Linkin Park are mainly considered an alternative rock and nu metal band, often blending in rap rock and electronic elements across their albums.

Core genres

  • Alternative rock: Most music outlets and reference sites list Linkin Park primarily as alternative rock, especially when describing their overall catalog and later albums.
  • Nu metal: Their early work, like the album “Hybrid Theory,” is widely classed as nu metal for its mix of heavy guitars, DJ elements, and hip‑hop rhythms.
  • Rap rock / rap metal: Mike Shinoda’s rapping paired with Chester Bennington’s sung or screamed vocals puts many songs squarely in rap rock or rap metal.

Other styles they mix in

  • Alternative metal and hard rock: Many tracks use down-tuned riffs and aggressive drums typical of modern metal and hard rock.
  • Electronic rock and electropop: Later albums add strong synths, programming, and pop-oriented structures, so they’re also labeled electronic rock, pop rock, and even electropop.
  • Pop rock: Records like “One More Light” lean heavily into melodic pop songwriting with softer rock backing.

How fans and forums describe them

  • Fans often say “they don’t fit one genre” and list: nu metal, rap rock, alternative rock, electronic rock, and pop rock, varying by era.
  • A common shorthand in fan discussions is simply “rap/rock band” with evolving phases from heavy nu metal to more electronic and pop-driven sounds.

One-line takeaway

If you need a quick label for “what genre is Linkin Park,” the most accurate compact answer is: alternative rock / nu metal with strong rap rock and electronic influences , changing from heavier early albums to more pop/electronic later ones.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.