Linkin Park used to be the band that people would listen to if they had dreams of running away from home or just wanted noise. The artist for the rebel, Linkin Park used to represent what every “unique, misunderstood” teenager was feeling.

Personally, as I became older, I realized how little Linkin Park actually resembled music. Nevertheless, I found it enjoyable to listen to while I worked out; and I was unashamedly excited to have a chance to hear its new album, “A Thousand Suns.”

I had dreams of a beautiful swan song before my old band slipped silently into my past, keeping their reputation positive in my mind and the minds of my peers.

I checked out the CD “A Thousand Suns.”

I listened to the first song of the album, “The Requiem.” The sounds that assaulted me from my speakers confused me.

I checked my sound system, making sure I was not accidentally on the radio.

I was actually listening to the CD.

I was dumbfounded. Gone were the loud vocals screaming about a hard life. Gone were the hard guitar riffs that defined the way the songs sounded.

In their place was a political message, quiet vocals and heavy bass. None of which went with each other.

One song, “The Messenger,” actually had acoustic guitar, and had vocalist Chester Bennington actually singing, not screaming. Surprise: It doesn’t suit him.

Linkin Park might as well have put a warning sticker on the cover that said, “All ye who enter, abandon all hope.”

Throughout this entire album, I could not help but think Linkin Park had become analogous to Fall Out Boy or Nickelback, changing its music to try and meet the generation instead of continuing with its winning formula.

If you like either of the aforementioned bands with a passion, “A Thousand Suns” might be right for you.

I would just like to say how disappointing this album is. Let it be known that on Sept. 14, 2010, Linkin Park became part of the machine that it screamed against for so long. Hopefully old fans will not have to suffer through another album.