Linkin Park formed in Agoura Hills, California in 1996, and Hybrid Theory (2000) became one of the best-selling albums of all time — over 30 million copies — pairing Chester Bennington's vocals with Mike Shinoda's rhymes. Start with Hybrid Theory or Meteora (2003); From Zero (2024) marks the return with new vocalist Emily Armstrong. Explore Linkin Park vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Linkin Park formed in Agoura Hills, California in 1996 (initially as Xero, then Hybrid Theory). They signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1999 with Chester Bennington joining as vocalist. Their debut Hybrid Theory (2000) became one of the highest-selling albums of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. Their work has been active across multiple decades, with progressive stylistic exploration through Minutes to Midnight (2007, more conventional alternative rock), A Thousand Suns (2010, more experimental), and One More Light (2017, more pop-influenced). Chester Bennington died by suicide on July 20, 2017 at age 41, ending the band's active lifetime with the Bennington-era lineup. The band returned in September 2024 with new vocalist Emily Armstrong (of Dead Sara) and new drummer Colin Brittain, with the album From Zero (2024) marking their return. Mike Shinoda has remained a consistent leadership presence throughout.
Linkin Park's sound combines nu metal, alternative rock, alternative metal, rap rock, electronic rock, and pop rock with the band's distinctive vocal contrasts (Bennington's emotional vocal delivery alongside Shinoda's rapping), extensive integration of electronic elements, and lyrical content addressing personal struggle, mental health, and broader social commentary. Their foundational influence on contemporary nu metal and broader rock music is widely documented.
Warner Bros. pressings of the Linkin Park catalog have been issued in extensive color variant editions and limited deluxe pressings, with collector demand. Multiple anniversary editions of Hybrid Theory and Meteora have been released.
Listeners new to Linkin Park typically start with Hybrid Theory (2000) or Meteora (2003).
