We first heard of Linkin Park's new song 'The Catalyst' in conjunction with the band's announcement of an upcoming, new studio album, 'A Thousand Suns.' And LP left us in anticipation of the new single's sound, providing only an audio snippet of 'The Catalyst' for the 'Linkin Park, Featuring You' contest, where fans had the opportunity to remix, write over, or mute parts and add their own to the song, with the best orchestration chosen by Linkin Park.
And a tightly, orchestrated piece is exactly what this single is. While the song begins with light tapping percussion and Chester Bennington's passionate vocals ("We're a broken people living under loaded gun / And it can't be outfought / And it can't be outdone / It can't be outmatched / It can't be outrun"), by 1:15 Joe Hahn's electronic, strobing beats are thrown in with faster, rhythmic percussion, breaking into a full, melodic classic rock song before tapering down to a slower cadence around three minutes, as Bennington and Mike Shinoda harmonize, "Lift me up, Let me go."
LP's fourth studio effort is set to hit stores Sept. 14 and is co-produced by Rick Rubin and Mike Shinoda -- who collaborated for the production of 2007's 'Minutes to Midnight.'
And as we reported last week, EA released a trailer teaser for the new 'Medal of Honor' game -- set during the 2001 Afghanistan War -- that featured part of the song. Now you can hear the song in the full video game trailer, directed by LP's Joe Hahn. Check it out below. Also, tune to New Alternative First to hear the entire song in rotation.
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(Page 1)2. This is NOT the full song. The full song runs at almost 6 minutes. The version on the Medal of Honor trailer is heavily edited.
Posted at 9:09AM on Aug 3rd 2010 by Minus
3. This song is bloody awful and the preachy christian lyrics are repetitive beyond necessity. There is no reason for this kinda of bible thumping in rock music and I wish it would just freaking stop already. I can't stand this ridiculous infatuation American's have with the supernatural world of the bible. Enough already folks we get it you believe in magical fantasy land I don't give a damn about it!
Posted at 5:16PM on Aug 10th 2010 by Splash777
4. ^Show a little respect. It's one thing if you don't believe in the teachings of The Holy Bible and if you don't like Christian lyrics. But a lot of people do including the artists who created this song so if you don't like it don't listen to it but don't attack a Religion because of your frustration. People are entitled to their own beliefs including this band so don't expect them to cater to your views and your preferences
Posted at 11:09PM on Aug 10th 2010 by Ryan
5. I agree with ryan, people are able to believe whatever they want, and I love this song, I'm a Christian and it's not a fantasy land it is real.
Posted at 3:53PM on Aug 16th 2010 by Joseph
6. The band can write and sing about whatever they believe. Don't be so egocentric and think that everything is written to your taste. If you don't like it, don't listen.
Posted at 10:48AM on Aug 25th 2010 by Jessie
7. Linkin park is one band that has always inspired me, and "the catalyst" continues with that. The song has deeper meaning, and does not point to any religion. The words "lift me up, let me go" and the way its sung is commendable.
Posted at 1:13AM on Sep 10th 2010 by Peter Dias
8. nice (:
Posted at 2:25PM on Feb 19th 2011 by aileen ventura
9. I also despise the song. I have lost every last shred of respect for Christians after they repeatedly tried shoving their religion down my throat throughout my years in school. Half of them are hypocritical and judgmental douche bags who have no respect for MY beliefs and MY views, so why should I respect theirs? I don't listen to this band anymore, after hearing this I just suddenly lost intrest in their music all together, including their older stuff which I used to love. I'm not saying all christians are like this, just all the ones I've met. Thanks Jesus, who will you take off my iPod next?
Posted at 12:45AM on Mar 26th 2011 by Daria
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1. Actually Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington alternate vocals throughout. Really kind of innovative both for the band and for their entire genre.
Posted at 4:51PM on Aug 2nd 2010 by Josh