If you’re assembling a hunting party you want to make sure you have the right people on your side; folks that are energetic, aggressive, and ready for anything. This is exactly what the guys from Linkin Park have assembled for their upcoming tour, “The Hunting Party,” named after their most recent album.

The tour is sure to be a fast and furious hard-rocking event. Before setting off on the road for the 19 city tour, representatives from each band participated in a tele print conference. Those available to take questions were Chester Bennington (vocals, Linkin Park), Tim McIlrath (vocals and rhythm guitar, Rise Against), and Austin Carlile (vocals, Of Mice & Men).

With the recent release of Linkin Park’s sixth album, and first self-produced project, the air of excitement and enthusiasm was evident. There was also a strong feeling of camaraderie between the three groups that complimented each other’s endeavors throughout the conference. When asked about the fit of Linkin Park and Rise Against for a tour bill, Bennington replied “I’ve wanted to tour with these guys for a long time.” McIlrath added, it’s “the DNA of Linkin Park and Rise Against that connects with fans and connects them to the music.” Both bands have well established track records in the world of rock music and bring with them their own set of dedicated followers.

Relative newcomers Of Mice & Men, who toured with Linkin Park on their most recent UK/European jaunt, are equally pumped for the U.S. tour. “What’s it like touring with Linkin Park?” Carlile mused, “Wow! Super awesome. It’s great.” He went on to note the influence of the band’s work during his formative days as a high schooler –  “As soon as Hybrid Theory (Linkin Park’s debut studio album) came out, I remember… That was the album.” Linkin Park “inspires us, and it makes us want to work harder and it makes us want to work and create and become artists that can support themselves.”

On the topic of “The Hunting Party” and releasing their first self-produced album, Bennington proclaimed, “I think it’s one of the most acclaimed records that we’ve had out… we made this record specifically to have fun playing it live.” The band has a distinct history of making completely different sounding albums. Linkin Park has always been a “very diverse band,” according to Bennington. The group has been labeled as having hints of heavy metal, thrash, punk rock, rap metal, and even R&B. Their diversity of sound and extreme musicianship should amount to a great live performance.

The Hunting Party Tour Dates:

1/15  Orlando, FL @ Amway Center

1/17  Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena

1/18  Indianapolis, IN @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse

1/20  Pittsburgh, PA @ Consol Energy Center

1/21  Albany, NY @ Times Union Center

1/23  Atlantic City, NJ @ Boardwalk Hall

1/24  Providence, RI @ Dunkin’ Donuts Center

1/25  Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center

1/27  Hershey, PA  @ Giant Center

1/28  Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum

1/30  Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena 

1/31  Manchester, NH @ Verizon Wireless

2/3    Hamilton, ONT @ FirstOntario Centre

2/4    Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena

2/6    Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena

2/7    Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena

2/11  Saskatoon, SK @ Sasktel Centre

2/12  Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome

2/14  Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place

You can join “The Hunting Party” Saturday night at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are available here.