Linkin Park continue to evolve as a band, taking their sound in new directions and attempting to keep things fresh along the way. But as the band has begun releasing music for their upcoming One More Light album, they've taken some heat from fans for providing a poppier feel to their music. In a new interview, Chester Bennington hits back at some of those who've commented that the band "sold out" after hearing the new music.

Speaking with Music Week (via NME), Bennington stated, "We were asked, 'What do you think of people who say you sold out?' I don't care. If you like the music, fantastic. If you don't like it, that's your opinion too. Fantastic."

"If you're saying we're doing what we're doing for a commercial or monetary reason, trying to make success out of some formula ... then stab yourself in the face," he continued with a laugh.

Bennington was then asked about the desire to evolve from the sound of the Hybrid Theory album, which launched their career. He responded, "When we made Hybrid Theory, I was the oldest guy in the band and in my early ’20s. That’s why I guess I’m like: ‘Why are we still talking about Hybrid Theory? It’s f--king years ago. It’s a great record, we love it. Like, move the f--k on. You know what I mean?"

One More Light, which features the songs "Heavy," "Good Goodbye" and "Battle Symphony" among other tracks, is due on May 19. You can pre-order it here. The band is set to hit the road stateside this summer and into early fall. Machine Gun Kelly, One OK Rock, Blink-182, Wu Tang Clan and Snoop Dogg are among those who will share stages with the band during the run. See their dates here.

See Linkin Park's One More Light + More of the Most Anticipated Hard Rock + Metal Albums of 2017

Linkin Park's Joe Hahn Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'

More From KZCD-FM