FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions we get. If we've missed anything please feel free to reach out.
What is the purpose of this archive?
Our mission is to preserve and archive music from the nu-metal scene and adjacent subgenres. We recognize that not everyone embraces the "nu-metal" label, and that's totally fine, we’re here for the music, not the debates. Our goal isn't to redefine history or change perspectives but to ensure that these albums, especially from unsigned and lesser-known bands, don’t fade into obscurity. Many of these releases were limited, self-distributed, or never made it to digital platforms, making them difficult to find today.
By archiving this music, we’re helping to keep an important piece of alternative metal history alive, offering a resource for fans, collectors, and researchers. If you’d like to learn more about our efforts, how we source material, or how you can contribute, check out our About us page!.
Why do you have bands that aren't nu-metal in here
Some bands, like TRUSTcompany, Fear Factory, Machine Head, and Sugar Ray, have dabbled in nu-metal or exist on the borderline of the genre. Unfortunately, because nu-metal blends various elements, it can be difficult to draw a definitive line. You may also see some "rapcore" or "rap metal" bands included, as these styles are essentially nu-metal with a stronger emphasis on rapping rather than singing or screaming.
That said, some bands don’t make the cut for our archive, such as Twiztid, ICP, Faith No More, Primus, and Ministry. Including them would open the door to even more bands with only loose connections to nu-metal, which isn't our focus.
Groove metal is another genre that sometimes overlaps with nu-metal. Known for its heavy riffs and driving rhythms, groove metal occasionally blends into nu-metal territory. As a result, we include some groove metal bands in the archive, especially if a particular album or their entire discography leans into nu-metal influences. Examples include Pro-Pain, A.N.I.M.A.L., Damageplan, Soulfly, and Dry Kill Logic. However, not every groove metal band fits this category.
Lastly, side projects of nu-metal bands sometimes make it into the archive for archival purposes. While these projects aren’t always strictly nu-metal, we preserve them due to their connection to the scene. Since they’re lower on our priority list, some of these recordings may only be available in lower quality until we find better sources.
How can I help?
You can contribute to the project by:
- Researching and Documenting: Help us gather information on nu metal bands by creating pages on this site (see this article for guidance), or submit your findings for us to review and organize on our GitHub repository.
- Ripping & Scanning: If we’re missing a high-quality rip or proper scans of a release, you can contribute by ripping the music and/or scanning the artwork. Send the files to us via Discord or email, following our ripping and scanning guides.
- Supporting the Archive: Donations help us acquire CDs, tapes, and other media, as well as maintain essential equipment like disc drives. If you'd like to contribute, you can support mthntc via PayPal or flippinwaffles via Buy Me a Coffee.
Where do I send errors or misspellings I find?
If there is information we have wrong please go to our Discord, Github or through email with the correct info. Misspellings are sorta tricky to deal with! So for Bios we have mainly left everything the way we find it. If they spell something wrong or it doesn't flow correct we don't correct it. The only time we really correct something is if it is a single misspelling that we happen to find. Other then that we leave things the way they are.
I'm part of (insert band here), and I want to send you stuff from it. Where do I send it?
Please reach out to us on Discord or through email so we can discuss it further, especially if you'd like to mail us physical copies of whatever you want to have digitized and archived. If you're willing to digitize the media yourself, please read and follow the ripping and scanning guides.
I'm part of (insert band here), and I want to send you stuff from it, but I don't want it to be shared around.
There are cases where former members of bands look down on the material that came out of them for one reason or another, but some may still hold enough attachment to want it to be preserved, just not redistributed. If this happens to be your case, we will happily abide by your decision. Although re-sharing constitutes a significant part of our project, it is about preservation first; we'll keep that material aside until you're comfortable with others having easy access to it, or indefinitely if that doesn't happen.
I'm part of (insert band here), and I don't want it featured here. Can you take my band's information down?
Please reach out to us on Discord or through email if you find any sensitive information relating to you that you'd like to have taken off the site. Otherwise, no; this website holds no copyright or any way to download music or high quality artwork. It is simply a collection of information, most if not all of which has been public at some point, that has been neatly archived and displayed.
I see you have (insert album here). How do I get it?
You won't find any download links to music on this site, look elsewhere.
Do you guys trade files?
No! Never have, Never will.
What do the numbers or other names by the bands name mean?
As time goes on there are bands with the same name (Slipknot vs Slipknot for example) we've taken a nod from Discogs.org when it comes to this and match their naming scheme with ours. So if you Deez Nuts (1) there are other bands named Deez Nuts. We generally use this if the band name is extremely common or not easily found on discogs (for example the band "Drop" comes to mind)
Sometimes bands change names or the name is written different on somethings. If another name appears next to the band that means they also go by that name. For example, Depswa use to be called Carcinogen and Diversified was called Swingshot at one point.
On some band pages I see a logo that isn't the bands being used as the logo or a "fan made" logo. Why are only a few band pages using fanmade logos?
Unfortunately not every band has a logo that is readily available or easy to find. We try to fill as much info as we can about the band. We try not to use anything that isn't a true logo but sometimes it happens for various reasons. As soon as we get the real logo we will update the site to reflect that.
I see you use Accurip and EAC for your preferred method of ripping CDs. What about DVDs, Cassettes or Vinyl?
With DVDs you should use DVD Decrypter with the settings changed to have it save the ripping .log, Cassettes and Vinyl are a bit tough without spending thousands on equipment but as long as you state the source and how it got to the computer we will accept it. Of course if a better source comes along it will be trumped but generally we haven't ran into that issue yet.
Stating your source and how it got to your computer is fairly simple. Create a .txt file in the folder with the album you've ripped and put the band name, title of album (or demo), and the discogs link (if available). Then below that you want to put the name of your cassette player so for example.
Sony Sport CFM-104 > Mic input > Audacity
Stereo Used > How it got to the PC > Program
Pretty simple, really. Same thing for Vinyls, if you use a usb player then it would be Record Player > USB > Audacity (or whatever program you use).