Seven years after the death of vocalist Chester Bennington, Linkin Park blasted their way back into the spotlight on September 5 with the announcement of a new album, the release of a new single, and a full live-streamed concert. Check out the first single featuring Linkin Park’s new vocalist, Emily Armstrong, “The Emptiness Machine.”
If popular culture has taught us anything, it’s that there are no sacred cows. Projects get rebooted. Movies get remade. Bands move on after members depart. Armstrong doesn’t feel like a replacement for Bennington. She’s not trying to ape Bennington’s vocal style. Her clean vocals are gorgeous, giving Linkin Park a different yet vital sound. Armstrong sounds like she’s swallowed a handful of thumbtacks when she hits the rough vocals and I mean that in the best possible way. Imagine if Kim Carnes and Melissa Etheridge had a child who sang nu-metal and was two steps away from punching you in the kidneys.
Armstrong’s inclusion in the band has been controversial. Some long-time fans have balked at anyone, regardless of gender, replacing Bennington. Others have criticized the band for choosing Armstrong because of her alleged ties to Scientology. Discuss that among yourselves but give the revitalized Linkin Park a chance before you do. Coming back after nearly a decade was a huge risk for Linkin Park and, if nothing else, that is to be admired.
Linkin Park’s new album, From Zero, is set for release on November 15 from Warner Records.
