Linkin Park is primarily categorized as an alternative rock and nu metal band. Their earlier music is known for a fusion of heavy metal and hip hop. Over time, their style evolved to include more elements of electronica and pop. Their sound also incorporates a blend of metal, industrial, punk, pop, electronic, and hip hop. Specifically, their early albums like "Hybrid Theory" and "Meteora" combined alternative metal, nu metal, rap rock, rap metal, and alternative rock sounds with hip hop and electronica elements. They later experimented with alternative rock and electronic sounds, moving somewhat away from nu metal in albums like "Minutes to Midnight" and "A Thousand Suns." In summary, Linkin Park can be described as a band that spans multiple genres including alternative rock, nu metal, rap rock, rap metal, alternative metal, electronic rock, pop rock, hard rock, and industrial rock. Despite often being labeled nu metal, the band members did not strictly consider themselves as such, reflecting their diverse and evolving musical style. They are known for blending genres and evolving across their albums from heavy nu metal to more experimental and electronic sounds.