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Playlist: Chester Bennington of Dead by Sunrise and Linkin Park

"I've got some pretty interesting stuff going on in my world right now," says Dead By Sunrise and Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington with a smile.

Not only did he just release one of the best rock albums of the year, Dead By Sunrise's Out of Ashes, Chester has spent a fair amount of time spinning his favorite acts for inspiration.

Dead By Sunrise mixes the ethereal whimsy of Depeche Mode with Alice In Chains' raw vitality for a sound that's undeniably badass. It's definitely an amalgam of many different styles, but, most importantly, it's personal, real and refreshing.

While on the set for Dead By Sunrise's next video, "Let Down," Chester sat down with ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino for this exclusive interview about his playlist. Check it out below and be sure to pick up Dead By Sunrise's Out of Ashes, available everywhere now!

Don't miss them when they play your town either!

Chester Bennington's Playlist:

1. Phoenix — Wolgang Amadeus Phoenix

I really like the new Phoenix album!

2. Metric — Fantasies

I like the new Metric record a lot. It's really, really good.

3. The Dead Weather — Horehound

This really grew on me!

4. Cage the Elephant

They made an amazing record as well.

5. Manchester Orchestra

There is a lot of really great music out right now.

6. The Airborne Toxic Event

Airborne Toxic Event made one of the best records of the year. Talk about a storyteller, that guy can write lyrics! I feel the same way about Rise Against. Those guys are always making great records. The lyrics are amazing. That's what's going on in my world right now.

7. Rise Against

8. Muse

Muse is one of my favorite bands, and they keep getting higher on my list. They may now be my favorite band of all time. Hearing their records is amazing, but when you go see them live you're like, "I had no idea that it was this badass. I didn't realize I was going to walk out of here with a broken face." They're a band that can play with anybody, and I really enjoy that.

—Rick Florino
10.20.09

Check out Rick Florino's new novel Dolor available now for FREE here…