Linkin Park // The Hunting Party

Linkin Park were at the forefront of nu-metal in the Nineties. Their debut Hybrid Theory was played to death in metal clubs, so much so that they almost became a pastiche of themselves, before being put firmly in the 'old school of nu-metal' category. Instead of tirelessly trying to keep nu-metal alive, an impossible task almost because of the name alone, they evolved their sound. They produced very successful, chart-friendly electronic rock while still retaining their aggression and signature style (helped in no small part by Chester Bennington’s recognisable vocals). All good so far. So what next for the angry boys from California? Well The Hunting Party, their sixth album, is quoted as being a return to their Hybrid Theory days and a statement against current rock bands trying to ‘play it safe’. In order to make a stand in the world of rock, they have gone back in time to what they used to do, to show others what they should be doing now. A nice idea, if a little pompous, but it falls short. The composition and production of each track is beyond reproach, but nothing really stands out. Hybrid Theory was raw, catchy, aggressive, danceable - a punch in the gut for rock music. This? Not so much. It’s almost like they have too much experience, in their late thirties, to make an album like that again. And if you’ve got Tom Morello from RATM to play guitar on a track, actually get him to play something audible and memorable eh guys?