Linkin Park has changed significantly since its inception. In the early years, Linkin Park was known as a heavy alternative rock band. It is safe to say its latest album is a combination of previous releases “Reanimation,” “Meteora” and “A Thousand Suns.” Each song begins with sounds from what could be a Skrillex EP, morphing into old-school Mike Shinoda and devolving into Chester Bennington whining over an instrumental. With “Living Things,” Linkin Park attempts to re-brand themselves, or at least come out of the experience with a respectable image. LIVING THINGS may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The album does a good job of bringing back vintage Linkin Park, while still staying true to a progressive style. However, the music doesn’t justify the process. The album is filled with corny theme songs that would fit perfectly in a Transformers movie.
D+