Who doesn’t love a little bit of alternative rock with their heavy metal? There are some seriously great alternative metal efforts out there, but the following five records really pulled the two genres together in a way that worked. Let’s take a quick look at a few of the best alternative metal albums to add to your collection!
1. ‘Meantime’ by Helmet
Helmet were pioneers of the alternative metal movement in the early 1990s. They had a bit of success upon forming, but they eventually perfected their sound further with the 1992 record Meantime. It’s a heavier and louder piece of work that has the melodic energy you’d expect from a solid metal album.
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2. ‘River Runs Red’ by Life Of Agony
This 1993 record blends together metal and alt-rock beautifully, with a touch of punk rock in the mix as well. It’s an incredible debut from Life Of Agony, and the themes behind this album are about as dark as you’d expect. However, there’s something relatable in Life Of Agony’s songs about isolation, sadness, and death. It’s surprisingly catchy for such a bleak piece of work.
3. ‘Ritual De Lo Habitual’ by Jane’s Addiction
This is an essential entry on our list of alternative metal albums. Ritual De Lo Habitual by Jane’s Addiction was released in 1990 and is a fan favorite for a reason. The band got big with the release of Nothing’s Shocking in 1988, and their follow-up Ritual De Lo Habitual was the best possible upgrade from their debut. So much of the alternative scene was inspired by this record, whether you like Jane’s Addiction or not.
4. ‘Weight’ by Rollins Band
Henry Rollins might best be known for his time in Black Flag, but he also produced some pretty good music with Rollins Band, too. This alt-metal outfit has a touch of Rollins’ hardcore routes, and they were quite successful in the 1990s. However, nothing beats the 1994 release Weight.
5. ‘Ænima’ by Tool
This is the alternative metal album of alternative metal albums, and it’s a deeply loved cult classic record for good reason. Tool’s debut Undertow was already arresting, but their follow-up Ænima took things to a whole new level. The whole record is essential listening. Just try not to have an existential crisis listening to it for the first time.
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