Effective period / Period of releases: 1999 - 2000

Members: Mike Shinoda, Scott Koziol, Andrew Lanoie, Chester Bennington, Brad Delson, Rob Bourdon, Joseph Hahn

Hybrid Theory was a nu-metal/crossover band from California, USA. Originally formed as Xero in the winter of 1996, the band was renamed to Hybrid Theory in 1999. They were signed as a developing artist to Warner Bros. Records in late 1999, but the label advised them to change their name to avoid confusion with Hybrid, a popular House music group.
Looking for a new name, Hybrid Theory briefly considered "Lotus Foundation Project" and "Plear", before settling on "Linkin Park" in May 2000. This name was suggested by Chester Bennington after seeing a street sign for the park named "Lincoln Park" in Los Angeles. The spelling was changed to "Linkin Park" to acquire the internet domain "linkinpark.com".