginald Arvizu, Lauren Christy, Jonathan Howsmon Davis Publisher(s) : Universal Music-Mgb Songs, Fieldysnuttz Music, Musik Munk Publishing, Stratosphericyoness Music, Graham Edwards Songs, Evileria Music, Scott Spock Songs
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, funk metal, hard rock, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, funk metal, hard rock, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
The music video is directed by Ryan Ratajski
Featured on the album 2005,See You on the Other Side
16.34% / -0.73%
4 . Anthrax - Bring Tha Noize
“Bring Tha Noize” is a groundbreaking collaboration between the rap group Public Enemy, with Chuck D on vocals, and the metal band Anthrax providing the instrumental backing. Released in 1991, this track marked a unique fusion of rock and rap, breaking down musical genre barriers. “Bring Tha Noize” is a cover of the original Public Enemy track “Bring the Noise” featured in the soundtrack of the film “Less than Zero.”
Writer(s) : James Henry Iii Boxley, Eric T Sadler Publisher(s) : Your Mother S Music Inc, Terrordome Music Publishing Llc, Shocklee Music, Songs Of Reach Mc, Nfp Music
Genres : conscious hip hop, east coast hip hop, golden age hip hop, hardcore hip hop, hip hop, old school hip hop, political hip hop, alternative metal, glam metal, groove metal, hard rock, metal, nu metal, old school thrash, rap metal, rock, speed metal, thrash metal
Linkin Park & Jay Z - Numb/Encore
This 2004 collaboration blends Jay Z's rap with Linkin Park's rock sound, creating a memorable fusion.
Run DMC & Aerosmith - Walk This Way
A groundbreaking 1986 track that merged hip hop and rock, revitalizing Aerosmith's career and boosting Run DMC's fame.
Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood
Released in 2001, this song features Damon Albarn's band and rapper Del the Funky Homosapien, mixing rock and hip hop.
The Maccabees & Roots Manuva - Empty Vessels
A collaboration that brings together The Maccabees' indie rock with Roots Manuva's rap for a gritty reworking of the original track.
R.E.M. - Radio Song
This 1991 track features R.E.M. with rapper KRS-One, combining rock with a critique of commercial radio.
Coldplay & Jay Z - Lost+
Jay Z adds a rap verse to Coldplay's "Lost", blending his hip hop style with the band's alternative rock sound.
Arctic Monkeys & Dizzee Rascal - Temptation Greets You Like Your Naughty Friend
A 2007 collaboration featuring Dizzee Rascal's rap on a B-side track by Arctic Monkeys.
Blondie - Rapture
Released in 1980, Blondie’s track features Debbie Harry rapping, introducing mainstream audiences to hip hop.
Public Enemy & Anthrax - Bring the Noise
A 1991 collaboration that merges Public Enemy's rap with Anthrax's heavy metal sound, creating a high-energy track.
Cypress Hill & Tom Morello - Rise Up
A powerful track that combines Cypress Hill's hip hop with the guitar riffs of Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello.
Genres : Metal, Hip Hop, Rock,conscious hip hop, east coast hip hop, golden age hip hop, hardcore hip hop, hip hop, old school hip hop, political hip hop, alternative metal, glam metal, groove metal, hard rock, metal, nu metal, old school thrash, rap metal, rock, speed metal, thrash metal
Featured on the album 1991,It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
16.23% / -0.03%
5 . Taproot - Again And Again
Released in 2000, “Again and Again” leads off Taproot’s debut album Gift with just enough nu-metal crunch to rattle the shelves at Sam Goody.
Written by the band and produced by Ulrich Wild, it swings between restrained, melodic verses and full-throttle choruses that don’t ask for permission before blowing the doors off.
A heavy presence on rock radio and MTV, the track nudges Taproot straight into early 2000s metal rotation, sneakers first.
Writer(s) : Jimmy Jam, Derek Boland, Terry Steven Lewis Publisher(s) : Taproot Publishing
Genres : post-grunge
Genres : Metal,alternative metal, industrial metal, nu metal, post-grunge
The music video is directed by Jake Nava
Featured on the album 2000,Gift
15.42% / -0.49%
6 . Deftones - Change [In The House Of Flies]
Often hailed as one of the band’s most iconic and commercially successful tracks, “Change (In the House of Flies)” by Deftones, released in 2000, is renowned for its dark and hypnotic ambiance. With its metaphor-laden lyrics, the track delves into themes of transformation and loss, underscored by heavy and atmospheric instrumentation. Terry Date, who has worked with Soundgarden and Pantera, adds to the track’s distinctive sound.
The music video is directed by Liz Friedlander.
Writer(s) : Chi Cheng, Abran Cunningham, Camilo Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp, My Rib Is Broke
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rock, sacramento indie
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rock, sacramento indie
The music video is directed by Liz Friedlander
Featured on the album 2007,White Pony
15.19% / -0.21%
7 . Kittie - Brackish
A cherished fan favorite and concert staple, “Brackish” by Kittie, released in 1999, emerges as an anthem of raw resilience and unbridled femininity. The track delves into themes of emotional turmoil, isolation, and the quest for inner strength. Under the meticulous production of Garth Richardson, it boasts formidable riffs and raw energy. Following Tanya Candler’s exit, bassist Talena Atfield fortified the classic lineup.
The music video is directed by Juli Berg.
Writer(s) : Mercedes Lander, Morgan Lee Lander, Fallon Bowman Publisher(s) : Peer International Ltd (Canada), Kittie Inc
Genres : Metal,alternative metal, canadian metal, industrial metal, nu metal
Genres : Metal,alternative metal, canadian metal, industrial metal, nu metal
The music video is directed by Juli Berg
Featured on the album 2000,Spit
15.06% / -0.24%
8 . Anthrax - Black Lodge
In a curious twist, “Black Lodge” inhabits the eighth slot on Anthrax’s 1993 album *Sound of White Noise*, delivered by Elektra Records. Drummer Charlie Benante, an ardent *Twin Peaks* enthusiast, contributes to its creation, weaving in threads of the cult series’ second season’s supernatural intricacies.
With an opening peppered by samples from the 1991 series finale, distorted dialogue and screams accompany an intense scene where FBI Agent Dale Cooper faces Laura Palmer’s doppelganger.
The accompanying music video has its share of peculiarities, showcasing a balding individual scanning palm trees and a Los Angeles forecast through memories.
There’s sponge-bathing, a woman in a red qipao posing amid mannequin parts, and Anthrax rocking against a red curtain backdrop, all seemingly part of a strange underground realm with echoes of red curtains.
The music video is directed by Paul Elledge, Mark Pellington.
Writer(s) : Angelo Badalamenti, Dan Spitz, Frank Bello, John Robert Bush, Charlie L Benante, Scott Rosenfeld Publisher(s) : Willesden Music Inc, Anlon Music Company, Zomba Enterprises Inc
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, glam metal, groove metal, hard rock, metal, nu metal, old school thrash, rap metal, rock, speed metal, thrash metal
Featured on the album 1993,Sound of White Noise
14.39% / -0.08%
9 . P.O.D. - Alive
Released on July 31, 2001, P.O.D.’s “Alive” spearheads their second major-label album, “Satellite,” blending earnest introspection with post-grunge flair.
Peaking at No. 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 19 in the UK, the track amasses widespread acclaim amidst heavy MTV and MTV2 rotation, dominating 2001’s video airwaves.
Sonny Sandoval pens lyrics reflecting paternal epiphany; the success propels “Satellite” to triple platinum status.
A 4K remastered video resurfaces on October 9, 2020.
The music video is directed by Francis Lawrence.
Writer(s) : Victor Antonio Sandoval Publisher(s) : Cd Baby Beta
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, funk metal, nu metal, rap metal, rap rock
The music video is directed by Robert Breer
Featured on the album 2001,Satellite
14.29% / -0.24%
10 . Kittie - Charlotte
Inspired by the book “Rites of Burial” by Tom Jackman and Troy Cole, detailing the macabre crimes of serial killer Robert Berdella who resided on Charlotte Street, “Charlotte” by Kittie was unveiled in 2000. Morgan Lander, the lead vocalist, conveyed that the harrowing narrative profoundly impacted her. The video features a symbolic fallen angel. Bassist Tanya Candler, who appears in the video, departed the band post-recording “Spit,” and was succeeded by Talena Atfield.
The music video is directed by Lisa Rubisch.
Writer(s) : Mercedes Lander, Morgan Lee Lander, Fallon Bowman Publisher(s) : Peer International Ltd (Canada), Kittie Inc
Genres : Metal,alternative metal, canadian metal, industrial metal, nu metal
Genres : Metal,alternative metal, canadian metal, industrial metal, nu metal
The music video is directed by Lisa Rubisch
Featured on the album 2000,Spit
13.56% / -0.31%
11 . P.O.D. - Sleeping Awake
Released in 2003, “Sleeping Awake” by P.O.D. serves as the lead single from “The Matrix Reloaded” soundtrack. The song intricately explores themes of consciousness and spiritual awakening, mirroring the philosophical depths of the Matrix trilogy. The video juxtaposes two versions of the band, one within the Matrix and the other in the real world, emphasizing the duality of these realms. Jason Truby makes his debut as a guitarist in this video, following the departure of Marcos Curiel. “Sleeping Awake” ascended to No. 14 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks.
The music video is directed by Marc Webb.
Writer(s) : Noah C Bernardo Jr, Paul J Sandoval, Mark Traa Daniels Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Harmony
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, funk metal, nu metal, rap metal, rap rock
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, funk metal, nu metal, rap metal, rap rock
The music video is directed by Marc Webb
Featured on the album 2003,The Matrix Reloaded Soundtrack
13.53% / -0.16%
12 . Faith No More - Digging The Grave
“Digging the Grave,” released in 1995, is an energetic track by Faith No More, a pioneering alternative rock band. The song features powerful guitar riffs and dynamic vocals by Mike Patton, reflecting the band’s evolution towards a rawer, more direct sound. The song was also featured in the television series Beavis and Butt-Head.
The music video is directed by Marcus Raboy.
Writer(s) : Michael Andrew Bordin, Bill Gould, Michael Allen Patton Publisher(s) : Big Thrilling Music
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, funk metal, funk rock, hard rock, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, funk metal, funk rock, hard rock, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
The music video is directed by Marcus Raboy
Featured on the album 1995,King for a Day… Fool for a Lifetime
13.08% / -0.19%
13 . Deftones - Be Quiet and Drive [Far Away]
Embodying themes of escape and the longing for freedom—a recurring motif in the band’s repertoire—”Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” by Deftones, released in 1997, stands out as one of the band’s quintessential tracks, showcasing their unique fusion of metal and ethereal soundscapes. The production, helmed by Terry Date, renowned for his work with Pantera and Soundgarden, imbues the track with remarkable sonic depth.
The music video is directed by Frank W. Ockenfels III.
Writer(s) : Stephen Carpenter, Abran Cunningham, Chi Cheng, Camilo Chino Moreno Publisher(s) : My Rib Is Broke, W B Music Corp
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rock, sacramento indie
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rock, sacramento indie
The music video is directed by Frank W. Ockenfels III
Featured on the album 1997,Around the Fur
12.37% / 0.03%
14 . Lostprophets - Rooftops [A Liberation Broadcast]
Released in 2006, “Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast)” leads the charge on Lostprophets’ third album, Liberation Transmission.
Written by frontman Ian Watkins with the rest of the band and produced by Bob Rock, it wraps alternative rock melodies around clenched-fist lyrics of youthful rebellion and emotional catharsis.
Not shy about making some noise, the track crashes into the UK Top 10 and floods rock radio and music TV with its shout-it-from-the-hills urgency.
The music video is directed by Ryan Smith.
Writer(s) : Lee Gaze, Ian David Kars Lake Watkins, Richard James Oliver, Stuart Richardson, Michael Richard Lewis Publisher(s) : Emi April Music Inc, Goonies Never Say Die
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : ,rock alternatif, post-hardcore, nu metal
Featured on the album 2006,Liberation Transmission
11.49% / -1.24%
15 . Paul Oakenfold - Starry Eyed Surprise
“Starry Eyed Surprise,” released in 2002, is a single by Paul Oakenfold featuring Shifty ShellShock, the rapper from Crazy Town. The song blends elements of electronic music and rap, creating a festive and euphoric atmosphere. Oakenfold, a DJ renowned for his collaborations with Madonna and U2, brings his expertise in music production.
Writer(s) : Harry Nilsson, Andrew Ling Gray, Seth Brooks Binzer, Fred Neil, Paul Mark Oakenfold Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb), Chrysalis-Music-Ltd, Arlovol Music, Mute Song Ltd
Genres : Metal, Rock, Electronic,trance, alternative metal, funk metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap rock
Genres : Metal, Rock, Electronic,trance, alternative metal, funk metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap rock
Featured on the album 2002,Bunkka
11.00% / 0.03%
16 . Linkin Park - Points Of Authority
Linkin Park’s “Points of Authority,” the fourth track on their 2000 debut “Hybrid Theory,” evolves from a demo titled “Oh No,” later featured on the “LP Underground X: Demos” CD in 2010.
Producer Don Gilmore pushed the band, as they struggled for months to create its chorus, with Mike Shinoda reworking Brad Delson’s guitar riff into a fragmented, signature sound.
Planned single releases were shelved, but a promotional video surfaced via the “Frat Party At The Pankake Festival” DVD.
Its remix, “Pts.OF.Athrty,” was the sole single from 2002’s “Reanimation,” hitting No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart.
The music video is directed by Nathan “Karma” Cox.
Writer(s) : Joseph Hahn, Robert Bourdon, Chester C Bennington, Brad Delson, Mike Shinoda Publisher(s) : Zomba Enterprises Inc, Zomba Songs Inc
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
Featured on the album 2000,Hybrid Theory
11.32% / -0.21%
17 . Deftones - My Own Summer
Delving into themes of isolation and disillusionment, “My Own Summer (Shove It)” by Deftones, released in 1997, is characterized by its heavy guitar riffs and lyrics expressing frustration and alienation. Produced by Terry Date, known for his work with Pantera and Soundgarden, the music video for “My Own Summer (Shove It)” features the band performing on a platform above water, encircled by sharks—a unique summer setup indeed.
The music video is directed by Dean Karr.
Writer(s) : Chi Cheng, Abran Cunningham, Camilo Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter Publisher(s) : My Rib Its Broke Music, Wc Music Corp
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rock, sacramento indie
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, rock, sacramento indie
The music video is directed by Dean Karr
Featured on the album 1997,Around The Fur
10.62% / 0.01%
18 . Linkin Park - Somewhere I Belong
Released in 2003, “Somewhere I Belong” by Linkin Park fuses nu-metal with melodic rock, crafting a narrative of inner turmoil and self-reclamation. Its raw energy is driven by layered guitar riffs juxtaposed with introspective lyrics shaped by the band’s shared struggles. Joe Hahn’s surreal music video amplifies the song’s dreamlike meditation on finding clarity, blending fragmented visuals with themes of self-discovery. While peaking at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100, its dominance on the Alternative Songs chart highlights its resonance within the alt-rock sphere. The track’s emotional core and polished production remain connected to the ethos of the early 2000s, balancing aggressive intensity with reflection.
The music video is directed by Joseph Hahn.
Writer(s) : Robert G Bourdon, Joseph Hahn, Chester C Bennington, Michael Kenji Shinoda, Bradford Philip Delson, David Michael Farrell Publisher(s) : Chesterchaz Publishing, Nondisclosure Agreement Music, Pancakey Cakes Music, Big Bad Mr Hahn Music, Zomba Songs Inc, Rob Bourdon Music
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
Featured on the album 2003,Meteora
10.01% / -0.06%
19 . Collective Soul - Shine
A 1993 single by American band Collective Soul, “Shine” rides out on a thick drop-D guitar riff and gospel-tinged backing vocals that wouldn’t sound out of place in a tent revival—if the preacher had a distortion pedal.
Written by frontman Ed Roland, its lyrics form a kind of secular prayer, repeating “heaven let your light shine down” like a mantra for the slightly skeptical spiritual seeker.
The song is often mistaken for Christian rock, a labeling Roland shrugs off, preferring to call it a simple plea for direction, not conversion.
Released as the lead track from the band’s debut album, Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid, it pulls off that early ‘90s balancing act—plenty of angst, but just enough uplift to hum along to.
Writer(s) : Roland Ed Publisher(s) : Sugarfuzz Music
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : Rock, Metal,alternative rock, grunge, nu metal, pop rock, post-grunge, rock
Featured on the album 1993,Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid
9.61% / -0.09%
20 . Everclear - Santa Monica
“Santa Monica” springs from Everclear’s 1995 album “Sparkle and Fade,” a creation of Art Alexakis, who crafts its coastal vibe while far from the Pacific, up in Oregon.
Despite the distance, the tune nods to Southern California, painting pictures of the Santa Monica pier.
Capitol Records tagged the promo with a catchy subtitle: “Santa Monica (Watch the World Die).”
The song unfolds in a brisk three minutes, starting with a six-bar solo guitar riff, all twirling around that trusty G chord pull-off.
Personal history fuels the lyrics, from tackling drug addiction to seaside youthful memories.
Everclear, hailing from Portland since 1991, hits its stride nationally with this track in the ’90s.
The music video is directed by Mark Gerard.
Writer(s) : Arthur P Alexakis, Craig G Montoya, Greg Eklund Publisher(s) : Evergleam Music, Commongreen Music, Montalupis Music
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, nu metal, permanent wave, pop rock, post-grunge
Featured on the album 1995,Sparkle and Fade
9.44% / 0.06%
Candlebox’s “Far Behind” leads again, with Ministry’s “N.W.O.” moving into second and Limp Bizkit’s “Behind Blue Eyes” in third. Kittie’s “Brackish” and “Charlotte” rise mid-chart, while Nine Inch Nails’ “The Perfect Drug” slips to twentieth.
The Nu Metal chart remains intense but steady, marked by incremental shifts and strong retention of long-term mainstays.
Modest disclaimer: We don’t claim to be exhaustive. It’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen.