Linkin Park - [Hybrid Theory]
2000 / 37:50 Minutes / 12 Tracks / Studio
Release Date: October 24 2000 - Warner Bros
Produced by: Don Gilmore
Website: www.linkinpark.com

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on March 6, 2002

I'm a skeptical one when it comes to Hard Core Rock, particularly where angst is concerned. I usually ignore it because of its vacuous and listless production values. And so I ignored Linkin Park. Now, I'm prone to mistakes every so often, pehaps more that the average person should have claim to but here I am, admitting to a mistake. I love music for many reasons which allows me to transcend the age barrier. Music has to have purpose, it has to have meaning. Most importantly, it has to express those feelings, communicate its thoughts, wishes and desires; its pain has to be bare. It is what allows us to connect with the artists. This is what Linkin Park does...admirably. These guys are accomplished. They understand everything they sing about; they play great music to communicate to their audience. The music is a mix of Industrial styles, Rap-Rock, Hard-Core with incredible control. The production is spectacular. Do I sound impressed? Amazed? I am.

Twelve cuts, accentuated by thrash guitar and bass; drums that pound skulls and vocalizing that is decent. There is sampling; everything that mixes the genres of rock with rap. So, what songs work? Which ones don't? Most of them work. I have increasingly grown to love much of rock that happens today. As a matter of fact, I believe that rock may have finally found itself after all of these years. We have so many distillations of rock it becomes hard to absorb it all. How does that apply to this review, this band, this CD? Easy, it is because of this growth that we get bands like Linkin Park and their "hybrid". I did find something to like about every song. But it wasn't too hard because what we have is a group of talented musicians with an accomplished management team, without question. It takes great management and a dedicated band to get what Linkin Park delivers. Congratulations to Warner Bros for signing a professional unit. Keep up the good work, LP. I'm anxious to hear what you have in store for us next.

Packaging is good. Nice quality insert which folds out to feature lyrics and photos of the band. Liner notes and credits are well informed. A complete package.

Search Tour Database by: Artist City Venue