LINKIN PARK - Hybrid Theory

To have the name Andy Wallace attached to your production is already one hell of an honour, even if it is just as the albums mixer. If you've seen the Adam Sandler crock Little Nicky, you might recognize these guys (you know, somewhere in the movie's great soundtrack Linkin Park's track was probably squeezed in for a record 5 seconds or less…).
While some bands have too much melody and not enough punch, Linkin Park seems to maintain a fair balance when it comes to fine vocal patterns and chunky riffs. And as turntables seem to be an indispensable part of modern heavy music, the Linkin Park boys put it to good use without milking the fad.
So, while we have to sit and wait for new albums by old heavy winners like Slayer, Sepultura and Manowar, our defenses have to be up & ready for the influx of new, younger metal acts that end up being a dime a dozen. Luckily some good ones slip through the blur of imitation. Linkin Park is one of these. The whole nu-metal sound is indeed there with the turntables and chunky riffs, but they don't emphasize the clichés. Instead they give it a more lyrical sense than a mere primal explosion.
But don't for one moment think that this is flaccid stuff. Hardly.

5 / A
- Paul Blom