Search - Linkin Park :: The Catalyst (CD Single)(Limited)

Evolution is the next step

H. Wang | New York, NY USA | 08/09/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"So here's the tough part of being a die-hard Linkin Park fan.



After the mixed reception the band got for Minutes to Midnight, one had to wonder - should the band continue to push forward and expand its sound? Or should LP cater to the folks who fell in love with them during the days of Hybrid Theory and come back to a more commercial rap/metal sound that defined their early material?



Well in "The Catalyst" - LP opted to push the envelope way beyond what we heard in Minutes to Midnight. The song starts in an ominous way, followed by a series of shrill (yet melodic) keyboard snipes. A fast deluge of words fly by, as words seem almost seemlessly blend into the almost cacophony of music ... followed by a pulsating bassline effortlessly adding to the mix. As a big fan of LP, I was at first very confused by what I heard. This is definitely not "Faint" or "In the End" or even "What I've Done." This was something new, something radically different from the band and while I wasn't used to it. I found it initially confusing, and I was unsure of how to feel about the song. But by the end of the first listen, I was sure about one thing - it was an exciting new sound and I quickly listed again for the nuances. The dark undertones throughout the song was definitely very strong and it appealed to me.



By the end, the shrill keyboards faded out, as a more deliberate and dark piano line (sort of reminded me of "In the End") blended in, and Chester's voice became more clear. Almost like the sun emerging from a dark could, the song revealed itself to me and it all made sense. Yes, I miss the LP of the past. I still enjoy Hybrid Theory to this day. But I also like this new LP. The music feels more thoughtful, and I like the different patterns that were weaved into the song. One can argue they threw in elements of prog (the grandiose lushness), a dash of late 80's Depeche Mode with a side of Nine Inch Nail effects - but I am glad the band is taking a brave new approach to their sound.



The only thing constant in life is change. I'm glad the band chose to embrace that in this song, and hopefully with their album as well."

Amazing

YatesyPR2 | 08/08/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"its actually great to see what mike, chester and the gang can come up with each time. i love everything they do, and if you are a true linkin park fan you will see that this track is truely out of this world. the cool techno sounds they add to it and mikes rapping go together really good and the overall song is structured really well. 10/10"

Different....Yet Exciting

Alvin Blashmer | 08/07/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The intro is awesome. Starting slow, then gradually adding pieces in. Mike starts his part. Electro drums. BAM. Chester belts out his part. This structure is perfect as the song goes on and they introduce the new synth after the first "chorus" piece. And the breakdown is absolutely orgasmic. This is why I love this band. Linkin Park is unlike ANY other band and they're god damn amazing at what they do. Their electronic sounds and scratching are a fundamental part of who they are, and I love to see them incorporating it in fresh ways. Like the breakdown in New Divide for example. The Catalyst is definitely a song worthy of at least a 9/10 in my opinion. Whether it's Top 5 material or not is questionable, but I absolutely love this song. My confidence in their new album never wavered, and hearing this song makes me proud to have been a loyal fan for the last 10 years."