Linkin Park MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT. Warner Bros

Anybody who has seen Linkin Park perform live is aware that the band is nothing less than devastating. The trick for the guys is to translate that explosive energy to record which thus far they have managed to achieve. This record is no exception but also throws into the hat a stronger melodic sense, more sonic diversity and arguably the band’s strongest set of lyrics yet. The band is progressing with each studio recording and this, the third studio effort, is the best yet.

Opener Wake is a brief instrumental opener that starts as a creepy whisper before finishing on a comparatively muted drum roll – signifying sleep and gradual awakening? I think so. Given Up follows with Chester Bennington’s rampant, angry, metal rock vocal dominating proceedings. But while his vocal is a key component, the instrumental arrangement (complete with jangling keys and hand claps) is like a rollercoaster with its quiet and explosive moments. Leave Out The Best is an altogether more contemplative affair with one of the strongest melodies I’ve heard from the band, which hints at a possible single release… Lyrically it’s dynamite: “When my time comes/forget the wrong that I’ve done/help me leave behind some/reasons to be missed/don’t resent me/and when you’re feeling empty/keep me in your memory/leave out all the rest/leave out all the rest.” Mood and pace continue to change with songs like the glacial, beautiful, indie rock Shadow Of The Day (a strong album highlight); explosive rock/rap of Bleed It Out; and piano-led, mid-paced alt rock What I’ve Done. Rap returns with the meaningful anti-war song Hands held High set to become arguably one of the best and most effective anti-war songs written and performed since the onset of the dreadful events of the last five years. Vocal harmonies lend heightened sincerity and emotion, while a simple arrangement throws attention to the extremely effective lyrics. No More Sorrow is just shy of metal with a drum rhythm that is akin to a machine gun that occasionally slows to find a new target. Brilliant! Valentine’s Day is a gentle and very moving rock song complete with twinkling piano notes and a distant drum beat. Bennington is superb in the vocal compartment and the multi-layered vocals towards the end of the song are perfection. Closing track The Little Things Give You Away is probably the most beautiful rock song you’ll here all year; with its aching vocal, pleading guitar riffs; a spine tingler of a song that will move you close to tears. So there you have it; a rock revelation; a band progressing dramatically with more diverse sounds, strong melodies and songs with real meaning, drama and feeling. Can they get any better? After this magnificent effort I begin to wonder…

4.5/5