Linkin Park played a significant role in bringing nu-metal to the mainstream. While the likes of Korn and Limp Bizkit were already popular among metalheads, it was Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory that not only introduced nu-metal to mainstream audiences but also got them hooked on heavier music.
The Linkin Park albums Hybrid Theory and Meteora have cemented themselves as nu-metal staples, and the band is absolutely one of the biggest names to come from the genre; however, even with the band’s deep connection to nu-metal, the late Chester Bennington was not a fan of the genre at all.
During a past conversation with Billboard (which took place in 2007), Bennington reflected on the band’s connection to nu-metal; while he understood Linkin Park’s role in elevating the genre’s popularity, he also shared that he “hates” nu-metal.
In fact, he also shared that he was not a “big fan of almost anybody in that category” (referring to nu-metal bands).
Here is everything the late Linkin Park singer shared:
“There’s still a hip-hop element to us, and there’ll always be. But we’ve really moved away from anything that sounds like nu-metal. I know that we kind of helped create, I guess, the sound of that genre, but I hate that genre. I’m not going to speak for everyone, but I can personally tell you that I am not a big fan of almost everybody in that category.
“There are a few bands that I don’t really believe belong in there, and we’re one of those bands.”
In 2007, Linkin Park released their album Minutes to Midnight and would go on to release four more albums after it. While each of these records is heavy in their own way, none of them feature the band’s early nu-metal presentation.
What do you make of Bennington’s feelings regarding nu-metal? Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst was close friends with Bennington, and has spoken about how much he appreciates what Bennington did for the genre.
When Fred Durst Credited Chester Bennington For Nu-Metal 'Reaching the Masses'
