Sonic Subcultures Episode 3 - Staind’s Break the Cycle and Nu Metal Politics, Part 1

When Staind’s Break the cycle dropped in 2001, it was a massive nu metal success, topping the Billboard charts and producing anthems of frustration and self-loathing. But in 2025, Staind’s cultural legacy feels different, especially with frontman Aaron Lewis now making headlines as a conservative country artist. 

In this episode, Marc Lajeunesse and Safa Hachi break down the album’s themes, Staind’s place in nu metal history as well as why Gen Z isn’t embracing the band’s legacy like they have for Limp Bizkit and Rob Zombie. From its emotional weight to its ideological contradictions, we explore whether Break the Cycle was always leading to this moment.