Linkin Park has returned with a new lineup and is releasing fresh music for the first time since the passing of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017.
On Thursday, the band launched a livestream event where they introduced their new singer, Emily Armstrong, and drummer Colin Brittain, who will join founding members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn. Shinoda and Armstrong will share vocal responsibilities moving forward.
The new lineup premiered their single “The Emptiness Machine” as the stream began. Armstrong’s powerful singing style honors Bennington’s legacy without imitation, clearly evident in their second song, “Somewhere I Belong.”
“This is a very special day for us,” Shinoda stated, introducing the members and noting that guitarist Alex Feder was standing in for Delson that evening. “In the role of Chester Bennington this afternoon is each of you,” Shinoda remarked to the audience.
Additionally, Linkin Park announced their new album titled “From Zero,” set to be released on November 15.
The band, recognized as one of the most commercially successful acts of the 2000s, gained fame largely due to Bennington’s distinctive vocals. He died by suicide in 2017 at the age of 41, shortly after the launch of their last album, “One More Light.” Since then, Linkin Park has released several reissues, including 20th anniversary editions of their albums “Hybrid Theory,” “Meteora,” and the recent greatest hits collection, “Papercuts.”
“This album title refers to both our humble beginnings as Xero and the journey we’re currently on,” Shinoda explained in a statement regarding the new release.
Armstrong hails from the alternative rock band Dead Sara, while Brittain is a songwriter and producer known for his work with bands such as Papa Roach and All Time Low. He replaces original drummer Rob Bourdon, who has chosen to step back, according to a band representative.
Shinoda expressed confidence in the new members, stating, “The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents and the music we created together. We feel truly empowered with this new lineup and the vibrant, energized music we’ve developed. We’re blending the signature sounds we’re known for while exploring new directions.”
The band will also embark on the “From Zero World Tour,” which includes five arena performances in locations such as Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, and Seoul this month, along with a sixth show in Bogotá, Colombia in 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