Abstract: << With the emergence of Slipknot as both a discursive node and point of departure, the chapter focuses on the next wave of alternative metal, often described as nu-metal due to bringing a new flavor to metal by mixing the genre’s typical elements such as groovy guitar riffs with other genres such as hip-hop, industry, and pop-style choruses. Besides Slipknot, other masked bands, for instance Mushroomhead and Mudvayne, are highlighted in the same context. Moreover, the predecessor of masked nu-metal, Mr. Bungle, is also accentuated. Attention is also paid to originality vis-à-vis mimicking earlier groups, as well as the function and meaning of masks in the context of transformation.
The findings underline that the transformative characteristics of masks in metal music are often exaggerated as band members often act “normal” and agreeable when they wear their masks. However, in live settings some of the transformative features might be a part of specific stage persona. In the nu-metal scene, it appears as if fans are more concerned about being the first to wear masks than the band members themselves. >>
[source: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-032-16978-5_12]