Linkin Park Reunites After 7 Years Since Chester Bennington’s Death, Releases New Music

Linkin Park is making a return with an exciting new lineup, marking their first musical release since the tragic passing of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017. The iconic band kicked off a livestream event on Thursday, introducing their new vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, alongside original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn.

Shinoda and Armstrong will be sharing vocal responsibilities in this fresh configuration. The new lineup also premiered a single titled “The Emptiness Machine” and revealed plans for an upcoming album, which they have named “From Zero.” This anticipated album is set to drop on November 15.

Linkin Park rose to massive fame in the 2000s, with Bennington’s powerful vocals being a key component of their success. He was only 41 when he tragically died by suicide, shortly after the release of their last album, “One More Light.” Since his death, the band has released several special editions of their classic albums, including the 20th anniversary editions of “Hybrid Theory” and “Meteora,” as well as a comprehensive greatest hits collection titled “Papercuts” earlier this year.

In announcing the new album, Mike Shinoda reflected on the band’s journey, saying, “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.” This sentiment captures the essence of their progress and evolution as artists.

Emily Armstrong brings her talents from the alt-rock band Dead Sara, while Colin Brittain is well known for his songwriting and production work with various artists, including Papa Roach, One OK Rock, and All Time Low. He steps in to replace original drummer Rob Bourdon, who has decided to step away from the group.

Shinoda elaborated on the dynamic of the new lineup, stating, “The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents and the things we created together.” He expressed a sense of empowerment within the new group, highlighting the vibrant and innovative music they have embarked on together. They aim to retain their classic sound while also exploring new musical directions.

The band also shared details about their “From Zero World Tour,” which will feature five arena performances starting this month in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, and Seoul. Additionally, a sixth show is scheduled for November in Bogotá, Colombia.

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

As Linkin Park steps into this exciting chapter with fresh faces and new music, fans around the globe are eager to see how they blend their past with the new influences and ideas brought in by their latest members. The anticipation surrounding both the album and tour is palpable, suggesting a promising evolution for a band that has profoundly impacted the music scene.

Source: AP News