Linkin Park originally called itself Hybrid Theory and has retained that phrase for the title of its debut album. The "hybrid" in question is one of rap and metal. The guitars and drums lock into standard thrash patterns, over which singer Chester Bennington and rapper Mike Shinoda alternate in furious expressions of rage and frustration. "One Step Closer," the track released to radio in advance of the album's release, is a typical effort, with lyrics like "Everything you say to me/Takes me one step closer to the edge/And I'm about to break." ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
Hybrid Theory was the debut EP by Hybrid Theory, recorded and released in May 1999 (see 1999 in music), in a limited edition of one thousand.[citation needed] Later that year, the band changed its name to Linkin Park and signed to Warner Bros. Records. Hybrid Theory was re-mixed and remastered for another limited release in 2001, with minor changes in the credits and artwork, for members of Linkin Park's fan club.
"Part of Me" – 12:41 (Shinoda, Hahn, Delson, Bennington, Bourdon)
note: hidden instrumental at 9:58
Future appearances
Some songs from this EP turned up in later releases by Linkin Park. "Step Up" appeared on the "In the End, Pt. 2" single. Samples from that song were also used in "Kyur4 th Ich" on Linkin Park's Reanimation album, and The X-Ecutioners' "It's Goin' Down". "And One" and "Part of Me" were included on the 2008 Linkin Park compilation EP Songs from the Underground, released by Best Buy. A re-recorded version of "High Voltage", with a different chorus and some new lyrics, appeared on the "One Step Closer" single and as a bonus track on some versions of Hybrid Theory. Evidence's remix, featuring Pharoahe Monch and DJ Babu, appears on Reanimation. Elements of the hidden instrumental were used in the Meteora instrumental, "Session"
