page 6 Music Preview: The Fourth Wall By Justin Zickar Editor-in-Chief It wasn’t too long ago that the nu-metal band, Linkin Park, struck mainstream success with their first album Hybrid Theory. Now more than half a decade later, and another chart topping album behind their belts, the band hopes to change, or you could say, demolish the genre in which they were associated to. ] Linkin Park’s new album, Minutes to Midnight, is expected to dismantle all notions that fans and critics once thought they knew about the band. But first, let’s back track for a moment: It wasn’t until 2001 when the band actually started to receive attention and recognition because of their highly composed and signature brand of music. They began to thrive on the new undiscovered ground at their feet, nu-metal. The band’s debut album, Hybrid Theory, won two Grammy’s and sold more than 4.8 million copies during its first year. Following a heavy touring cycle, Linkin Park decided to release their sophomore effort, Meteora, on March 25, 2003. The band’s second album sold more than 800,000 copies during the first week, adding on to the band’s success. As soon as the album was released, the band went back on the road, continuing an excruciating touring cycle. Ir 2005, the band started Music for Relief, a support fund to help those in need after the tsunami in Asia. From that point on, the band’s political efforts only grew. Within the next few months they accepted to play during Live 8 in Philadelphia. This being their first live show in months, Linkin Park was also accompanied by Jay-Z. There the band performed songs from their recently released “mash- up” disc, Collision Course. The breakthrough success of the album not only cultivated the band some new fans but also gave them a once in a lifetime opportunity. During the 2006 Grammys, Linkin Park and Jay-Z were nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Although the band much overshadowed by their performance. Linkin Park joined their fellow collaborator on stage to perform their hit, “Numb/ Encore.” Audience members were amazed when Sir Paul McCartney surprisingly joined the band. McCartney and lead singer, released on May 15, 2007. The band distinctively chose the name Minutes to Midnight. Amidst criticism of the genre they thrived in, the band vowed to change who they were and the music they made, revamping and progressing toward bettering rock music. The name, Minutes to Midnight, refers to the doomsday clock from World War II. The clock was assembled more meaningful and deep than any other of the band’s efforts. Moreover, the band is working with Grammy award-winning producer Rick Rubin on the album as well. The dynamic new track, “Given Up”, brings forth a more edgy and heavier brand of rock, incorporating cursing for the first time in any of their records. Among other songs is the ballad, “No O MIDNIGHT MINUTES T¢ PRES Chester Bennington, finished with a duet of the Beatle’s “Yesterday”. Since then, the band has taken a much needed break from the spotlight and touring world. Many members have created side projects, all in good fun, not taking away from the integrity of the band. was Mike Shinoda’s hip-hop project in which he called, “Fort Minor.”. Fort Minor’s The Rising Tied was a highly acclaimed hip-hop album, more known for the single, “Where’d You Go?” Other likings of the album include, “Remember the Name”, which has been included in many promotions and commercials to date. Shinoda’s side project accumulated over 350,000 sold albums and much praise. Linkin Park’s newly created album was announced to be to show an apocalyptic end to all things, metaphorically for Linkin Park, ending their label of being “rap-rock.” With finishing their new album with a very adult and mature rock vibe to it, the band decided to release the first single, “What I’ve Done.” The single began its success by debuting in the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart, only the third song to ever do so in its genre. The video for the band’s first single also signifies a more mature attitude as well, expressing and showing concern for politics, natural disasters and world crises. The band continues to grow with their original fan base, which by now has reached their college years, and are entering into a much more full-grown and complicated world. The new album promises to be More Sorrow”, which brings out a U2-like style from the band and shows a very strong political anticipated tracks on the album is “The Little Things Give You Away.” This track combines all aspects. of rock music, adding guitar solos, a cappella segments, and invigorating emotional lyrics; the track is over six minutes in length, one of the longest the band has ever created. Minutes to Midnight may by new stripped down and progressive rock vibe of Linkin Park’s new album may help change bringing back classic elements that have seemed all but lost. Look for Linkin Park’s highly anticipated, Minutes to Midnight, in stores May 15,2007. Collision Course - 2004
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