Blogcritics
Meteora: The Rise of Linkin Park
Almost immediately after a band makes it big, or more appropriately, sells a million records, the questions begin. The biggest question is obviously, "Are these guys for real?" and "can they sustain their popularity?" For Linkin Park, the questions began shortly after the release of their debut album, Hybrid Theory in 2000. A few short months later, with more than 11 million record sales padding the band’s resume, the questions remained. Last years collection of remixed songs on the gazillion selling Reanimation album, didn't do much in terms of silencing the critics either. Rather, it inflamed the growing argument that Linkin Park, just two albums into what was a promising career, was already at a loss for new material.
The long anticipated second album of original music from Linkin Park is an electric collection of 13 tracks that while not exactly what most would expect from the band, is a fulfilling mix of the two previous albums. It works in ways that should satisfy fans of each of the previous albums as well as being original enough to gain them new fans.
While there may be other bands that have made their names merging hip hop sensibility with skate punk guitar riffs, none do it with the same passion that Linkin Park seems to expend in their pursuit of perfection. And nowhere is that fact more evident than on Meteora.
The latest effort from the racially diverse band should silence all but the most persistent critics. Following the success of Reanimation, the band, which consists of rapper Mike Shinoda, guitarist Brad Delson, drummer Rob Bourdon, DJ Joseph Hahn, bassist Phoenix and singer Chester Bennington, began work on the second album, crafting song after song that fit the mold of a sonic assault on the senses. One of those songs, "Breaking the Habit," is an amalgamation of the talent pool that is Linkin Park. That particular song features samples, live guitar, a ten-piece orchestra, live piano and DJ Hahn’s trademark digital tinkering to deliver an amazingly harmonic discord that resonates with many of their fans. Not content with just releasing music for the masses, the band also played an active role in the development of the artwork and an accompanying DVD that details the process of creating Meteora.
The bottom line? If you’re a fan of Linkin Park’s brand of crushing guitars and break-beat raps, you’ll love what Meteora delivers.
