From Zero to Reimagined: Linkin Park Reform With New Vocalist Emily Armstrong and Drummer Colin Brittain

Linkin Park has been brewing something new for quite some time. It started with the release of ‘Lost’ in 2023 and the 20th anniversary edition of 2003’s ‘Meteora’.

 It was then that the rumours began to  spiral about a potential Linkin Park reformation, with a new vocalist to take the place of the late Chester Bennington. 

Fast-forward to late August 2024, and a mysterious timer hinted to Linkin Park fans that something new was on the horizon, counting down 100 hours. Speculation grew, and with the countdown coinciding with Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley own announcement on the day the count ended, fans were looking left,right, and everywhere in-between with panic, anticipation, fear, and excitement.

This countdown turned out to be a tease, and the words ”Only a matter of time” hinted that something BIG was happening on the 5th of September — and it was.

Well, they weren’t wrong. In a dramatic turn of events, a semi-intimate gig took place and was live-streamed across the globe. Mike Shinoda took to the stage, beginning with a brand-new track, ‘The Emptiness Machine,’ marking the first introduction of the night: new drummer Colin Brittain, taking over from Rob Bourdon.

Thousands flooded the comments, group chats exploded: just who was the second microphone for? Who is the new co-vocalist?

Introducing Emily Armstrong. 

Yes, the rumours that Linkin Park had found a new female vocalist were true. Emily commanded the stage but did not attempt to replicate or mimic Chester Bennington; instead, she brought her own style, tone, and aurora to it.

Though it was conflicting to hear a new voice on tracks that many fans had known for two decades with Chester’s harsh growls, raw emotion, and vulnerability, it must not be forgotten that this is simply a new direction for the band — exploring a new sound while still honing in on what they once were, but with a fresh perspective.

It is still early days, and with the brand-new album ‘From Zero’ set to be released, this writer welcomes a new era for Linkin Park. While it is bittersweet to admit, the anticipation is undeniable.

Linkin Park’s ‘From Zero’ 2024 Tour Dates:

SEPTEMBER
11 – Kia Forum – Los Angeles, California
16 – Barclays Center – New York, New York
22 – Barclays Arena – Hamburg, Germany
24 – The O2 – London, UK
28 – INSPIRE Arena – Seoul, South Korea

NOVEMBER
11 – Coliseo Medplus – Bogota, Colombia

Ana Joy King

@anajoyking

Image: James Minchin III