Linkin Park Returns with New Lineup and Music After Chester Bennington’s Death
Linkin Park has made a comeback with a new lineup, debuting their first new music since the tragic death of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017.
On Thursday, the band launched a livestream that introduced their new singer Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain. They will join returning members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn. In this new formation, Shinoda and Armstrong will share vocal responsibilities.
The livestream kicked off with a new single titled “The Emptiness Machine,” showcasing Armstrong’s performance style, which honors the band’s legacy. Her powerful vocals strikingly resonate with Bennington’s sound while maintaining individuality, especially evident in the second song of the set, “Somewhere I Belong.”
Shinoda expressed the significance of the day, stating, “This is a very special day for us,” as he introduced the band. He noted that guitarist Alex Feder would be filling in for Delson for the night, adding a personal touch by saying, “In the role of Chester Bennington this afternoon is each of you,” while addressing the audience.
In addition to the live performance, Linkin Park announced their upcoming album titled “From Zero,” set to be released on November 15.
Historically, Linkin Park has been one of the most commercially successful acts of the 2000s, largely due to Bennington’s distinctive vocals. Bennington died by suicide at the age of 41 shortly after the release of the group’s last album, “One More Light.” Since then, the band has released several reissues, including 20th anniversary editions of their albums “Hybrid Theory” and “Meteora,” as well as a greatest hits collection, “Papercuts,” earlier this year.
“This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking,” Shinoda stated in an announcement regarding the new release, referencing the original band name, Xero.
Armstrong, previously with the alt-rock band Dead Sara, and Brittain, a seasoned songwriter and producer, are stepping into their new roles. Brittain replaces original drummer Rob Bourdon, who, according to a band representative, “has decided to step away.”
Shinoda expressed excitement about the new collaborators, saying, “The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents, their company, and the things we created,” adding that the band feels empowered by the new lineup and the music they’ve produced together. “We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones,” he remarked.
Additionally, Linkin Park announced the “From Zero World Tour,” which will feature five arena shows in major cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, and Seoul this month, with a sixth performance scheduled for November in Bogotá, Colombia.
