S Poddar
Linkin Park are finally back together in what is a big new chapter in their history seven years after the tragic death of their iconic lead singer, Chester Bennington. This highly anticipated reunion brings fresh dynamics into the band with Emily Armstrong of LA rock band Dead Sara joining them as a new vocalist.
The band line-up remains very familiar, comprising original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and Joe Hahn. Alongside Armstrong, the admired songwriter and producer Colin Brittain will take on drumming duties for this era in Linkin Park’s life.
The news of their reunion also came with the premiere of a huge new single, “The Emptiness Machine,” which showcased what’s in store from their future album, From Zero. Set to release on November 15, this will be the first since 2017’s One More Light, the last to feature Bennington.
In this very personal message, Mike Shinoda reflected on the very meaning and importance of the title to the album, From Zero, and what that really meant to their band. “Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking. Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future-embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We are proud of what Linkin Park has become over the years, and excited about the journey ahead.”
He also gave his enthusiasm for the new band members: “The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents, their company, and the things we created. We feel really empowered with this new lineup and the vibrant and energized new music we’ve made together. We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones.
From Zero, an album of 11 tracks; among the released track is “The Emptiness Machine.” Other tracks on the album include “From Zero Intro”, “Cut The Bridge”, “Heavy Is The Crown”, “Over Each Other”, “Casualty”, “Overflow”, “Two Faced”, “Stained”, “IGYEIH”, and “Good Things Go”.
The album also sees the announcement of Linkin Park’s six-date world tour, which will see them take on some of the biggest stages in the world. Beginning on September 11 at Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the tour will make stops at Barclays Center in New York on September 16, Barclays Arena in Hamburg, Germany on September 22, The O2 in London on September 24, Inspire Arena in Seoul, South Korea on September 28, and Coliseo Medplus in Bogota, Colombia on November 11.
The reunion of Linkin Park marked by the introduction of Emily Armstrong as the new lead is a bold new direction for the band. Paying respects to the past while embracing the future, fans can expect a fusion of old and new, which made Linkin Park one of the most influential bands of the nu-metal generation.
The new journey that the band has undertaken has its fans reeling in excitement and anticipation. It’s time for a new album, a new tour, and a new sense of purpose for Linkin Park, eight years from their last effort.
