How Linkin Park Predicted Coronavirus And The Capitol Riots

 

     Linkin Park's album The Hunting Party was designed to be rebellious. In the less-popular hard rock genre, it charted only at #3 on the Billboard chart after their previous decade of albums all earned the #1 spot. However, it proved remarkably insightful.

     Featuring Rakim, Daron Malakian, Page Hamilton, Tom Morello, and others, its 2014 release preceded coronavirus by six years. However, it is about a pandemic and the end of the world. "Rebellion" addresses the discontent of Americans who see themselves as rebels despite paling in comparison to actual freedom fighters in the third world, a lesson the Capitol rioters could stand to learn. "Until It's Gone" is about a virus that kills people and reminds the increasingly-smaller number of survivors what is important in life. "Final Masquerade" is about the end of the world and features frontline medical workers jumping into a pit.

     Linkin Park's albums have often addressed social and mental health issues, but this time brings a unique perspective to The Hunting Party.