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 [l1000] 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.