Concept Album?

A Thousand Suns

Although this is kinda late, Linkin Park's new album - A Thousand Suns - is probably the strangest album I've heard in quite some time. Although labelled as a 'concept' album,this record is very odd and does not sound like old Linkin Park or for tthat matter any band I've ever heard.

No more,heavy guitar riffs and angry lyrics, this album(compared to Hybrid Theory) is like comparing Justin Bieber to Marilyn Manson :P This album defies the nu-metal roots that made Linkin Park famous. There is still the use of turntables by DJ Joe Hahn, but it is now used for the synthesis of echoes and other sounds.

Lyrically this record is inspired by nuclear weaponary and warfare, especially by Robert Oppenheimer's speeches. One of the main themes, brought out from songs like The Catalyst, is oppression and breaking free. Many songs contain samples of famous speeches by Martin Luther and Robert Oppenheimer. Songs like Robot Boy and second single, Waiting For The End are very negative in their lyrics but all the same are probably the second and third best songs of this album.

Undoubtedly, the best song of this mysterious album that continued the trend of a Linkin Park song featuring in a Transformers movie, Iridescent, is lyrically and musically very inspiring. Its subtle yet effective piano opening adds a layer of creativity that is yet alive in this band.
                "Take all the sadness and frustration,
                 And let it go."
                                                           -Iridescent,fourth single from A Thousand Suns

Overall, this album disappointing me and was a let down to me. But maybe Linkin Park is evolving into a more electronic, Depeche Mode type band and away from their nu-metal roots,who they are pioneers of.