FROM the first moment of rock rappers Linkin Park’s sixth album to its end 45 minutes later, there’s barely a chance to catch a breath. Punchy, energetic and with guitar riffs in all the right places, The Hunting Party shows a band still at the height of its powers.

Moving on from the melodic electronic tones of their last few albums, this self-produced offering combines screeching lyrics with powerful instrumentals and some anthem-like choruses that demand to be sung along to.

While the rap is kept to a minimum, the already released Guilty All The Same, featuring hip-hop giant Rakim is guaranteed to please the fans who have followed the band from its Nu Metal roots.

Choosing System of a Down guitarist Daron Malakian to co-write and perfrom Rebellion moves the album into more hardcore rock territory but, as Linkin Park have shown us before, they are masters of a number of genres.

There’s a nice irony to the lyrics as Chester Bennington points out how easy we have it: “We are the fortunate ones, who never faced oppression’s gun/we are the fortunate ones, imitations of rebellion.”

The Hunting Party is wrapped up by A Line in the Sand, which alternates between fast guitar and calmer, melodic lyrics, bringing the listener back down from planet rock.

It may feel unfocused at times but this is fun, energetic rock at its best. And if there are critics, you get the feeling the band don’t really care. RACHEL STRETTON