| Alternative metal |
| Stylistic origins |
Alternative rock, heavy metal |
| Cultural origins |
Mid–late 1980s, United States |
| Typical instruments |
Vocals, guitar, bass, drums |
| Mainstream popularity |
Underground in 1980s, moderate in early 1990s, mainstream in mid to late 1990s, moderate in 2000s, slowly rising in late 2000s, revival in early 2010s |
| Derivative forms |
Nu metal, funk metal |
| Other topics |
| Artists, Lollapalooza |
Alternative metal is a genre of alternative rock and heavy metal that gained popularity in the early 1990s.[1] Most notably, alternative metal bands are characterized by heavy guitar riffs and experimental approaches to heavy music.[2]
[edit] Origins
Initially alternative metal appealed mainly to alternative rock fans since virtually all 80s alt-metal bands had their roots in the American rock underground scene.[2] Alt-metal bands commonly emerged from hardcore punk (Corrosion of Conformity), post-hardcore/noise rock (Helmet, The Jesus Lizard), grunge (Alice in Chains, Soundgarden), or industrial (Ministry, Nine Inch Nails).[2] These bands never formed a distinct movement or scene; rather they were bound by their incorporation of traditional metal influences and openness to experimenting with the form.[2]
Bands like Faith No More and Living Colour injected funk and hip hop into their brand of alternative metal.[2][3] The aggressive riffs of Korn, the acoustic ballads of Staind and the rap rock of Limp Bizkit created the sonic template for a new movement which became known as nu metal.[1] Korn's demo Neidermeyer's Mind released in 1993 is considered the first nu metal album.[4] By the latter 90s, nu metal bands were playing a combination of thrash metal, rap, industrial, hardcore punk and grunge.[2] Newer bands like Linkin Park drew inspiration from the same influences that included Nine Inch Nails, Faith No More, Helmet, Korn, Rage Against the Machine and Deftones.[5]
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[edit] References
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