On September 5, 2024, Linkin Park surprised their fans during a live-streamed concert. After seven years of silence, the American rock band made some announcements. This follows the tragic passing of Chester Bennington. Chester Bennington passed away in July 2017. Emily Armstrong, the singer of the band Dead Sara, joins Linkin Park. She will be the new voice of the band alongside Mike Shinoda. Additionally, a new album titled From Zero is scheduled for November 15, accompanied by a world tour.
The loss of Chester Bennington in 2017 marked a turning point for Linkin Park. The impact of his death at just 41 years old left an immense void in the music scene. Since then, the band members had been on hiatus. The return of Linkin Park with Emily Armstrong is therefore an important moment for the fans.
Emily Armstrong, born in California in 1986, is known for her powerful and raspy voice. Co-founder of Dead Sara in 2005, she quickly made a name for herself in the rock world. The band notably made an impression with tracks like Weatherman, from their first album. Her talent has allowed her to collaborate with renowned artists like Beck, Demi Lovato, and The Offspring. Armstrong is often compared to icons like Janis Joplin. It’s a flattering reference for this artist whose career is constantly growing.
During the concert on September 5, Emily Armstrong took the stage with force. She performed some of Linkin Park’s most iconic songs like Waiting for the End, Crawling, and Bleed It Out. The audience, initially uncertain, gradually applauded the performance, accepting this new chapter for the band.
Besides Armstrong, Colin Brittain, producer for G Flip, Illenium, and One OK Rock, has also joined the band as the new drummer. This reformation of the band seems to mark a true renewal for Linkin Park.
The album From Zero, scheduled for November 15, will be the first since One More Light, released a few months before Chester Bennington’s passing. This new opus symbolizes a new beginning for the band, as evidenced by the first single The Emptiness Machine, unveiled during the concert. The music video for this song has already been posted online. This marks the long-awaited return of the band to the music scene.
Regarding the tour, Linkin Park has already announced some dates around the world. The band will start in Los Angeles on September 11, followed by concerts in New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota until November 2024. European fans will have the opportunity to see the band in Hamburg on September 22 and in London on September 24. Tickets for these dates have been on sale since September 6 for official fan club members. Additionally, they have been available since September 7 for the general public.
The return of Linkin Park marks an important moment for the rock industry. The band, which dominated the 2000s with hits like In the End, Numb, and What I’ve Done, is reinventing itself while paying homage to its past. Emily Armstrong brings new energy. Moreover, fans around the world are eager to see this new formation. They want to know how she will interpret the band’s musical legacy.
While waiting for the release of From Zero and the upcoming concerts, the first single The Emptiness Machine is already available, offering a glimpse of Linkin Park’s new sound. The combination of Emily Armstrong’s voice and the compositions of Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn promises a new era for the band. Chester Bennington’s legacy remains strong. However, Linkin Park seems ready to turn the page. Furthermore, the band wants to start anew on much stronger foundations.