Linkin Park announces new vocalist, album, and tour dates

Rock band Linkin Park took to the stage after a seven-year hiatus due to former singer Chester Bennington’s untimely death. The band announced their new singer, Emily Armstrong, and unveiled a new album and tour during a livestream via YouTube channel on Thursday evening. The album titled From Zero is set to release on November 15, 2024. The band premiered the first song from their new album "The Emptiness Machine" during the livestream, while also performing several of their evergreen hits.

“This is a very special day for us,” singer/rapper Mike Shinoda said as he introduced the new line-up, which also includes drummer Colin Brittan. He replaces original drummer Rob Bourdon, who “has decided to step away,” a band representative told The Associated Press. Shinoda also mentioned that guitarist Alex Feder was filling in for Brad Delson for the night. “In the role of Chester Bennington this afternoon is each of you,” Shinoda addressed the crowd emotionally.

Linkin Park stood as one of the most influential rap-rock bands of the 1990s and early 2000s with countless hits and memorable anthems to their name. The band’s career came to a halt after Bennington took his own life at 41, just after the release of their last album, One More Light.

In the band's words

In a statement announcing the upcoming release, Shinoda stated, “Before Linkin Park, our first band name was "Xero". This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re on."

"The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents, their company, and what we created together” Shinoda added. “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 exploring new soundscapes.”

Singer Emily Armstrong is also a part of the alt-rock outfit Dead Sara, while drummer Colin Brittan is a producer/songwriter who has worked with the likes of bands like Papa Roach and All Time Low, among others.

A new beginning

To successfully replace the voice in an iconic band is a very difficult process but not without precedent. Some of the biggest bands to exist from the likes of Queen to AC/DC successfully managed to gain acceptance with a new singer, despite initial resistance from fans.

They went on to create more music and tour arenas around the world. As a result, the livestream received mixed reactions from long-time fans and enthusiasts alike. Some praised the band for moving forward and continuing to honor Bennington's legacy. Others saw it as an attempt to tarnish the same.

Armstrong put her own spin on the songs while retaining much of the feel and vocal prowess shown by her predecessor. Despite a shaky start and a few voice cracks (during 'The Catalyst'), Armstrong rebounded by nailing 'One Step Closer' to close the stream with a bang.

The band also announced the From Zero World Tour, featuring five arena shows this month in Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, and Seoul, with a sixth show in Colombia in November.