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This 80s Alt-Rock Icon Helped Inspire Nu-Metal, but That Connection Led to Some Unpleasant Reactions

Alt-rock/metal frontman Mike Patton, of Faith No More and Mr. Bungle, was not a fan of being credited with inspiring nu-metal.

By Stephen Andrew Galiher

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One really big inspiration for nu-metal, and bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit, was 80s alt-rock legends Faith No More. But frontman Mike Patton apparently hated being teased about this.

Originally formed in the late 70s, the alt-metal band forged its own path with some wildly unique albums, such as 1989’s The Real Thing, featuring their biggest song ever, “Epic”. This is one of the earliest versions of blending hard rock and hip-hop-esque vocals, outside of the Beastie Boys or Anthrax and Public Enemy’s “Bring The Noise”.

Now, in a July 2026 interview, Melvins’ vocalist/guitarist Buzz Osborne has revealed that he used to tease Patton about Faith No More’s influence on nu-metal, and Patton didn’t seem to appreciate it.

Osbourne and The Jesus Lizard’s Duane Denison—who are both in........

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