THE START (1996 - 2003)

• Linkin Park began in 1996 as a nu-metal band, mixing rapping and screaming vocals together. This method made them gain huge success with Multi-platinum selling debut album; Hybrid Theory.

• The follow up, Meteora also sold millions of copies, meaning that Linkin Park’s blueprint was successful.

Collaborations (2004)…

• As a result of this success, the band teamed up with rapper Jay-Z to create the micro album Collision Course.

What They Looked Like Then

• Baggy hoodies and trousers, experimental hair colours. Look aggressive, which indicates their music style.

First Change (2005 - 2009)…

• After Mike Shinoda [Rapper] stated: “You can shove Nu-Metal up your arse.” it was clear the band were changing direction. In Minutes To Midnight, The band reverted to a more rock influence, but still featured some rap elements.

A Slight difference (2009 - 2011)…

• A Thousand Suns was also a slight change as the band delved into more experimental music, and incorporated more electronics into their music.

• Although still successful, the album was not well seen by Linkin Park purists.

What They Looked Like

• Loss of baggy clothing, and in troduction of slightly smarter shirts. However their “scruffy” hair and beards suggest a wildness in their music.

Closer to the beginning…

• Lead Vocalist Chester Bennington said that the band would return closer to their roots with the release of their Fifth Album. He also said that Living Things would be essentially what Linkin Park wanted to do.

And Now they look like this

• Much Smarter, suggesting maturity, not also in age but in their music style.

Conclusion…

• Linkin Park have changed drastically during their career. However, this was not through changes in trends, but because of changes in ideas.

• Note that when Linkin Park, the biggest nu-metal band of the early 2000’s changed their music, nu-metal rapidly declined.