Decibel magazine have shared a lengthy read about the birth and death of nu metal, complete with commentary from various metal musicians, label heads and producers who were both involved (or endured the movement.) An excerpt from that can be found below:
“If one record killed nü-metal, it was White Pony, released by Deftones in June of 2000. An all but complete detachment from the sound they co-pioneered, the record was seen by many as a sign that it was finally time to move on, or at least forever detach nü-metal from its big brother. Linkin Park’s mega-selling debut Hybrid Theory spoke loudly to a hard rock audience at their heaviest, as did Limp Bizkit’s successful and still infuriatingly titled Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. (It didn’t help Limp Bizkit’s cred in the metal community when Durst did a duet with Christina Aguilera at the MTV Music Awards.) Ozzfest, though, was the best illustration of how irrelevant the genre had become: Apartment 25 [Apartment 26,] Primer 55, the Deadlights and Slaves on Dope were some of the nü-metal bands the tour tried and failed miserably to promote.”
Another excerpt, featuring word from producer Ross Robinson (Korn, Slipknot):
“I remember rehearsing for the second Korn record, and Gene Hoglan [Death, Testament, Strapping Young Lad] was next door rehearsing all alone, with no band, just practicing his double bass. And we were rolling in off a platinum debut, and it was such a drag to hear that. It was kind of a reflection of that world, which was in hibernation. But the dude did not stop and he’s doing great now.”
The article is taken from the October issue of the publication and can be read in full online at Decibelmagazine.com.