Linkin Park burns with Thousand Suns

Listeners will make a mistake if they experience this concept album in any other way than as one whole piece. These songs are not stand-alones; they are part of a story, one that is as dazzling as it is complex. Every single sound, every moment of silence, every interlude, every speech that Linkin Park chose to include in the record has a purpose. In fact, the only real way to listen to this record for the first time is in the utmost seclusion with headphones on full blast.

Even then, it is impossible to catch every masterful decision Linkin Park makes, which listeners will discover more and more with each play.

The record comes together so superbly that referring to it as a CD does it inadequate justice: It is a work of art. If you close your eyes for the duration of the record, the music will create an atmosphere that will give you chills.

A Thousand Suns is not meant to be played as background music. It deserves listeners’ full attention, and if they can make that commitment, the results will truly be worthwhile. Just one track in particular cannot be discussed for this reason — A Thousand Suns should not be torn apart in that manner, and it would be best if listeners had nothing spoiled for them so they can experience the album in the purest way possible.

A nuclear war is the backdrop to the record’s storyline, and it consequently deals with the destruction, fear, greed and changing relationships that such devastation could cause. The plot commences with a voiceover quoting a passage from the Bhagavad Gita — which is where the album’s title comes from — before the lyrical narrative begins to describe how the deaths of innocent people lead to war. It then turns to a challenge made by a character in the story to the opposing side, declaring that he is ready to face all challengers if they can keep up with him.

It is this moment where the record takes on an apocalyptic theme; and listeners can sense the anarchy in the music and lyrics.

Contrary to the anarchy, however, is the idea that compassion is necessary in life, which lead singer Chester Bennington communicates through his soulful vocals.

This feeling lingers as the subject then turns to refusing to let go of hope and resolving to never give up, even in the face of the nuclear holocaust. Of course, it is not easy to remain so calm in times of tragedy, as Bennington’s character verbally attacks another person for giving up and doing nothing to try to help the situation.

The plot changes to narrate a power struggle and how it is a scramble among the “wretches and kings” to see who will come out on top.

Following this event, a beautiful piano melody backs up a Martin Luther King Jr. speech about “wisdom, justice and love,” which is sure to send a chill down the listener’s spine. The record’s final messages deal with the tranquility immediately following the nuclear storm, seeking forgiveness for the actions taken and ultimately proclaiming life leaves us blind /  but love keeps us kind.

As for the music and lyrics, they are absolutely top-notch. Linkin Park clearly challenged itself in the making of this record and its effort pays off tremendously. Not only is the album extremely impressive, it is also quite brave because it goes against the usual formula for success. It features songs united and enhanced by each other as opposed to being separate tracks that fit right in on radio rotations.

Linkin Park is not the band it was in 2000 when its debut Hybrid Theory was released. In fact, it is not even the band it was in 2007 when Minutes to Midnight shocked longtime fans with genre change. With A Thousand Suns, Linkin Park creates its own genre that infuses reggae, pop, electronica, rap, hip-hop and alternative rock into a magnificently coherent piece.

Mike Shinoda (who also plays keyboards) has never spouted out better lyrics in his raps, and Chester Bennington proves he is one of the industry’s finest vocalists. The rest of the band Brad Delson (guitar), Dave “Phoenix” Farrell (bass), Rob Bourdon (drums) and Joe Hahn  (turntables/programming) has never sounded tighter.

Not everyone will like this record. If people allow 48 minutes of their time to listen to it in the proper fashion, however, they will at least be able to commend Linkin Park for a job well done. A Thousand Suns has broken all boundaries and in doing so has provided one of the most ambitious and enjoyable listening experiences in today’s music world.