Ambient. ATS is likely the most ambient of all of LP's albums. It has the most diverse collection of electronic effects and sounds that almost instantly create a distinct mood. This is the only album that really comes across as being "otherwordly", thanks to all of the different sounds intricately layered into the mix. I'll admit that it took me a few listens to really "get" what this album is all about, how it tells a cohesive story from start to finish. I was really taken aback when I listened to it all the way through for the first time, not really sure if I liked what I heard. I do remember being fairly disappointed at the lack of heavy songs during my first listen. Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to listen to ATS very often, as I have to be in a particular mood or state of mind to feel the need to listen to every song. I think I can speak for many of the fans when I say that ATS is one of, if not the most, "un-Linkin Park" albums to date. While similar elements found in their past albums were present, like familiar song structures and certain lyrical themes, several new elements were introduced, especially the prominence of interludes and the diversity of electronic effects. From my experience, the electronic element had almost always been kept to a minimum in HT - MTM. Actually, the lyrics were different enough in certain songs, such as Burning in the Skies, Robot Boy, and The Catalyst, compared to most of LP's previous songs. Wow, I didn't think my response would be this long! This just shows that ATS really is a thought-provoking album that can be easily analyzed @MattLP: Why do you think ATS is disgusting? I was surprised to see someone use that word to describe an album like ATS!
Soft. I would describe it as soft compared to the other albums especially Meteora and Hybrid Theory. Don't get me wrong, I still like ATS and some of the songs including Waiting For The End, Burning In The Skies, Iridescent, The Catalyst.
Soothing. I'm starting to realize that a lot of songs from ATS I really like, and I don't even know it yet. The Catalyst was weird my 1st time listening to it, which was 3 years ago. Now it's one of my favorites.
I gave it another listen the other day. If I had to choose only 1 LP album to exist, I don't think it would be this one. But I think if I could keep one album from being erased from existence, it would be this one, lol.