Alternative metal is an eclectic form of rock music that gained popularity in the early 1990's alongside grunge. In many instances, it can be accurately described as a fusion of heavy metal and alternative rock, especially the indie rock of the 1980's. It is characterized by some heavy metal trappings (most notably heavy riffs), but usually with a pronounced experimental edge, including unconventional lyrics, odd time signatures, unusual technique, a resistance to conventional approaches to heavy music and an incorporation of a wide range of influences outside of the metal music scene.


Industrial metal was another substyle that came into being in the 80s. Industrial band Ministry are generally credited with starting the style by incorporating hard guitars on their 1988 album The Land of Rape and Honey. Within a year, the style was found all over the world. KMFDM also started using metal guitars and departed from their electronic-industrial roots, and the goth scene spawned a range of acts who, following Ministry's lead, fused their gothic rock, punk rock, heavy metal and industrial tendencies to solidify the genre. Fear Factory, an industrial death metal band, formed in 1990, and like Rage Against the Machine became a staple influence of nu metal. The style is the most surviving of alternative metal, particularly in Germany, with bands like Rammstein, Oomph! and Megaherz leading a still-thriving scene.