Image: Korn [Tim Saccenti]
Korn have shaped Nu-Metal like almost no other band. It is even said that the band surrounding frontman Jonathan Davis invented the genre. At the very least, the release of their self-titled album in 1994 marked the birth of a music genre that didn't even have a label at the time, but would go on to influence countless bands thereafter. Innovation and courage, however, are both traits that not only Korn but also several other acts in the scene demonstrate. We think these 11 bands can keep up with the Nu-Metal pioneers!
Spiritbox
Heaviness meets atmosphere: What Korn has consistently pursued with their music and production for over three decades, Spiritbox has also made their own in recent years. The band surrounding singer Courtney LaPlante creates a unique environment with their music that you can truly lose yourself in. Emotions are the top priority here. Interestingly, Korn has had a very strong musical influence on Spiritbox, so the similar feeling in the music is no coincidence. Furthermore, they have already toured together. Perfect match!
Bad Omens
"Just do it!" That was not only Korn's motto when they virtually invented Nu-Metal in the early 1990s; Bad Omens also follow this plan very consistently. The band fronted by Noah Sebastian has found its own style, but you can't really define it. Here, different influences are happily combined with one another, resulting in a truly wonderful sound. It hasn't been defined yet, but why give the whole thing a label anyway? Jonathan Davis never liked "Nu-Metal" as a designation either. Sometimes you can just let art be art.
Poppy
What happens when you completely detach yourself from genre boundaries? Exactly what Poppy impressively shows us. The artist combines metal, industrial, pop, and electronic influences into a sound that cannot be pinned down. And that’s a good thing! That is exactly what Korn did: just do their own thing, regardless of whether it fit in somewhere or not. This joy of experimentation and the courage to break conventions make Poppy one of the most exciting figures in modern heavy music.
Northlane
Northlane represent the modern evolution of what Nu-Metal once set in motion. The band combines heavy riffs with electronic elements and a dense, even futuristic atmosphere. Especially on newer releases, it becomes clear how heavily they work with sound design. Much like Korn, Northlane rely not only on heaviness but on an overall feeling that runs through the songs and completely captivates the listener.
Fever 333
Fever 333 bring back the raw energy and attitude that also characterized Korn in their early days. The band surrounding Jason Aalon Butler is primarily one thing: loud and politically charged. The band combines rap, hardcore, and industrial into an explosive mix that serves as a direct outlet for anger and frustration—not only for the band members themselves but also for the listeners. This unfiltered feeling has always been a central component of Nu-Metal.
Loathe
Loathe skillfully prove how atmospheric and simultaneously heavy modern metal can sound. The band is often compared to Deftones, and for good reason. Between brutal outbursts and almost dreamy soundscapes, a sound emerges that relies heavily on emotion and mood. A mixture that was always present in the early alternative metal scene, where both Korn and the Deftones found their footing.
Bring Me The Horizon
When we talk about the joy of experimentation and the strong further development of one's own sound, we definitely cannot ignore Bring Me The Horizon. Oli Sykes and co. are the prime example of how a sound can evolve over many years. Just like Korn, they never stayed in one place but constantly reinvented themselves. From raw deathcore to electronically influenced songs with big hooks, everything is represented here. An openness to new influences and the conscious crossing of genre boundaries strongly connects the band with the original spirit of Nu-Metal.
Sleep Token
Sleep Token approach the "genre-mixing" game in a COMPLETELY different way. Sometimes the combo surrounding frontman Vessel even changes genres multiple times within the same song. True art! Furthermore, the focus here is less on pure heaviness and more on emotion and a continuous, atmospheric concept. The British band combines a wide variety of styles with one another, creating a sound that is difficult, if not impossible, to categorize. Crossover at its best!
Tallah
Tallah provide perhaps the most direct throwback to classic Nu-Metal in our list. Chaotic, aggressive, and consciously over-the-top: the band's sound strongly recalls the early days of Korn. Above all, frontman Justin Bonitz provides exactly the degree of madness known from the early years of the genre with his unpredictable performance. Here, it is less about perfection and more about maximum energy and emotion from deep within the soul.
Paleface Swiss
Paleface Swiss translate the raw rage of Nu-Metal into a modern, significantly heavier context. The Swiss band combines deathcore and beatdown with a strong focus on groove and rhythm, elements that have always been central to Korn as well. The result is a sound that feels extremely intense while bringing that "punch to the gut" attitude that many fans of Nu-Metal love.
President
President are among the most exciting newer acts when it comes to atmosphere and staging. Many elements surrounding the band appear deliberately mysterious, which lends the overall image additional depth. Musically, modern metal elements meet dense soundscapes and a strong sense of dramaturgy. Just like with Korn, it’s not just about individual songs, but about a total work of art that the listener is meant to experience.
