They say that music trends come and go in 20-year cycles. So it may be no surprise to you, doing the math, that Australian up-and-coming bands are drawing on influence from a genre that was made famous by the likes of Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit and non-three-syllable-bands-starting-with-‘L’ such as Korn, Slipknot and Disturbed.  Feel old yet?

Yes, we’re talking about the second wave of nu-metal; a sub-genre characterised by syncopated rhythms and elements of hip-hop, electronica, industrial and grunge, making the music of the time an endless sonic stream of genre-fluid possibilities.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when modern Aussie bands started incorporating the nu-metal sound into their music but a core catalyst for this movement could be pinned to the release of Ocean Grove’s 2017 breakthrough album, The Rhapsody Tapes.  In fact, we wrote an article when the critically acclaimed album came out declaring, ‘Nu-Metal Is Back!’ 

You can also see glimpses of a new kind of nu-metal (we’re going to dub nu-nu-metal from now on) coming through in Tonight Alive’s 2018 album, Underworld, in not only the sound but the visuals.

But the band that put the flag into the metaphorical musical landscape declaring nu-nu-metal is officially back, was Sydney heavyweights, Northlane, with their 2019 fifth studio album, Alien.  Northlane’s Aria-award-winning LP showed the band moving well away from their metalcore roots incorporating industrial and electronic elements into their djent-y sound.

Over the past few years, there’s no doubt the Australian heavy music industry has gone from strength-to-strength. The rise (again) of nu-metal has birthed killer music from a ton of artists.  But with the original trendsetters, Ocean Grove, moving in a new Oasis-esk direction, we thought we’d put together a list of the newcomers making waves with the nu-nu-metal sound.

So here it is. A list of 10 Australian nu-nu-metal artists you need to know right now:

1. Dregg - Internet

Dregg are a killer heavy act who are constantly pushing boundaries with the art they create. Their latest single Internet doesn’t disappoint with a song and clip speaking to the darker view of the online world. Watch out because the video may get a little too real for those who experienced Victoria’s 2020 lockdowns.

2. Void Of Vision - Decay feat. Ecca Vandal

Decay is an epic team-up of two unlikely candidates, heavy metallers, Void Of Vision and hip-hop/punk singer-songwriter Ecca Vandal. The video gives us an ultra-modern take on the nu-metal aesthetic and the collab works incredibly well.  Catch Void of Vision on tour with RedHook and Reliqa this June.  Get tickets at voidofvision.com.

3. RedHook - Kamikaze (ft. Will King  of WindWaker)

Speaking of RedHook, the Sydney rap-rock trio have gone from strength to strength since their 2018 debut supporting the likes of Bad Wolves, Amity Affliction, Skillet and throwing down on festival stages in Australia and the UK. Their EP, Bad Decisions, came out last month showcasing just why RedHook are a band to be reckoned and the title track features guest vocalists from Yours Truly, The Dead Love, Fangz, The Last Martyr and more. Our personal favourite from the release, Kamikaze, also features a brutal bridge from Windwaker’s Will King.

4. The Last Martyr - Hindsight

The Last Martyr is, ahem, my own band who relaunched recently with a new single/video for Hindsight (which the Maniacs team were kind enough to premiere). The clip draws influence from nu-metal bands of the late-90s, but with a modern twist and is reminiscent of something you’d see at 3 am on Rage after a big night out on the town. You can catch us live with RedHook and Fangz this Saturday 8th May at Northcote Social Club but it’s just been confirmed less than 30 tickets remain so snag yours immediately here.

5. Druid - Room 44

When we first saw Druid’s Room 44 video, we knew we had to premiere it.  The DJ scratches, drum beat in the intro/verses and soaring melodic choruses give us hectic Linkin Park vibes. Yet, we love the modern heavy elements that truly encapsulate a nu-nu-metal sound.  It’s a mix that works incredibly well and one we’re keen to experience in a live setting.

6. DVSR - Bloodlust feat. CJ McMahon 

This release isn’t super recent, coming out about a year ago, but given these rapcore, nu-metallers are on tour with Alpha Wolf in August, we couldn’t leave it out.  This track Bloodlust features CJ McMahon of Thy Art Is Murder and it’s just a dope tune all around.  Get tickets to see Alpha Wolf supported by The Beautiful Monument and DVSR here.

7. Diskust - Khronic

If you're a Slipknot fan aching for a show, you need to get amongst Queensland band, DisKust.  Their latest single, Khronic is most certainly going to fill the void - masks and all. They've played some pretty cool shows recently with more to be announced. Catch them at Darkcell's single launch May 29 with Torizon and Krave as we reckon they're a band to keep an eye on.  Find all the details are here.

8. The Weight Of Silence - Running Through the 666

The Weight of Silence have more recent videos but Running Through the 666 is the song we can never get out of our heads. There is no doubt the band have a modern take on the nu-metal sound which you can hear clearly on their debut album, Give The People What They Want, released in December. There’s a nod to the greats of the late 90s/early 2000s in the guitar parts, yet the rap components are super fresh.  Well done to the boys for stepping up and creating something pretty unique in the Australian market.

9. Conform - Luxury Letdown feat. Dropout Kings

Along similar lines to The Weight of Silence are Perth’s Conform. We had to include Luxury Letdown Feat. Dropout Kings even though this video was released in 2019 because it’s just that good.  The dark and unnerving clip reminds us of the 2009 Australian horror movie, The Loved Ones, and the song itself includes rap, metal and hardcore elements.

10. Bison - Begin Again

Bison aren’t new by any means because they’re kind of OG’s in the sense they’ve been around since the first round of nu-metal.  But we’re giving them a respectful nod because they relaunched last month with this killer aptly-named track, Begin Again, which was produced by Ocean Grove’s Sam Bassal.

Make sure you let us know which of these tracks is your favourite on socials!

Check out Slipknot merch now.

If you want to listen to the OGs afterwards throw on our classic nu-metal playlist now!