Pedal to the Nu Metal

Linkin Park rocketed into the charts with their debut album Hybrid Theory in 2000 and haven’t came down since. I think it would be safe to say that this band likes to occasionally test the boundaries of modern music, creating some songs that we wouldn't really expect to hear from a band like themselves.

Rock and Rap collaboration... what’s the first track that comes into your head?

For most it would probably be ‘Numb/Encore’ by Linkin Park and Jay Z as it was one of the most unexpected and interesting fusions of the 2000’s. The album that featured the hit, Collision Course reached No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 and went Multi-Platinum in a number of countries. The band’s most recent single, ‘Iridescent’ featured on the soundtrack of the Transformers movie, Dark of the Moon and was performed at most concerts of the ‘A Thousand Suns: World Tour’.

Sticking with this “unconventional” thread, Linkin Park’s rhythm guitarist and vocalist Mike Shinoda also seems to enjoy a dip in the ol’ eccentricity pool. Being a fan of Electro-Harmonix guitar pedals, Shinoda takes us through to the studio to share his favourite EHX gear.

Warning: This video contains scenes that some viewers may find offensive. If you suffer from disgust of computer music, technology, avant-gardism, or are appalled by anything that doesn’t revolve around time signatures and the circle of fifths... you are advised to look away now!

Hog

The Electro-Harmonix HOG is an incredible polyphonic guitar synthesizer. The Hog gives the user complete control over their sound with up to 10 interval pitches. Dedicated Filtering and envelope control, with numerous setup options, make the HOG a must-have performance instrument. No glitches and no “special pickups”.

Stereo Polyphase

The Stereo polyphase brings cascading sweeps and gorgeous, panoramic imaging through stereo outputs. Experience liquid stereo phase shifting at its finest.

Holy Stain

Reverb, Pitch Shift and Tremolo can blend with the Stain’s unique analog gilded distortion. The Holy Stain is pretty much like a Muff pedal + Holy Grail + POG + Pulsar, all rolled into one! This is the first Electro-Harmonix "Multi FX" pedal... and guess what? It's great!

Stereo Memory Man with Hizarai

Unbelievable features! It’s a multi-tap delay, it’s an echo, it’s a reverse echo, it’s a performance looper with tap tempo, and it’s programmable... it’s got all the Hazarai! Designed for the performing musician, the new Stereo Memory Man is destined to be one of the most creative instruments on your pedalboard.

... And How About You?

What do you think about music composition techniques? Are you a fan of traditional systematic music making or do you like to dip your toe in the eccentricity pool every now and then, let us know, comment below...