A real find for fans of rap/nu-metal outfit Linkin Park: a boatload of unreleased songs or versions, and the material here predates the band’s 2000 hit album Hybrid Theory. Tracks 7-10, the “Xero” demo from ’98, features the band’s original vocalist Mark Wakefield (he was gone by the time of the major label debut) when the band was still called Hybrid Theory. Tracks 11 – 19 are all assorted demos: 11 and 12 apparently appeared on a demo CD the band circulated, while the others aren’t specifically sourced.
Regarding tracks 1-6, I found an online review of the EP which tells that story:
“Never mass released by Linkin Park, The Hybrid Theory EP offers different sides not seen before by Linkin Park fans. While still infused with the styles that made the Hybrid Theory LP a massive success, this album contains styles that are unique to this CD. Beginning with "Carousel" listeners are introduced to a lyrical side not seen to Linkin Park before: Drugs and Suicide, which leaves the listener thinking for long after the track ends. Which is possibly why Linkin Park included a short song entitled "technique" as track 2, which showcases the impressive turntabling abilities of DJ Joseph Hahn. Continuing on, in track #3 "Step Up", Linkin Park's opinions on the sold out music of today are showcased, with no signs of holding back. Considered a favorite among many fans, track #4 "And One" contains vocalist Chester Bennington singing powerful lyrics about severe emotional stress,being followed by Shinoda rapping a rhyme that leaves you mesmorized for long after you listen. Track #5 "High Voltage" ,features Shinoda pouring his skills out for the world to see in very precisely crafted rhymes. The musical odyssey is brought to an end with "Part Of Me" a infectious song about controlling your demons within. Created back when Linkin Park were named Hybrid Theory, It is to be noted that, this album is extremely rare, originals are extremely hard to find, and reissues (only obtainable by joining Linkin Park's official fan club at: http://www.lpunderground.com ) will only be availible until November 1st, then will sink into rare status as well, so the best means of listening to this album is through downloading the songs off of a file sharing program.”
Even nicer about this package is that, similar to the well-known Evanescence Ultra Rare Trax (who would have ever thought young bands such as these would tip their bootleg hats to the Beatles, eh?), it’s a triple-digipack with beautiful full-color, slick stock artwork that’s everything a collector would want. There’s a clear disc holder with a color caricature of the band behind it, and that art is duplicated on the picture CD.
See also my comments on Ultra Rare Trax Vol. 2 – interesting to note the label name here – LinkinPark.com, same as the official website. Wonder what the band thinks about that!
