Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine expressed his critical views on nu-metal bands in a recent interview with Lifeminute.
“There was a period in 2000 where we had these bands called — I think it was ‘nu metal,’ and they didn’t do any solos,” Mustaine said. “Well, why didn’t they do any solos? They couldn’t do solos.”
“And thank God that genre went away. People started to learn how to do solos,” he continued. “I would say, if you’re in a ‘nu metal’ band, you probably would be challenged even playing ‘Johnny B. Goode’ [1958 rock and roll classic by Chuck Berry]. So I’m glad that went away.”
His statement showcases his long-standing position as a technical metal guitarist. It also highlights his preference for traditional metal’s emphasis on instrumental proficiency.
This recent criticism reinforces Mustaine’s historical stance on various metal subgenres and their technical merits.
The PRP documented Mustaine’s consistent criticism of bands from his 1990s tours. He frequently pointed out their perceived lack of technical skill and musical sophistication.
The criticized genre peaked during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Sonic Perspectives noted its characteristics included aggressive riffs, downtuned guitars, and rap-influenced vocals. Bands like Korn and Linkin Park led this movement.
In discussions about modern metal, Mustaine has maintained his traditional stance. He specifically praised legendary guitarists like David Gilmour for their emotional simplicity. He also acknowledged modern musicians face challenges in standing out among numerous aspiring artists.
The Megadeth frontman’s latest comments reinforce his dedication to technical proficiency in metal music. They also strengthen his role as a vocal advocate for traditional metal’s musical complexity.
