Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Diamond-certified nu metal icons Linkin Park have officially released the complete soundtrack for their upcoming live film and documentary, “UNSHATTER”, as per theprp. The 20-track collection captures the band’s performance from November 15, 2024, at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil. Ahead of the theatrical debut, several live performance clips from the concert have been released online, with a video of “Waiting For The End” serving as the latest preview. Directed by the band’s DJ Joe Hahn, “UNSHATTER” is scheduled to open in theaters on September 30.
Linkin Park was originally founded by Agoura High School classmates Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, and Brad Delson in Agoura Hills, California. Following high school graduation, the trio pursued music more aggressively, expanding the lineup with Joe Hahn, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and lead vocalist Mark Wakefield under the original name Xero. Working with limited resources out of Shinoda’s bedroom studio, the group recorded and produced a four-track cassette demo titled “Xero”, released in November 1997. That same month, Xero played their live debut opening for SX-10 and System of a Down at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood.
Delson eventually connected the band with Jeff Blue, then vice president of A&R at Zomba Music, for whom Delson had previously interned. Blue offered constructive feedback to help the band refine their pitch to record labels, and after attending a live performance in 1998, he saw immense potential in Xero — though he believed a new lead vocalist was necessary for a breakthrough. As rejection from labels mounted, internal frustration grew, prompting Wakefield to quit the group to pursue other opportunities. Around the same time, Farrell temporarily exited the lineup to tour with the Christian punk and ska outfit Tasty Snax.
Following an extensive search to replace original vocalist Mark Wakefield, Xero recruited Arizona singer Chester Bennington in March 1999 upon a recommendation from Jeff Blue. Bennington, formerly of the alternative rock outfit Grey Daze, stood out among candidates due to the dynamic range of his vocal style. His instant vocal chemistry with Mike Shinoda reinvigorated the group and inspired new material, prompting a name change from Xero to Hybrid Theory.
To round out the lineup, the band temporarily brought in bassist Kyle Christner and released a self-titled EP in May 1999, which they promoted heavily across online chat rooms and forums through a dedicated street team. By October 1999, Christner had departed, with bass duties on subsequent recordings split between Scott Koziol, Ian Hornbeck, and lead guitarist Brad Delson.
