Ep 8. Nu Metal

Metal Evolution is a documentary television series that explores the history and evolution of heavy metal music. Hosted by Canadian musician and journalist Sam Dunn, the show features interviews with key figures in the industry, as well as rare footage and archival material.

Episode 8 of season 1 is titled "Nu Metal" and delves into the controversial subgenre of metal that emerged in the late 1990s. Nu metal is characterized by its fusion of metal with other genres such as rap, hip-hop, and industrial music, resulting in a sound that was often derided by traditional metal fans.

The episode begins with Dunn setting the stage for the emergence of nu metal, highlighting the cultural and musical context that gave rise to the genre. He explains that the 1990s were a time of immense change in the music industry, with the rise of MTV and the proliferation of alternative rock signalling a major shift away from traditional rock and metal.

Dunn then introduces several key figures in the nu metal scene, including Korn frontman Jonathan Davis, Deftones singer Chino Moreno, and Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst. These musicians discuss their influences and creative processes, as well as the challenges they faced in gaining acceptance from both the metal and mainstream music worlds.

The episode also features commentary from music critics and historians, who offer their perspectives on the impact of nu metal on the wider metal landscape. Some argue that nu metal was a necessary evolution of the genre, while others maintain that it represented a deviation from the core values of metal music.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to footage of iconic nu metal bands performing live and in the studio. We see Korn debuting their song "Blind" at a local club, as well as Limp Bizkit's infamous Woodstock '99 performance that ended in a riot. We also get a glimpse of the recording process for Deftones' breakthrough album White Pony, which many consider to be a seminal moment in the nu metal movement.

As the episode draws to a close, Dunn reflects on the lasting impact of nu metal on the metal genre as a whole. He argues that despite the genre's divisive nature, it played a crucial role in pushing metal into the mainstream and opening up new avenues for experimentation and creativity.

Overall, "Nu Metal" is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of a genre that remains controversial to this day. Whether you're a die-hard nu metal fan or a skeptic of the genre, this episode of Metal Evolution is sure to offer valuable insights into the evolution of heavy metal music.