It's been over four years since their huge hit album, Meteora, impressed music fans everywhere, and almost three years since their unfortunate decision to work with Jay-Z. Finally, Linkin Park return with an album set to blow the world away.

What we have, however, is an album that sounds nothing like the Linkin Park that the same world grew to love. This is no mean feat for the band, but like every single rock band appears to be doing, they have turned to radio-friendly sounds that have taken away the edge that made Linkin Park so unique. The guitars have been toned down a notch, there are less grungey sounds, and even Chester's voice has lost its growl.

After a short introductory track, we are immediately thrown into the infectious bowl of rocking torment - and for the first time, the lyrics include swearing, something that has never been heard before in the band's music. Without a doubt, 'Given Up' is already one of the best songs on the album, and it's only the first 'real' track.

We are then thrown into something new. A much slower, very pop-influenced sound; it's not often you'll hear those from Linkin Park, but 'Shadow Of The Day' is something of a masterpiece with its almost U2-esque ballad-type hooks that build up gradually until finally, heavy guitars cut into the song, perfectly timed to satisfy our hunger for the pinnacle.

Unfortunately, it's all down from there - but with one of the best songs they've ever written, it's virtually impossible to keep moving up. First single 'What I've Done' is nothing special, but is certainly better than what follows. Like every band at the moment, Linkin Park have experimented with styles - 'Hands Held High' sounds like a religious hymn, a marching band and rap all in one. 'Valentine's Day' perks up towards the end, 'In Pieces' is a relatively decent song, and 'In Between' sounds a little like a slow Biffy Clyro song - with almost Scottish-sounding vocals to match.

It could have been better; by all means, it could have been worse. It's slightly disappointing considering the hype built around its release and the excellence of the first handful of songs. Only two songs managed to blow me away, and I was more than ready - almost pining - to listen to something else before the album had finished.