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 document music from the nu-metal scene and closely related subgenres. We recognize that not every band identifies with the “nu-metal” label, and that’s fine. This project exists to archive and organize the material, not to argue over genre labels.

We are not trying to rewrite history or change how anyone views the genre. The goal is to ensure releases, especially from unsigned, regional, and lesser-known bands, are not lost over time. Many of these titles were pressed in small quantities, self-distributed, or never properly documented, which makes them difficult to locate and verify years later.

By cataloging and archiving this music, we help preserve an important part of alternative metal history and provide a reliable reference for fans, collectors, and researchers. If you want details on standards, sourcing, or how to contribute, please see the About Us page.

Why do you have bands that aren’t strictly nu-metal in here?

Nu-metal has blurred boundaries, and some artists sit on the edge of the genre or released specific material that clearly overlaps with the scene. Examples include TRUSTcompany, Fear Factory, Machine Head, and Sugar Ray.

You may also see rapcore or rap metal included, since those styles frequently overlap with nu-metal. Groove metal can also intersect with nu-metal at times. We include certain groove metal releases when the music clearly leans into nu-metal elements. Examples include Pro-Pain, A.N.I.M.A.L., Damageplan, Soulfly, and Dry Kill Logic. Not every groove metal band is included, and this is evaluated release by release.

We also avoid including artists with only loose connections, because that quickly turns the archive into something broader than its intended focus.

How can I help?

You can contribute to the project in a few ways:

Research and documentation
Help gather and verify information on bands and releases by creating pages on this site, or by submitting research for review.

Ripping and scanning
If a release is missing a verified rip or complete artwork scans, you can contribute by ripping the audio and/or scanning the artwork using our guides and standards, then sending the files to us.

Supporting the archive
Donations help us acquire CDs, tapes, and other media for preservation, and maintain equipment needed for archival work.

Where do I send errors or misspellings I find?

If you find incorrect information, please send the corrected details to us through Discord or email. For biographies and original write-ups, we generally preserve the text as it originally appears, including minor spelling or grammar issues. We only correct clear, isolated typos when it does not change the original wording or meaning.

I’m part of a band and I want to send you material. Where do I send it?

Please contact us through Discord or email so we can coordinate the best way to handle it, especially if you want to provide physical copies for digitization. If you plan to digitize the media yourself, please follow the ripping and scanning guides.

I’m part of a band and I want the material preserved, but kept private.

That is completely fine. Preservation comes first. If you provide material with restrictions, we will archive it and keep it private unless you later approve broader access. If approval never comes, it will remain private indefinitely.

I’m part of a band and I don’t want it featured here. Can you take it down?

If a page includes sensitive personal information that you want removed, contact us through Discord or email and we will address it. Otherwise, we do not remove band pages on request. This site is an information archive intended to preserve historical documentation of releases and bands.

What do the numbers or other names next to a band name mean?

Sometimes multiple bands share the same name. We use a numbering system (similar to Discogs) to distinguish them. For example, “Deez Nuts (1)” indicates there are multiple bands with that name.

If an alternate name appears next to a band, it usually means the band previously used another name or the name appears differently on certain releases. For example, Depswa previously used the name Carcinogen, and Diversified was known as Swingshot.

On some pages the logo looks unofficial or fan-made. Why?

Not every band has an official logo that is easy to locate. When needed, we may use a temporary placeholder to keep pages consistent. If we later obtain the official logo, we update the page.

What about archiving DVDs, cassettes, or vinyl?

We accept these formats as long as the source and transfer chain are documented clearly.

Include a text file in the release folder with:

Band name
Release title
Transfer chain (hardware and software)

Examples:

Sony Sport CFM-104 > Mic input > Audacity
Tape deck > Line-in > Interface > Audacity
Turntable > USB > Audacity