The Album
The combination of Bennington�s rich, mammoth vocal style with Shinoda�s rapid-fire emceeing helps to define Linkin Park�s sound. �I think one of Chester and Mike�s goal is to be as integrated as possible,� offers Phoenix. �Although the styles we�re mixing can be very different, we want the combination to feel natural � that is a big part of our band�s identity.� Weaving influences as diverse as Deftones, Nine Inch Nails, Aphex Twin, and The Roots into a unified whole, Linkin Park want everything to come together without feeling forced,� explains Shinoda. �As part of the writing process, I record everyone directly into a computer to best integrate our digital and live elements. We spend countless hours mixing and matching parts until we get the right combinations and composition.�
The band immersed itself in the writing process until the spring of 2000, when they inked with Warner Bros records and immediately went into the studio. To help record their work, they enlisted producer Don Gilmore (Pearl Jam, Apex Theory, Sugar Ray). �We met with a lot of people and had a very difficult time choosing a producer,� says Bennington. �But Don, aside from making things sound good, stood out as someone who could really push us to work harder as songwriters.� The end result is an album that is as well-crafted and melodic as it is confrontational, with a strong lyrical message. �Chester and I write about universal emotions, whether it�s feeling insignificant, optimistic, or frustrated,� Shinoda describes. �We write about everyday life, because sometimes it�s good to know there are other people going through the same things that you are.� These lyrics, along with the diverse instrumentation in which they are embedded, result in a powerful musical statement: Linkin Park�s debut album, Hybrid Theory.
Credits: joehahn.com, linkinpark.com, gretschdrums.com |
