Linkin Park
Hybrd Theory

I preface by saying that I know very little about the nu-metal genre, and I am oblivious to the fact that this American band has committed some obvious plagiarisms. Without further ado, this (for those who don’t know) is a nu-metal American band, formed in 1996 in Los Angeles, California. Of their genre, already launched by other formations like Limp Bizkit (great!), Korn, and Deftones at the end of the '90s, they are the most famous and commercially successful exponents.
This group was founded by three guys from Agoura High School: Mike Shinoda (keyboardist and the band’s “Noel Gallagher”), Brad Delson (guitarist), and finally Rob Bourdon (drummer). Initially, they were called "Super Xero". Among their inspirations, they cite Deftones, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Far, Aphex Twin, Roots, and Depeche Mode. After the arrival of Dave Farrell (stage name "Phoenix"), the bassist, and Mark Wakefield, in 1997 they shortened their moniker to Xero and recorded a self-titled cassette, containing the demo tracks "Fuse", "Reading My Eyes", "Rhinestone", and "Stick N' Movie". At that time, they also opened for a Cypress Hill concert (one of my favorite bands ever) performing live as many as four songs. The following year Wakefield parted from the band, and in his stead came the charismatic and wild Chester Bennington, coming from Arizona. In 1999 they took the name "Hybrid Theory" and released their first "Hybrid Theory EP". Thanks to a performance, they signed with Warner. Due to copyright issues, the group unfortunately (because Hybrid Theory was cool) had to change their name. They discarded names like "Clear", "Probing Lagers", and "Ten PM Stocker", and the guys chose "Lincoln Park", later shortened to Linkin Park. In 2000 the undeniable talent of the band was confirmed with the release of the CD "Hybrid Theory" (can't say they lacked creativity, right?) and they became known worldwide thanks to songs of the caliber of "Papercut", "One Step Closer", "Points Of Authority", "Crawling" (winner of a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2002), and the immortal masterpiece "In The End" (best rock video at the MTV Awards in 2002). In particular, this last song is sensational from a musical point of view, for the marvelous alternation from the deep and warm rap of Mike Shinoda to the unleashed rock of Chester Bennington. However, this remains a product lacking textual depth (many lyrics are devoid of logical connections) and creativity, given that the electric guitar riffs are almost identical in every track and let's face it, 12 songs all so rocking, wild, and "messy" are also harmful to our poor ears!

Curiosity: during the rehearsals for the video "In The End", the producers wanted guitarist Brad Delson to perform an acrobatic jump while playing the guitar at the chorus. And that poor guy broke his foot, having to stay still for 3 months, thus delaying the release of the single! In 2001, Phoenix returned to the band from his experience with the Snaix. In January 2002, they collaborated with the X-Ecutioners and Wayne Static (of Static-X) for the song "It's Goin' Down". A few months later they released "In The End: Live & Rare" in Japan.
At the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2002, Linkin Park was awarded "Best Rock Group". Before it comes to your mind, I am not a fan of LP, I don't particularly love their music, but 2 years ago, at "my first listens", they attracted me musically, let's say they gave me energy. Some people claim that the group is still together, but in my opinion, the band has disbanded due to Mike Shinoda's desire to pursue a solo career, joining Fort Minor and releasing their first album "The Rising Tied" in 2005, debuting with the single "Believe Me", which I appreciated a lot. Finally, I thank my great friend Gallagher87, who is also the author of this review, and the legendary Iside, to whom I send a heartfelt greeting.

Cheers!