In an unexpected yet highly anticipated announcement, LINKIN PARK has revealed their reunion seven years after the tragic loss of their iconic frontman, Chester Bennington. The American rock band, which played a pivotal role in shaping the nu-metal genre in the early 2000s, is back with a refreshed lineup and new music, signaling a new chapter in their storied career.
On Friday, the band officially announced their return with a new lineup featuring original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and Joe Hahn. The band also introduced Emily Armstrong as co-vocalist and Colin Brittain as the new drummer. This marks their first major move since the tragic passing of Bennington in 2017, an event that cast a long shadow over the band and their global fanbase.
Armstrong, known for her powerful performances with LA rock band Dead Sara, brings a fresh energy to Linkin Park’s dynamic. Her voice, reminiscent of Bennington’s intensity yet distinct in its own right, has already captivated fans during the band’s recent livestream, where they debuted their new single “The Emptiness Machine.” This performance was a clear signal that Linkin Park is not merely continuing their journey—they are reinventing it.
Colin Brittain, a seasoned producer and songwriter who has collaborated with artists like G Flip and Papa Roach, takes over the drums from original member Rob Bourdon, who has decided to step away from the band. Brittain’s addition to the lineup brings a new rhythmic pulse to Linkin Park’s music, promising to add a fresh layer to their sound.
The band’s upcoming album, From Zero, set to release on November 15, 2024, is their first full-length project since One More Light in 2017. The album’s title pays homage to their early days when they were known as Xero, and symbolizes both a return to their roots and a bold step into the future.
According to Mike Shinoda, “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.”
From Zero will feature 11 tracks, blending the band’s signature rap-rock sound with new influences brought in by Armstrong and Brittain. Fans can expect the band to explore new sonic territories while still delivering the powerful, emotive music that has defined Linkin Park’s career.
The announcement of the album was accompanied by the news of the From Zero World Tour, which will kick off in Los Angeles on September 11, 2024. The tour will include stops in New York, London, Hamburg, Seoul, and Bogotá, marking Linkin Park’s triumphant return to the stage after years of uncertainty.
The journey to this point has been fraught with challenges. Following Bennington’s death, Linkin Park went on an indefinite hiatus, leaving fans wondering if they would ever return. In the interim, the band members focused on individual projects, with Shinoda releasing a solo album, Post Traumatic, in 2018, which was a deeply personal exploration of his grief and the aftermath of losing Bennington. Shinoda also worked behind the scenes, producing for artists like Amber Lee, Demi Lovato, and Prvis.
During this time, Linkin Park also released several reissues of their earlier work, including the 20th-anniversary editions of Hybrid Theory and Meteora, and the greatest hits compilation Papercuts. These releases served as a reminder of the band’s lasting impact on the rock and nu-metal scenes, even as they grappled with the loss of their iconic frontman.
Speculation about Linkin Park’s future has been rampant ever since the band hinted at a reunion earlier this year. Rumors swirled around possible new vocalists, with names like Amy Lee from Evanescence and Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley being floated as potential candidates. However, it was Emily Armstrong who ultimately took the mantle, a choice that has been met with both surprise and excitement.
The decision to include Armstrong was not just about finding someone who could fill Bennington’s shoes, but about finding a collaborator who could bring something new to the band. As Shinoda put it, “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.”
Armstrong’s addition is a significant moment in Linkin Park’s history. Her debut performance with the band, particularly on classic tracks like “Somewhere I Belong,” showcased her ability to honor Bennington’s legacy while also making her own mark on the band’s sound. Her full-throated delivery has drawn comparisons to Bennington, but she brings her own unique energy, ensuring that Linkin Park’s future will be as innovative as their past.
As the band prepares to release From Zero and embark on their world tour, fans are eager to see how Linkin Park will continue to evolve.
After seven years of mourning, uncertainty, and speculation, Linkin Park is back, ready to write the next page in their storied legacy.
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