The Hunting Party
by Linkin Park
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 362 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 291 out of 362
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 362
  3. Negative: 32 out of 362
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  1. izhakib
    Jul 17, 2014
    10
    A spectacular album with a lot of amazing instrumentals that can blow you away at first listen! Definitely a good addition to Linkin Park's discography!
  2. musicfan
    Jul 2, 2014
    10
    This is a fantastic album, one of the best of the year. Very heavy, very genuine music! I think this is better than Minutes to midnight, a thousand suns and living things! Go LP!!!
  3. Jay_Pickens
    Jul 25, 2018
    8
    Linkin Park is back! It's not a 'full on' comeback, but it's definitely better than their 3 previous albums combined! We get a little rock, a little nu-metal here and there, this album is full of energy! Tracks like Rebellion, War, Keys To The Kingdom, Mark The Graves and A Line In The Sand are what LP should be always about! I'm not a fan of all the tracks here though... I think the albumLinkin Park is back! It's not a 'full on' comeback, but it's definitely better than their 3 previous albums combined! We get a little rock, a little nu-metal here and there, this album is full of energy! Tracks like Rebellion, War, Keys To The Kingdom, Mark The Graves and A Line In The Sand are what LP should be always about! I'm not a fan of all the tracks here though... I think the album would be better if they had removed Final Masquerade and the pointless The Summoning. The rest is great! Pick this up if you haven't heard it yet. Pickens approves!… Expand
  4. Mab_987
    Jul 31, 2014
    8
    Even though I've consistently really enjoyed Linkin Park's various experimentation into more electronic stuff over the years, their choice to go for a more straightforward hard rock/metal sound is a very refreshing & rewarding one. The aggression & energy work wonders, and the lyrics take a much more mature & politically charged direction than on the first few albums. There are a coupleEven though I've consistently really enjoyed Linkin Park's various experimentation into more electronic stuff over the years, their choice to go for a more straightforward hard rock/metal sound is a very refreshing & rewarding one. The aggression & energy work wonders, and the lyrics take a much more mature & politically charged direction than on the first few albums. There are a couple weak points (namely "Until It's Gone" & the Tom Morello-featuring "Drawbar" which was a major letdown) but I wouldn't have a problem in calling it my favorite from them.

    (For a more in-depth review with a brief sketch making fun of people who hate any kind of change from LP, look up "Spin It! Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Expand
  5. Nickolahen
    Jan 15, 2015
    10
    A very good comeback from Living Things. Living Things were too pop, while the Hunting Party, comared to them, really remings me of the good old Hybrid Theory and Meteora.
  6. Morio
    Jul 10, 2014
    10
    Linkin Park The Hunting Party is a great combination of sound's from diferent styles like Alternative rock,Metal,Trash,Punk and some soft stuff that make this album one of the complex intrumentation music they ever made! I hope Linkin Park will make another album like this with the next one in 2016!!!
  7. Kai82
    Aug 10, 2014
    9
    Back to the roots. If you liked Hybrid Theory and Meteora this is the Linkin Park album you have been waiting for. It is an Linkin Park album without a weak song.
  8. Ned11
    Dec 7, 2014
    10
    Thank god LP dropped that new style and came back to their roots. This album proves that LP is still alive to kick some ass!
    This is a must-buy for all LP fans.
  9. DShredderR
    Mar 3, 2015
    9
    Once again, Linkin Park manages to produce another successful, different album. Some songs might be too long for their own good like Guilty All the Same and A Line in the Sand, but the other tracks are a great length. The mix of angry, heavy songs with lighter, melodic songs is great and I can't wait to see how they make their next album different.
  10. mborlaza27
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    I know it took quite awhile for me to review the album, but that gave me enough time to like it even more. “Keys to the Kingdom” opens the album, letting the band’s intention to hit it heavy felt. Also, drummer Rob Bourdon and guitarist Brad Delson remain the unsung heroes of the album. “All for Nothing” , with Helmet’s Page Hamilton, is a tirade for all else normal and static. Lead singleI know it took quite awhile for me to review the album, but that gave me enough time to like it even more. “Keys to the Kingdom” opens the album, letting the band’s intention to hit it heavy felt. Also, drummer Rob Bourdon and guitarist Brad Delson remain the unsung heroes of the album. “All for Nothing” , with Helmet’s Page Hamilton, is a tirade for all else normal and static. Lead single “Guilty all the Same” succeeds in continuing the clear anti-establishment mood of “All for Nothing”, and is given a pause with the “The Summoning”. “War” is perhaps Chester Bennington’s crown and is quite the straightforward punk song of the album, while “Wastelands” brings the older flavor of rock and hip hop, Shinoda-style. “Until It’s Gone” is reminiscent of Meteora’s “Numb”, though on a more powerful state. “Rebellion”, with System of a Down’s Daron Malakian, traps you in an SOAD vibe, making you forget this is a Linkin Park song. “Mark the Graves” is chock-full of breakdowns, making it one of two songs in the album to remind you of the band’s style on Minutes to Midnight. “Drawbar” with Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello is another way to get you out of the controlled chaos of the album, which is a lead to the compelling “Final Masquerade”; which is the second track from the album that emulates Minute’s diversity. The album closes with the epic “A Line in the Sand” with Shinoda singing, A Thousand Suns style. Putting all the songs in retrospect, the album warrants you to listen and digest the band’s need for change, and to escape mediocrity. Hybrid Theory purists need not apply.… Expand
  11. BatmanDude
    Jul 27, 2015
    10
    The Hunting Party is, in my opinion, Linkin Park's second best album (I prefer a thousand suns) it really have some fantastic songs, like Wastelands, and it also have a metal touch to many musics.
  12. YDG
    Aug 25, 2015
    9
    It was about time that Linkin Park really showed what experience they've gained over the years as their previous three albums have divided the fan base and lead them to become really hit and miss. The Hunting Party shows how the band have matured, returning to their classic heavy style but not sounding like angry teenagers. The lyrics are very well done in each of the songs and the guitarIt was about time that Linkin Park really showed what experience they've gained over the years as their previous three albums have divided the fan base and lead them to become really hit and miss. The Hunting Party shows how the band have matured, returning to their classic heavy style but not sounding like angry teenagers. The lyrics are very well done in each of the songs and the guitar and drums just form a tasty sound throughout the entire album. Mike's rapping is just top notch and Chester still delivers a powerful scream while also showing off his amazing vocal range and dynamic voice. You have your metal, hard rock, rap and pop all mixed into the bag here and it basically gives us the best of everything they've given us before and then some. Nothing in this album sounds like the band has done it before giving it a very fresh feel. A couple of the songs, I feel, could've had some more work done on them (namely Wastelands and Until It's Gone), but ultimately, the album was very satisfying and leaves the door open for a very bright future for Linkin Park. If this album hasn't brought back any fans that they've lost along the way, then I doubt any of their future work will, but I say good riddance to them, it's their loss.

    I'm really excited to hear what they've got in store for their next album and it seems like Linkin Park have finally found their place after all their previous, experimental sounds.

    Album Favourites: Keys To The Kingdom, Guilty All The Same, Mark The Graves.
    Album Low Points: Wastelands, Until It's Gone.    … Expand
  13. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    8
    Linkin Park is back! It's not a 'full on' comeback, but it's definitely better than their 3 previous albums combined! We get a little rock, a little nu-metal here and there, this album is full of energy! Tracks like Rebellion, War, Keys To The Kingdom, Mark The Graves and A Line In The Sand are what LP should be always about! I'm not a fan of all the tracks here though... I think the albumLinkin Park is back! It's not a 'full on' comeback, but it's definitely better than their 3 previous albums combined! We get a little rock, a little nu-metal here and there, this album is full of energy! Tracks like Rebellion, War, Keys To The Kingdom, Mark The Graves and A Line In The Sand are what LP should be always about! I'm not a fan of all the tracks here though... I think the album would be better if they had removed Final Masquerade and the pointless The Summoning. The rest is great! Pick this up if you haven't heard it yet. Pickens approves!… Expand
  14. HauntedDonut
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    Initially I was skeptical that Linkin Park could return to their roots and they haven't. If you're looking for another Meteora then you will be disappointed. HOWEVER, this is something else. It's not an album that mashes together a couple of cool sounding tunes and some vocals; it's much more than that. It feels passionate in comparison to an orator who knows their stuff.

    Living Things    Initially I was skeptical that Linkin Park could return to their roots and they haven't. If you're looking for another Meteora then you will be disappointed. HOWEVER, this is something else. It's not an album that mashes together a couple of cool sounding tunes and some vocals; it's much more than that. It feels passionate in comparison to an orator who knows their stuff.

    Living Things felt like LP was trying to go for a run after having their legs amputated. The Hunting Party sounds like they got a rocket propelled wheel chair.    … Expand
  15. bonyjose
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    another great album from a great band,this album is heavy compared to their last few albums,guilty all the same is an awesome song,a must have album for all those who loved their first two albums "hbd" and "meteora"..
  16. covenantx
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    it's like Drowned in Sound is mad at Linkin Park. Dont look at their review, and just listen to the album for yourself...

    Album needs to be listened to from Keys to the Kingdom to A Line in the Sand. It is just solid and well put together. Only song i dont like listening to but fits is Until Its Gone. They needed a song to slow the pace from the hard hitting first half of the album.
  17. Shonz
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    At the time when the first two singles were out, I was unsure of what to anticipate from this album. All the reviews kept on increasing the hype, all the people who had been fortunate enough to attend the listening parties got their jaws dropped. By the time the iTunes stream was online and as soon as I pressed the Play button, I realized where this was heading towards. Not only did LinkinAt the time when the first two singles were out, I was unsure of what to anticipate from this album. All the reviews kept on increasing the hype, all the people who had been fortunate enough to attend the listening parties got their jaws dropped. By the time the iTunes stream was online and as soon as I pressed the Play button, I realized where this was heading towards. Not only did Linkin Park back every single statement they had made regarding the album prior to it's release, they nailed it! We got to see a lot of variety on this album. Rob was insane at the drumming, Brad certainly let his inner beast out, we got tons of screams from Chester, and Mike both rapped and sang on the album. Not to mention the fact that the guests on this album played their roles perfectly. To me, nothing seems absent concerning everything that they had promised us. I loved all of the songs, so I wouldn't skip any in the future while listening to this album. To be honest, the only 1 thing that I found odd about this album was the frequent repetition of some words in a couple of songs...but nonetheless, it completely fits and I'd still give this album a 10/10.… Expand
  18. MetaNew
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    The Hunting Party( THP ) is another win for Linkin Park ( LP ) discography. The record stands out as a well written and composed rock record. Here is my personal opinion about the tracks.

    Keys to the Kingdom: Serves as a perfect opener. Its loud. Its heavy. Its a reminder of why people fell for LP when they debuted. Chester is loud throughout the song and Mike's rap verse is very well    The Hunting Party( THP ) is another win for Linkin Park ( LP ) discography. The record stands out as a well written and composed rock record. Here is my personal opinion about the tracks.

    Keys to the Kingdom: Serves as a perfect opener. Its loud. Its heavy. Its a reminder of why people fell for LP when they debuted. Chester is loud throughout the song and Mike's rap verse is very well written and fits perfectly into the song.

    All For Nothing( Feat. Paige Hamilton): with a punk vibe. This song is straight home run for LP. It has got an amazing hook which is hard to forget. One listen and you will humming the song. Paige does a great job on the vocals on this one and Mike has great rap part.

    Guilty all the same: In my opinion this should not have been the lead single for the album. The highlight here though is Rakim's part. He nails it!

    The summoning: Interlude

    War: Awesome. Highlight of this track is Chester screaming WAR and the crazy guitar work by Brad. Didn't expect something like this from LP ever. This one is a surprise which people will enjoy.

    Wastelands: Another great interplay between Mike and Chester. The song has a great hook.

    Until its gone: A radio friendly single. Softer compared to other songs on this record.

    Rebellion: featuring Daron from System of down this song has definitely has that vibe of SOD. Crazy guitar work and chester screaming "rebellion" is the highlight.

    Mark the graves: Very strong track lyrically. too many things happening in this one. LP have surely put in a lot of effort in making this song what it is. worth that effort. a deeply layered rock song.

    Drawbar: A lovely piece. But in my opinion they could have done a lot with a song which has Tom Morello in it.

    Final Masquerade: A softer track. Very well sung by Chester. Approaches the end of the album very smoothly.

    A line in the sand: First listen of this song and i thought the guitar was same as Guilty all the same. After listening to it quite a few times I realized that was done for a purpose of call back to the album and only it feels justified. The album ends on a high.

    LP have not only gone back to their rock roots but also have gone a step further. This is definitely the best rock record in this decade(2010-). And hopefully would bring back rock music back to mainstream.    … Expand
  19. jokerm924
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    I was pleasantly surprised that Linkin Park was able to return to their heavier rock roots. This album stands along with Hybrid Theory and just behind Meteora, easily surpassing A Thousand Suns, Living Things, and Minutes to Midnight.
  20. hawkeboy
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    Clearly still the best band in the genre they created, LP tears it up with their sixth album. It's loud, it's complex, it's raw, and most of all it's LP.
  21. pondelicious
    Jun 17, 2014
    8
    Linkin Park is back! After a fairly bland effort with Living Things LP have managed to return to their hard rock/alternative metal roots and come out with a great album. Although not perfect, Until It's Gone being a bit cliche and too radio friendly while Tom Morrello's contribution was a bit underwhelming, it is still a very enjoyable album and has gotten me excited about Linkin Park again.
  22. CgL7
    Jun 18, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well, I've been following Linkin Park since Minutes to Midnight but I have all their albums and each one has had its unique style: Hybrid Theory was the wild rap and metal one that set the base; Meteora added some more electronic sounds to the previous sound and slowed paced versions around a similar beat in all songs; Minutes to Midnight was at the same time rawer and more mature than the previous two; A Thousand Suns deepened on the social messages of the previous album with very distinctive beats and theme; Living Things was a mix of electronic sounds and rockier ones in a nice way but not the most cohesive.
    I like them all but clearly for me the standouts have been Hybrid Theory and A Thousand Suns, followed by Minutes to Midnight, an album that didn't sound at the first listens but gets better once you hear it.

    So we got this new one, "The Hunting Party" which was promised to be heavier and a rock comeback.
    My first listen left me positively surprised and pleased about this comeback at equal parts ^^.

    1. Keys To The Kingdom is a punch-in-the-face intro to what's to come in this album, Chester distorted voice slams you before a succession of epic drumming and guitar sounds comes. A more relaxed verse and fast badass rhymes from Mike, along with the said before, make this the be(a)st first song of a Linkin Park album. 10/10

    2. All For Nothing has amazing guitar work and Mike verses adapt so well to the beat. The great collab is shown in the anthemic chorus of this song. 9'5/10

    3. Guilty All The Same is a well-chosen first single that shows how hard Linkin Park is going in this album, with amazing guitar solos, drumming, and the nice slowdown but deep collaboration of a legend. 10/10

    4. The Summoning acts as the calm before the storm, the opening before the War.

    5. War is short but intense, a war-themed punk song that "unleashes" Chester. I don't usually listen to punk rock but this hits so hard, there is that sense of war in the song. 10/10

    6. Wastelands has a slow but smooth rapping over a postwar scenario and a very nice beat; this song is like a little rest from the previous one, and the post-2-hooks part gets so epic. 9'5/10

    7. Until It's Gone is a little softer and like some Linkin Park's previous singles it has the few of the electronic sounds in the album, but also Chester screaming in a more "emo-like love song". However it fits well at this point of the album. 9/10

    8. Rebellion has definitely the touch of SOAD guitar collaborator and again that heavy revolutionary sound that songs like War have. 10/10

    9. Mark The Graves has a special mix between slow and calm lyrics and amazing hard guitar and drum parts and by the end it gets specially anthemic and hard. 10/10

    10. Drawbar is an unexpected pause with an unexpected guest that still does really well as an amazing, beautiful piano interlude. 9'5/10

    11. Final Masquerade makes it feel that the end of the album is near with a very emotive sound and almost poetic lyrics that lead into a heavier, anthemic and full of feelings chorus. 10/10

    12. A Line In The Sand seems similar to Mark The Graves but is even more layered and perfect as the ending track. Relaxing verses lead to the most unexpected epic combinations of drums and guitars and a heavy chorus. As epic as unexpected. At the moment it ends it returns to the perfect slow ending of a great CD. 10/10 for me.

    So for me, this album is all in all: A great advance in Linkin Park and a cohesive but unexpected and thrilling mix of rock styles that show a big development in all sides of the band: Drums, Guitars, Rap and Choruses. It's not a Hybrid Theory (its songs were also epic but more of the same type/genre) and has little in common with Meteora, and although it shares some of the Minutes to Midnight rawness it isn't so similar.
    Linkin Park have gone on to a hard and fresh path which i really like. Another LP CD that is different to the others and that I love. 10/10 definitely.    … Expand
  23. eagleeyeviking
    Jun 18, 2014
    7
    This album is Linkin Park's heaviest. While most of the songs are good, none of them stand out. Despite that, the songs have powerful lyrics and vocals.
  24. lalinduj
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    I have been a LP fan for over a decade now, from the Hybrid Theory era and Im proud to say that this is their best album in terms of music and intensity since those early albums. LP seemed very eager to announce to the world that they are challenging rock music's decline of recent years, hoping to make the kind of Rock music that Is energetic and visceral. I was a bit skeptical on this andI have been a LP fan for over a decade now, from the Hybrid Theory era and Im proud to say that this is their best album in terms of music and intensity since those early albums. LP seemed very eager to announce to the world that they are challenging rock music's decline of recent years, hoping to make the kind of Rock music that Is energetic and visceral. I was a bit skeptical on this and was wondering to what extent they would be achieving this. But amazingly they have. Once I listened to the full album on iTunes I was awe struck by the musical power it presented. The riffs, the drumming, the solos, the vocals every little thing blends together to create a rock musical extravaganza.

    Its, heavy and wild at times, especially tracks like War and Rebellion. The guest appearances merge in to the band seamlessly creating a great sound. My fav tracks from the album are obviously not the radio friendly tunes that LP have envisaged but tracks which push their usual boundaries. Such as Mark the Graves and A line in the sand. The latter is a epic song which features a heavy metal vibe although it may seem its another genre of rock all together.
    Lyrically, LP have progressed immensely. Content wise, Final Masquerade, The line in the sand, Rebellion sand out. Although there are some weak elements to it such as Until its gone.
    On a negative note, Tom Morello's appearance on the album is half hearted which I was very disappointed in, specially cos he is one of the greatest guitarist of the modern age. The snippets in between songs could have been avoided.

    All in all, a great album. One of the best Rock records of the year.    … Expand
  25. Eldave88
    Jun 18, 2014
    10
    Awesome album, different, but very heavy! Every song brings in something different but I'd say my fav are - final masquerade, a line in the sand, guilty all the same, all for nothing & of course keys to the kingdom. No weak songs just two instrumentals that help slow the album down because of it's high energy. Overall a class come back especially when the last 3 albums were a bit low inAwesome album, different, but very heavy! Every song brings in something different but I'd say my fav are - final masquerade, a line in the sand, guilty all the same, all for nothing & of course keys to the kingdom. No weak songs just two instrumentals that help slow the album down because of it's high energy. Overall a class come back especially when the last 3 albums were a bit low in standard. This should have been linkin park's third album ! Welcome back LP… Expand
  26. dizonnguyen
    Jun 18, 2014
    10
    Linkin park always try to make the best music and this album symbolizes their hard word and effort. The hunting party totally deserves 10/10. This guitar-driven album will be one of the best rock album of 2014. Chester's voice sounds like his very first days of Hybrid theory
  27. yoman9595
    Jun 26, 2014
    10
    Just when we thought we knew where Linkin Park's style was heading, they pulled the rug out from under us with this incredible, heavy, old style Linkin Park album. In fact, in terms of stylistic progression, not only does this album not sit behind Living Things, it actually seems to fit in front of Hybrid Theory; Mike Shinoda even referred to The Hunting Party as Hybrid Theory's "prequel."Just when we thought we knew where Linkin Park's style was heading, they pulled the rug out from under us with this incredible, heavy, old style Linkin Park album. In fact, in terms of stylistic progression, not only does this album not sit behind Living Things, it actually seems to fit in front of Hybrid Theory; Mike Shinoda even referred to The Hunting Party as Hybrid Theory's "prequel."
    When Mike first said Linkin Park's sixth album would be dropping the new style, I was a bit disappointed; Living Things had been (and still is) my favorite Linkin Park work. But this hard rock album is refreshing—exactly what the genre needed. The Hunting Party is truly a work of art, and will sit nicely with the rest of Linkin Park's outstanding albums on my shelf.    … Expand
  28. MKUltraman
    Jun 24, 2014
    2
    Unfinished and lo-fi, Linkin Park ditch long time collaborator to produce a jarring and unfocused record with few standout tracks. Guests like Tom Morello are wasted on pointless interludes as the tracks blend into a long, noisy jam session. A surprisingly lazy effort from musicians brimming with creativity and a willingness to innovate.
  29. Gfidalgoassassi
    Jun 18, 2014
    10
    I Loved The hunting Party, Its so good, A fresh music, Lot better than A thousand Suns. The are Back!!!!!!!! loved the album, i watched them in Rock in Rio and i just Love it.... mY favorite Band
  30. felipenery11
    Jun 17, 2014
    9
    linkin park show that can make new-metal or alternative, again. music's like Keys To The Kingdom,Guilty all The Same,War,Wastelands and Rebelion travel you to a fast and metal music ,the music's until it's gone,and final masquerde its a good stop in the album,but ,drawbar it's the most deception of the album the bad utilization of Tom Morello is frustrating
    The Best Musics is:
    Keys To    linkin park show that can make new-metal or alternative, again. music's like Keys To The Kingdom,Guilty all The Same,War,Wastelands and Rebelion travel you to a fast and metal music ,the music's until it's gone,and final masquerde its a good stop in the album,but ,drawbar it's the most deception of the album the bad utilization of Tom Morello is frustrating
    The Best Musics is:
    Keys To The Kingdom
    Rebellion
    Until it's Gone
    Wastelands
    Guilty All The Same    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2014
20
#20 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 18, 2014
    60
    Straining a little too hard for intellectual depth and emotional intensity, The Hunting Party is ultimately let down by its lack of focus and poor quality control. [Summer 2014, p.93]
  2. Q Magazine
    Jul 2, 2014
    80
    Excitingly, War's chaotic punk and the frantic Guilty All The Same are as raw as they've ever been, but The Hunting Party is the sound of Linkin Park coming in from the cold. [Aug 2014, p.109]
  3. PopMatters
    Jul 2, 2014
    50
    All in all, The Hunting Party is a solid record on its own, but it feels too repetitive, uninspired, and generic to equal its immediate predecessors.
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