Alternative metal emerged in the 1990s as a fusion of heavy metal's aggression with alternative rock's eclecticism, characterized by downtuned guitars, complex rhythms, and often, screamed or rap-influenced vocals. This genre's origins lie in the convergence of post-punk, thrash metal, and grunge, with bands embracing experimentation and pushing the boundaries of traditional heavy music. Alternative metal's heyday spanned the late 1990s to early 2000s, with its angst-ridden, high-energy sound resonating with disillusioned youth. The genre's cultural significance lies in its reflection of the era's societal unease and its impact on the music industry, paving the way for future heavy music sub-genres. Alternative metal's distinctiveness stems from its blend of melodic hooks, intricate time signatures, and intense emotional release, setting it apart from more traditional metal styles while influencing subsequent genres like nu-metal and metalcore.

Sweet Leaf

Godsmack

Single - Released January 16, 2026