Linkin Park are back with their first new music in seven years, premiering a new track alongside classics with new singer Emily Armstrong (from the band Dead Sara).
While Chester Bennington is irreplaceable—Mike Shinoda said as much when telling the audience that they are the voice of Chester at their comeback show in Los Angeles this week (5 September)—Emily Armstrong brings a diverse vocal range that includes impressive screams and roaring punk rock energy, making her a pretty great fit for the band.
Linkin Park shared a multitude of treats with fans to kickstart their rumoured reunion: a new single called The Emptiness Machine (with a music video you can watch below), a global livestream concert available to watch for 24 hours, six world tour dates (hopefully many more in 2025), and the announcement of a new album. The tour dates take place in the US, Germany, the UK, South Korea, and Colombia from this month until November.
From Zero, the band’s first album since 2017’s One More Light, will be released via Warner Records on Friday, 15 November. You can pre-order/pre-save the album here.
In addition to the big news, Linkin Park will join Apple Music’s Zane Lowe for a conversation about the band’s legacy and comeback, which you can watch on YouTube today at 11 pm.
According to a press release, Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave Farrell, and Joe Hahn began meeting in recent years to spend more time together and reignite some creativity.
Their plan wasn’t to “restart the band” but to collaborate with various friends in the studio. Among the people who came to the studio, the band connected to new singer Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain [also a songwriter/producer for G Flip, One OK Rock]. As the band’s longtime members discovered new chemistry with new artists, From Zero—a reference to the band’s early days—was born.
Mike Shinoda said, “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.
“Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future—embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We are proud of what LINKIN PARK has become over the years and excited about the journey ahead.”
On Armstrong and Brittain’s talents, Shinoda added, “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.”