Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson discussed nu metal’s relevance in a recent YouTube interview.
“Is nu metal dead? I would say not. It came out roaring, and it was the next thing in the 90s. There was grung,e and there was nu metal,” Ellefson stated.
“To me those were the challenges as a thrash band that Megadeth, we faced,” he explained. “Cryptic writings sort of threaded the needle and got us through it. Our manager said with ‘Risk’ we zigged and the rest of the world zagged.”
“We went kind of lighter more mainstream,” Ellefson continued. “Radio and the audience in the world was going heavier, more Godsmack, more Disturbed, and more of that. We went to more… ‘Risk’ wasn’t even Radio Rock. It was just too light period for what the market was doing. We missed the mark on that one.”
Ellefson’s statement provides a different perspective on the genre’s impact and longevity, contrasting with Dave Mustaine’s previous criticisms of nu metal.
His recent comments illuminate Megadeth’s complex relationship with the 1990s metal landscape.
Blabbermouth revealed that Megadeth embraced the evolving metal scene. The band toured with Korn and Alice In Chains, recognizing them as influential forces in the new wave of metal music.
The band’s album ‘Cryptic Writings’ marked a strategic shift. They aimed to adapt to the changing musical landscape and capture the American Active Rock radio audience during nu metal’s ascent.
Louder Sound noted Ellefson’s continued support for the ‘Risk’ album. He praised it as ‘one of the great Megadeth records.’ The bassist acknowledged its departure from their traditional sound while defending its musical value.
This insight demonstrates how established thrash metal bands adapted during nu metal’s rise to mainstream dominance in the late 1990s.
