Part 6/9:
As we entered the new millennium, heavy metal saw a resurgence in different forms. New metal emerged, blending elements of metal with hip-hop, which divided opinions among traditional metal fans. Meanwhile, progressive and industrial metal began to gain traction, with bands like Dream Theater and Nine Inch Nails introducing new sounds and complex arrangements.
Folk metal also found its place, combining traditional folk elements with heavy music. Genre-blending became the norm as musicians began experimenting with cultural influences and traditional instruments within a heavy metal context.