New Mature Sound From Nu-Metal Kings
The 3rd 'real' album from Linkin Park is, quite simply, a surprise. Not even the kind of surprise you get on Christmas day and have to feign enjoyment from. Minutes to Midnight is not a Christmas jumper- it is more the slick, exciting present that you never imagined you might be given.
The album showcases a far more more mature side to the leaders of the nu-metal pack, a side that spurns the cheesy angst of their previous work and instead hits upon a much more troubled feel. As an album it has a very rounded feel, whilst it is perfect background music each track stands out and is easily recognised.
'Wake' kick-starts the album and provides an incredibly strong backbone for the rest of the album to flower from. There is less rap work from Mike Shinoda present, allowing the unmistakeable voice of Chester Bennington to drive the band towards a more melodic affair. Leave Out All The Rest' is another strong track- upbeat after the more subdued 'Given Up'.
By bringing Bennington's voice to the forefront, the band have managed to create a far more harmonious balance of melody and rock. Standout track and recent single 'What I've Done' has an emo tinge to its catchy guitars and vocals, but this does not detract from the song in the slightest.
'Valentines Day' is a return to Linkin Park's traditional roots to the point it sounds like a long-lost track from Hybrid Theory. The addition of acoustic song 'The Little Things You Give Away' shows the band are attempting to diversify and the song shows another side to Linkin Park, adding a depth to the album that has not been seen before. The album will also be the first of their 'real' releases to sport the Parental Advisory logo- a huge step forward for the band and proof that they know their fans have grown up and are no longer angst-ridden teenagers.
If older rock fans can look beyond who has created this album, they will find a stunning album that can hold its own amongst other contemporary releases and offers the listener a variety of different sounds. The Linkin Park that people knew and loved or hated, depending on their age, has died and risen again as a fully-fledged band. If they can shrug off the connotations of their band name, Linkin Park will find this release takes them to new heights of respect and adoration.
Minutes to Midnight is released across the world on May 14.