Alternative metal
style of heavy metal and alternative rock
Alternative metal is a type of heavy metal in the alternative music genre. Alternative metal became popular during the 1990s.
| Alternative metal | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | Alternative rock Heavy metal |
| Cultural origins | Mid–late 1980s, United States |
| Typical instruments | Electric guitar - Bass - Drums - Keyboards |
| Mainstream popularity | Underground in 1980s, moderate in early 1990s, mainstream in mid to late 1990s, moderate in 2000s |
| Derivative forms | Groove metal - Grunge |
| Subgenres | |
| Nu metal | |
| Other topics | |
| Artists - Lollapalooza - Progressive music | |
Characteristics of alternative metal music are heavy guitar riffs, syncopation, uncommon time signatures, and unusual techniques. Alternative metal is like regular heavy music, but it can be more experimental. This is what makes it "alternative".
Popular alternative metal bands are Jane's Addiction, Faith No More, Primus, Helmet, Alice in Chains, Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Rage Against the Machine and System of a Down.
