Los Angeles, CA — After seven years of silence following the tragic loss of Chester Bennington, Linkin Park, one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century, is roaring back to life with a new lineup, a fresh album, and a bold vision for the future. The band’s secretive comeback, unveiled this week, introduces fans to a reimagined Linkin Park, featuring new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong, drummer and co-producer Colin Brittain, and a powerful new album titled From Zero set to release on November 15 through Warner Records.
A New Voice for a New Chapter
Emily Armstrong, the fiery frontwoman of Dead Sara, steps into the role of co-vocalist alongside Mike Shinoda, bringing her powerhouse scream-singing style to the mix. Shinoda, Linkin Park’s co-lead vocalist and primary producer, acknowledges Armstrong’s unique abilities: “My voice isn’t built like Emily’s voice,” he admits, smiling across the room at Armstrong during an interview at EastWest Studios in Los Angeles. Armstrong nods with a confident, “I got you,” ready to bring her distinct sound to the band’s legacy.
Keeping Secrets in the Digital Age
In an era where secrets are hard to keep, Linkin Park managed to orchestrate their return under a veil of total secrecy. Abstract rumors buzzed among fans as the band quietly reassembled, rehearsing and recording new material behind closed doors. After months of speculation, the band finally revealed their plans, with Armstrong and Brittain joining original members Shinoda, bassist Dave Farrell, guitarist Brad Delson, and DJ Joe Hahn to form the new lineup. The surprise announcement was accompanied by the release of their hard-hitting new single, “The Emptiness Machine,” a track that showcases the dynamic vocal interplay between Shinoda and Armstrong.
From Studio to Stadiums: A Global Comeback Tour
Linkin Park’s comeback isn’t limited to the studio. The band is hitting the road with a series of arena shows across four continents this fall, beginning with a hometown performance at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 11. These shows will serve as a prelude to an extensive world tour in 2025, with the band’s new agency, WME, anticipating sky-high ticket demand. “Linkin Park is one of the biggest touring rock bands of our time,” says John Marx, partner and agent at WME. “The excitement their fans will have, being able to see and celebrate them after seven years, will be massive.”
The Emptiness Machine From Zero
Linkin Park’s journey back to the stage is marked by a sense of reverence for the past and an eagerness to forge ahead. The members have navigated a complex emotional landscape since Bennington’s passing in 2017, with each member taking time to pursue personal projects and reflect on the future. For Shinoda, who released his solo album Post Traumatic in 2018, the return of Linkin Park represents not just a new era for the band, but also a way to honor their legacy while embracing a fresh sound. This can be heard in their latest single “The Emptiness Machine” which was recorded with the new members Emily and Colin.
The band’s eighth studio album, From Zero, is not a nostalgia act but a bold reimagining of what Linkin Park can be. Drawing from their two-decade history of hits, the album explores new sonic territories while staying true to the band’s roots. Some tracks hark back to the rap-rock aggression that made them superstars, while others explore the atmospheric alt-rock and heavy metal styles of their later work. “It’s a dynamic extension of Linkin Park’s multifaceted aesthetic,” says Warner Records co-chairman Tom Corson. “Their songs are timeless — they’ve become part of the cultural fabric, and we actively promote and market their music, whether it’s of the past, the present, or the future.”
A New Beginning, Steeped in Legacy
As Linkin Park prepares to unveil From Zero and hit the road, the band stands at the intersection of legacy and reinvention. With Armstrong’s voice adding a new layer to the group’s iconic sound, and Brittain’s production bringing a fresh energy, Linkin Park is poised to reclaim its place atop the rock world. “An immense amount of thought and care go into everything the band does,” says Ryan DeMarti, the band’s longtime manager at Machine Shop Entertainment. “This has been years of struggling to understand what it can and should be.”
Fans will soon get their chance to hear the new Linkin Park live, as they roll out their comeback shows with a setlist that spans classics like “In the End” and “Numb,” alongside new anthems that promise to redefine the band’s sound for a new generation. “Emily was always going to be able to hit the notes and scream the parts,” Shinoda says. “It’ll be a question of, ‘How does it land with people?’ And I don’t know how it will. But I know that, when I hear it, I love it.”
Linkin Park’s return is more than just a reunion — it’s a rebirth, with the band proving that even after years of darkness, they can still find the light. The world is watching, and the stage is set for Linkin Park to make history once again.
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