"Keys to the Kingdom" is a song by American rock band Linkin Park from their sixth studio album, The Hunting Party. It is the album's opening track, and entered the UK Rock chart at number 33, although it was not released as a single. The song was written by the band and produced by co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda and lead guitarist Brad Delson. The song was not performed by the band during the album's accompanying The Hunting Party Tour, and would not see a live debut until the From Zero World Tour in 2024.
| "Keys to the Kingdom" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Linkin Park | |
| from the album The Hunting Party | |
| Released | June 13, 2014 |
| Recorded | 2013–2014 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 3:38 |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) | Linkin Park |
| Producer(s) | |
Composition
edit"Keys to the Kingdom" is explained in an early preview for the album as, "Right off the bat this track has an old-school punk vibe with a new twist. The hasty drums and explosive riffs [add] a hardcore element to it. Vocalist Chester Bennington unleashes melodies and the balance of Shinoda’s rap verses makes for a powerful combination. Although the band will be playing arenas on their forthcoming Carnivores tour, this song has an underground feel that would welcome them to a small, beat up venue in Brooklyn, N.Y."[1] The song continues its outro into the album's second track, "All for Nothing" featuring Page Hamilton of Helmet.
Live performances
edit"Keys to the Kingdom" was initially never performed live prior to Bennington's death in July 2017. During Shinoda's Manila concert of his solo Post Traumatic Tour in September 2019, Shinoda performed a snippet of "Keys to the Kingdom" during "Sorry for Now," marking the first time the song had been performed live in any capacity.[2]
Following Linkin Park's announced reformation in 2024 with new members Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, "Keys to the Kingdom" was performed live in full for the first time at the band's first concert of the From Zero World Tour at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California on September 11, 2024. Armstrong, the band's new vocalist, took up lead vocals of the song.[3]
Reception
editIn a track-by-track review for the album, by Billboard's Kenneth Partridge highlighted Linkin Park's "back-to-basics approach", hardcore punk-styled introduction, and overall nu metal sound akin to their early releases.[4]
Personnel
edit- Chester Bennington – vocals
- Mike Shinoda – lead and rap vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards
- Brad Delson – lead guitar, backing vocals, programming
- Dave "Phoenix" Farrell – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Joe Hahn – sampling, programming
- Rob Bourdon – drums, percussion
Charts
edit| Chart (2014) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[5] | 33 |
References
edit- ^ "Early preview The Hunting Party"Loudwire Retrieved May 15, 2014.
- ^ Bodegon-Hikino, Kara (September 9, 2019). "Mike Shinoda serves fresh rhymes and nostalgia at first solo Manila concert". Bandwagon Asia. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ Willman, Chris (September 11, 2024). "Linkin Park Thrills L.A. Forum Crowd With New Singer in First Full Show Since 2017: See the 27-Song Setlist". Variety. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ Partridge, Kenneth (June 18, 2014). "Linkin Park's 'The Hunting Party': Track-by-Track Review". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 21, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
- ^ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart". Official Charts Company. June 22, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2024.