The band Linkin Park has a bunch of news for its fans this week. Seven years after the band’s frontman Chester Bennington died by suicide, the remaining members have reemerged today with a new singer and new music.
On a livestream, returning members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix and Joe Hahn debuted new singer Emily Armstrong — who will share vocals with Shinoda — and drummer Colin Brittain. The hour-plus performance included the band’s new single, “The Emptiness Machine.” Linkin Park also announced a new album, From Zero, to be released on November 15.
Armstrong comes from alt-rock band Dead Sara. Brittain is a songwriter and producer who has collaborated with the likes of Papa Roach, One OK Rock and All Time Low. Original drummer Rob Bourdon “has decided to step away” from the band, according to a statement.
The press release reads: “Without expectations, Shinoda, Delson, Farrell, and Hahn quietly began meeting up again in recent years. Rather than ‘trying to restart the band,’ their instinct was to simply spend more time together, and reconnect with the creativity and camaraderie that has been at the core of their friendship since college.
“During this time, they invited various friends and cohorts to join them in the studio; among the guests, they found a special kinship with Armstong and Brittain. A natural chemistry drew these musicians back into its gravitational pull as they logged more and more hours in the studio.
“It was the sound of lifelong musicians rediscovering the uncontainable energy of a new beginning once again. Over this season, FROM ZERO was born.”
About the new era, Shinoda stated, “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.”
Right out of the gate, “The Emptiness Machine” channels the DNA of LINKIN PARK, harnessing the band’s explosive energy and retaining the hallmarks of their instantly identifiable and inimitable sound. A chameleonic and catchy anthem, Shinoda’s hypnotic melodies hand off to Armstrong’s blistering chorus, over distorted riffs and head-nodding drums.
Shinoda elaborated, “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.”
The band also announced the From Zero World Tour, consisting of five arena shows in Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London and Seoul in the coming month, plus in November gig in Bogotá.
You can check out the livestream with the new music and announcements below, and let us know what you think:
