The day is upon us – Linkin Park have officially launched their new era. As promised, the nu-metal icons dropped a bomb of announcements this morning, unveiling their new vocalist, sharing their first new music in seven years, and loosing their first batch of reunion tour dates.
First thing’s first – Linkin Park’s new frontwoman (yes, as the rumour mill suggested, their new singer is indeed female!) is not Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, but another vocal powerhouse by the name of Emily Armstrong. You might have heard of her from the critically acclaimed band Dead Sara (here she is covering ‘Gone Away’ with The Offspring back in 2013). Anyway she’s got a voice from hell and she’ll be trading lines with OG co-vocalist and rapper Mike Shinoda in the band’s new-look lineup, of course stepping into the big shoes of the late, great Chester Bennington.
Linkin Park – ‘The Emptiness Machine’
Armstrong joins Shinoda, as well as returning core members Brad Delson, Phoenix and Joe (Mr.) Hahn in the new-era Linkin Park lineup, while the band has also unveiled a new drummer in the form of Colin Brittain (songwriter/producer for our very own G Flip!)
Speaking about the new additions to the band, Shinoda said: “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.”
Now to the new music: not only have Linkin Park hit us with a brand new piece of epic, angsty and anthemic nu metal-inflected rock dubbed ‘The Emptiness Machine’, complete with a music video directed by Mr. Hahn (watch above), they’ve also announced a full album.
Dubbed FROM ZERO, the band’s 8th studio LP and the first of their new era, promises to musically channel their past, present and future. It’s due to reach our ears on Friday, 15th November (pre-order it here).
Speaking about the forthcoming record, 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.”
He continues: “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.”
Finally, the band are promising a world tour to complete the Genesis of this new chapter, announcing an initial six headline dates in big cities all over the world.
Sadly, there’s no love for Australia yet, but ofc we’ll let you know the second that changes…
Further Reading
Watch: The Offspring + Emily Armstrong: Stripped-Down Version Of ‘Gone Away’
Is Linkin Park About To Announce Lzzy Hale As Their New Singer?
REPORT: Do Linkin Park Have A New Female Singer?
Linkin Park Announce Greatest Hits Album, Release Never-Before-Heard Song ‘Friendly Fire’
