The album, which represented half a decade’s worth of the band’s work, was edited by music producer Don Gilmore. Linkin Park released Hybrid Theory on October 24, 2000. The band released its breakthrough album, Hybrid Theory, the following year. Records, helped the band sign a deal with the company in 1999. Records on three previous reviews, Jeff Blue, now the vice president of Warner Bros. After facing numerous rejections from several major record labels, Linkin Park turned to Jeff Blue for additional help. However, despite these changes, the band still struggled to sign a record deal. The band’s renaissance culminated with a change in name from Hybrid Theory, the band changed its name to Linkin Park in 2000, a play on and homage to Santa Monica’s Lincoln Park. The newborn vocal chemistry between Shinoda and Bennington helped revive the band, inciting them to work on new material. The band changed its name from Xero to Hybrid Theory in 1999. Bennington, formerly of Grey Daze, became a standout among applicants because of his unique singing style. Jeff Blue, the vice president of Zomba Music, had referred him to the band in March 1999. Farrell also left to tour with Tasty Snax and other bands.Īfter spending a considerable time searching for Wakefield's replacement, Xero recruited Arizona vocalist Chester Bennington. The lack of success and stalemate in progress prompted Wakefield, at that time the band's vocalist, to leave the band in search for other projects. Tensions and frustration within the band grew after they failed to land a record deal. Though limited in resources, the band began recording and producing songs within Shinoda’s make-shift bedroom studio in 1996. After graduating from high school, the California natives began to take their musical interests more seriously, recruiting Joe Hahn, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, and Mark Wakefield to perform in their band, Xero. Originally consisting of three high school friends, Linkin Park’s foundation was anchored by Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Rob Bourdon.