Article written by Roger Casadejús Pérez
1991: “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
In 1991, Metallica released their self-titled album, often referred to as “The Black Album”. “Enter Sandman” became a mainstream hit, catapulting the band to global fame. The song’s catchy riff and haunting lyrics made it an anthem for the metal community and beyond, marking a shift towards a more polished production style.
1992: “Sweating Bullets” by Megadeth
Continuing their reign in the early 90s, Megadeth released “Sweating Bullets” from the album “Countdown to Extinction”. The track is characterized by its unique vocal delivery and introspective lyrics, reflecting the inner turmoil and paranoia of its protagonist. The song’s success further cemented Megadeth’s status as thrash metal titans.
1993: “Heartwork” by Carcass
Carcass’s “Heartwork” from the album of the same name is a landmark in the melodic death metal subgenre. Released in 1993, the song blends aggressive riffs with melodic elements, showcasing the band’s evolution from their grindcore roots to a more refined sound, influencing countless bands in the years to come.
1994: “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
Though often categorized as a grunge band, Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” from the album “Superunknown” had a significant impact on the metal scene in 1994. The song’s dark, surreal lyrics paired with Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals created an atmospheric masterpiece that resonated with listeners across genres.
1995: “Blind” by Korn
In 1995, the emergence of nu-metal was signaled by Korn’s “Blind” from their debut self-titled album. The song’s heavy, downtuned guitars and Jonathan Davis’s distinctive vocal style introduced a new sound that would dominate the late 90s metal scene, influencing a generation of bands.
1996: “Roots Bloody Roots” by Sepultura
Sepultura’s “Roots Bloody Roots” from the album “Roots” in 1996 is a powerful fusion of metal and Brazilian tribal music. The track’s raw energy and cultural influences marked a creative peak for the band, pushing the boundaries of metal and inspiring future generations to explore diverse musical influences.
1997: “My Own Summer (Shove It)” by Deftones
Deftones’ “My Own Summer (Shove It)” from the album “Around the Fur” exemplifies the band’s unique blend of alternative metal and atmospheric soundscapes. Released in 1997, the song’s dynamic shifts between heavy guitar riffs and ethereal melodies set Deftones apart as innovators within the metal genre.
1998: “The Beautiful People” by Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People” from the album “Antichrist Superstar” is a definitive track of 1998, characterized by its aggressive industrial metal sound and provocative lyrics. The song’s pounding rhythm and controversial themes made it a staple of Manson’s live performances and a significant cultural touchstone.
1999: “Freak on a Leash” by Korn
Closing out the decade, Korn’s “Freak on a Leash” from the album “Follow the Leader” in 1999 represents the zenith of the nu-metal movement. The song’s innovative music video and Jonathan Davis’s emotive vocal performance captured the angst and energy of the era, solidifying Korn’s legacy as pioneers of the genre.