The Hunting Party
Linkin Park put the guitars firmly forward again on The Hunting Party. The electronic direction of their previous records makes room for a harder, more direct attack. This does not remove the melodies. Choruses remain recognisable, but receive more pressure from the instruments underneath. The band mainly sound as though they enjoy the force of playing together.
Brad Delson and Rob Bourdon receive considerable room. Guitar parts can attack sharply, while the drums give the music more movement. War pushes the approach towards punk through a short, forceful burst. It produces a different kind of energy from the band's programmed sounds.
The guests generally fit well among the regular musicians. Rakim gives Guilty All the Same a different rap voice, while Page Hamilton suits the heavier character of All for Nothing. Rebellion benefits from Daron Malakian's distinctive contribution. It increases the guitar power without sounding like an unrelated departure.
Not every collaboration makes the same impression. Drawbar uses Tom Morello's presence for a much more restrained, piano-led moment. It provides a rest, but feels less convincing as a showcase for such a distinctive guitarist. Until It's Gone demonstrates more effectively how Linkin Park can use atmosphere without stopping the development.
Final Masquerade preserves the melodic side near the end. The Hunting Party works best when the band combine that familiar singing with freer guitar and drum playing. Returning to a heavier sound therefore offers more than a familiar style alone. Enough energy goes into the performances to give these songs a convincing place of their own.
