Linkin Park has made a triumphant return with a new lineup, marking their first musical release since the tragic passing of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017.
On Thursday, the band held a livestream event where they introduced their new singer, Emily Armstrong, and drummer Colin Brittain. They joined returning members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn. On stage, Shinoda and Armstrong shared vocal responsibilities.
The new formation debuted their single, “The Emptiness Machine,” at the start of the livestream. Armstrong’s powerful vocals are reminiscent of Bennington’s style, as evidenced in their performance of “Somewhere I Belong,” which followed the debut track.
“This is a very special day for us,” Shinoda said during the introductions, acknowledging that guitarist Alex Feder was substituting for Delson that evening. He expressed gratitude to the audience, stating, “In the role of Chester Bennington this afternoon is each of you.”
The band also revealed plans for a new album titled “From Zero,” set to release on November 15.
Known for their significant impact on the music scene in the 2000s, Linkin Park enjoyed immense success, largely due to Bennington’s distinctive voice. He died by suicide in 2017, shortly after the group released their last album, “One More Light.” Since then, the band has released several reissued albums, including 20th anniversary editions of “Hybrid Theory” and “Meteora,” as well as a greatest hits compilation, “Papercuts.”
Shinoda explained the album’s title, stating, “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.”
Armstrong hails from the alternative rock band Dead Sara, while Brittain is a songwriter and producer known for collaborating with artists such as Papa Roach and All Time Low. He replaces original drummer Rob Bourdon, who has chosen to step away from the band.
As the new lineup continued to work together, Shinoda expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “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,” which will include five arena performances this month in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, and Seoul, with an additional show in Bogotá, Colombia, scheduled for November.
The tracklist for “From Zero” includes:
1. From Zero (Intro)
2. The Emptiness Machine
3. Cut The Bridge
4. Heavy Is The Crown
5. Over Each Other
6. Casualty
7. Overflow
8. Two Faced
9. Stained
10. IGYEIH
11. Good Things Go