After seven years in hiatus following the tragic loss of their frontman Chester Bennington, Linkin Park is set to make a grand comeback with new members and fresh music.
- Sep 6, 2024
AceShowbiz - After a long and emotional hiatus, Linkin Park has announced its return to the music scene with significant changes in its lineup and a fresh wave of creativity.
On Thursday, September 5, the iconic rock band revealed via a YouTube livestream that they are back with two new members: Dead Sara singer Emily Armstrong as co-lead vocalist and Colin Brittain as the drummer.
The band's return comes seven years after the death of their beloved frontman Chester Bennington, who passed away by suicide in 2017.
During the live stream, the band made debut performance with the new lineup. Along with original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, and Dave Farrell, Armstrong, who grew up idolizing Linkin Park, delivered a compelling performance of the band's new single, "The Emptiness Machine," alongside classic hits like "Crawling," "Numb," and "In the End."
Reflecting on her inclusion in the band, Armstrong shared, "I was panicking in the best way: 'Is it real?' For three days at least, I don't ever remember touching the ground," expressing initial disbelief and excitement over the new opportunity.
She emphasized the emotional load of this role, stating, "You got to marry the technical part and the emotion. It's Chester's voice, and it's mine, but I want it to still feel the way I feel when I listen to the song, because that's what the fans love."
Linkin Park's comeback is also marked by the announcement of a new album, "From Zero," set to release on November 15. This title holds a special significance as it harkens back to the band's early days when they were known as Xero, before Bennington joined them.
Ahead of the album's release, the band will embark on a global tour starting September 11, making stops in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogotá.
The band's journey back to the limelight hasn't been without challenges and mixed reactions from fans. While some have warmly welcomed the new changes, believing Armstrong brings a unique grit to the band, others remain skeptical, with a few critics suggesting it isn't the same without Bennington. However, the members have found a special kinship with Armstrong and Brittain, reigniting their passion for music and performance.
This comeback is a testament to Linkin Park's resilience and their undying love for making music, keeping Bennington's spirit alive. As they embark on this new chapter, the global community of fans watches closely, excited for what's to come.