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VOTE: Linkin Park vs. Godsmack
May 11, 2020
Here at The Independent, we’ve organized a tournament to determine which band ruled the 2000s. otherwise recognized as the MySpace Era. Boosted by a generation that gravitated toward rock and its various subgenres, the mid-2000s were defined by both the emergence of punk, pop punk and emo and the refinement of traditional hard rock and heavy metal.
While rock and its subgenres no longer monopolize the airwaves, the bands that propelled the genre to the tops of charts possess a resiliency that keeps them near and dear to the hearts of listeners. This quarterfinal matchup is between Linkin Park and Godsmack.
Linkin Park
How they got here: Linkin Park collected 78% of the vote in their first-round victory over Paramore.
Linkin Park introduced themselves with 1999’s critically acclaimed Hybrid Theory. Though their debut effort was released just after the turn of the millennium, the RIAA-certified diamond record carried incredible momentum throughout the duration of the decade, selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
2003 brought the release of the the band’s sophomore effort Meteora, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was ranked the 36th greatest album of the decade. Tasked with replicating the transcendental successes of songs like “In The End,” “Crawling” and “One Step Closer,” Meteora saw the band adopt a perceptibly somber tone, as evidenced by “Numb” and “Somewhere I Belong.”
Though 2007’s Minutes to Midnight received mixed reviews, it did feature “What I’ve Done,” the band’s third-most streamed song across digital platforms. Rolling Stone recognized Minutes to Midnight as its 25th best album of 2007.
Godsmack
How they got here: Godsmack picked up 1,417 votes in the first round in a loss to the Foo Fighters. However, the votes were enough to earn them the final spot in the second round as the Boston hard rockers overcame Tool, Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace in a “play-in” contest.
Renowned for unbridled energy atop resounding riffs, Massachusetts hard rockers Godsmack introduced themselves to the rock landscape with their 1998 eponymous debut effort.
Since then, Godsmack–vocalist Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill and drummer Shannon Larkin–enjoyed remarkable success, releasing seven studio albums over a 22-year span.
Between 2001 and 2006, Godsmack was nominated for four Grammy Awards and three Billboard Awards, earning Billboard’s Rock Artist of the Year in 2001. In 2002, “I Stand Alone” claimed Metal Edge Readers’ Choice Awards Song of the Year from a Movie Soundtrack after appearing in The Scorpion King.
Godsmack also collected three consecutive No. 1 releases on the Billboard Top 100 (Faceless, IV and The Oracle) to go alongside 25 top-10 rock radio hits and 18 top-five singles. 2003’s Faceless featured the aforementioned “I Stand Alone” and “Straight Out of Line.” two singles that earned Grammy nominations for “Best Hard Rock Performance” and “Best Rock Song,” respectively.
Vote on our other second-round matchups!
Jacob Jordan • Jun 8, 2020 at 7:53 pm
Oh, and their is a reason Linking Park is winning.
Jacob Jordan • Jun 8, 2020 at 7:53 pm
Oh, and their is a reason Linking Park is winning.
Jacob Jordan • Jun 8, 2020 at 7:51 pm
Responding to Scott Duncan First of all Linking park had multiple awesome albums not just one you need to listen to more tracks man. Second of all Linking park did not “sell out” on their collab with Jay-Z, Jay-Z was the one who suggested that they collab in the first place. So if you intend to rip on one of the best rock bands ever who’s lead singer committed suicide two years ago then I suggest you do some research first, just because you know one band more does not mean they are better.
denise berg • May 30, 2020 at 6:32 pm
Just wanted to bbn vote for godsmack
Sally Markos • May 20, 2020 at 5:19 am
Godsmack’s energy n heavy hypnotic drumming takes you on a journey that is so much more than just listening.
I’ve always been drawn to them from the beginning.
They just kept on getting better n better with every album! Now, 23yrs later they’re still going strong and will for a long time to come!
Scott Duncan • May 17, 2020 at 10:35 pm
If Chester we as still alive , he wouldn’t be winning this thing. That Sellout had to collab with Jay z to stay popular. Hybrid Theory was their ONLY half decent record. R.I.P.
nicole • May 16, 2020 at 11:49 am
I vote Godsmack.
Audrey Walker • May 16, 2020 at 5:53 am
Godsmack is the best by far anyway and anytime. Sully’s voice is amazing
Deena • May 16, 2020 at 1:09 am
Godsmack 100%.. they are the best Rock group ever!! Sully is simply amazing.. the whole band is.. love them. Sully has a voice like no other. He’s so talented. Not only can he sing but Also plays drums piano and guitar.. he’s on fire HOT AS WELL!!!! He’s the whole package!!!
Shannon Clark • May 15, 2020 at 10:40 pm
Well in my heart Godsmack will always be my #1
Shannon Clark • May 15, 2020 at 10:40 pm
Wtf why not Godsmack? That’s strange
Helen Hewitt • May 15, 2020 at 8:34 pm
Love me some Godsmack
The best music ?
Riccardo Ball • May 14, 2020 at 12:53 am
Godsmack for me – great band, solid and consistent. Linkin Park’s direction after Meteora was disappointing.
Cindy Locke • May 13, 2020 at 11:38 am
Godsmack
Daniell • May 13, 2020 at 11:00 am
Godsmack all the way. There my favorite band listened to them from the beginning and still do..
Karen Johnson • May 13, 2020 at 10:53 am
GODSMACK!!!!!
Victor Perez • May 13, 2020 at 10:41 am
Godsmack the group alone has the better talent Shannon Larkin is the most underrated drummer of all time.
Marlon • May 12, 2020 at 10:55 pm
Linkin park fue de mis bandas favoritas y a ellos aprendi a superar a mis demonios, gracias Linkin park por esa buena musica que nos diste ❤❤
Rebecca Babcock • May 12, 2020 at 2:56 pm
Rough choice!
Sandy Erickson • May 12, 2020 at 10:15 am
Godsmack all the way. They just. Keep rocking
AAA • May 12, 2020 at 8:10 am
Godsmack without doubt
Stewart Alfrey • May 11, 2020 at 11:27 pm
Godsmacks music opens your mind, and cleares my head, I have said before godsmacks music is my church