Breaking away from
Rick Rubin
, with whom they had a three-album association,
Brad Delson
and
Mike Shinoda
co-produce this time around and retreat from the moody electronica that characterized many of those records. Instead,
The Hunting Party
is designed as a return to rock, evoking the group's earliest records. Reconnecting with the past is a standard move for a heavy band 15 years into its career, but
is effectively aggressive, partially due to how far into the ether
Linkin Park
strayed on
Living Things
and, especially,
A Thousand Suns
. Written and recorded over the course of a year,
nevertheless packs a visceral punch. Hints of the murky, meditative darkness linger -- especially on "Until It's Gone," which builds upon its atmosphere to reach melodramatic heights; "Final Masquerade" is subtler in its approach -- but there's good reason why
Page Hamilton
Tom Morello
both guest on the record: this is a grinding, metallic workout. Far from sounding as if they're grasping at straws,
seem rejuvenated, proving there is value in the cliche of returning to roots. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine