There’s no mistaking Linkin Park.
The iconic band of the 90s and 2000s has been hugely influential in revolutionizing the music industry, leaving an indelible mark, particularly in the rock and alternative music scenes. Their expansive and genre-bending sound coupled with songs that express each member’s raw, emotional depth and their candidness in talking about their mental health struggles have captured the hearts of fans and artists alike. They, indeed, built a lasting impact that extends far beyond their music.
And now, they are more than excited to continue and honor their legacy as Linkin Park roars back to the music scene.
Seven years after the band went on hiatus following the passing of singer Chester Bennington, Linkin Park has marked a new chapter into the future as they made their comeback with a new lineup, album, and tour.
In early September, the band introduced their newest addition to the world. Joining Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and DJ Joe Hahn are Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, stepping in as the band’s co-vocalist and drummer, respectively.
In addition to this surprise, the band debuted two new tracks from their upcoming studio album “From Zero”: “The Emptiness Machines” and “Heavy on the Crown.”
These are just some of the exciting things that the band has prepared for their fans, and keeping it a secret wasn’t that easy.
On September 27, the members candidly answered questions about their new era during a virtual press conference..
“It was tough,” Shinoda said in a virtual press conference. “You know, there are certain things that we had to keep very quiet about. We had so much in our sleeves, we had so many plans for the launch day, and it was almost a miracle that it all stayed secret.”
“I think it was miraculous that the secret was kept,” Delson added, sharing how thankful he is that the people who they had worked with kept mum and respected their decision. “I mean, we worked with so many people with different capacities for months. So, it was outrageously unrealistic, and everyone was super respectful in keeping it with us.”
“No outside of our immediate circle had any expectations from us because most people didn’t know we were even doing anything,” Phoenix recalled. “And we got to go in a really nice creative cocoon just to work together, see what we’re passionate about, and see what’s making us get excited. At this stage, it’s been really nice and it feels great to see people reacting so positively and well.”
Contrary to what some fans may think, their comeback was not a planned decision, but rather a gradual process.
“It [the comeback] just kind of happened,” Shinoda shared. “We were intentionally getting together and setting up sessions to make music. [Our decision] wasn’t like, ‘Hey, let’s bring Linkin Park back.’ It was kind of like, ‘Hey, let’s make music we like’ – which is, in my opinion, the best way.”
“I always think that’s how many of our albums and the things we made have started. Just making music for the sake of making something you’re inspired by or excited about, and then chasing down the idea. It’s more of that than it was like a plan,” he continued.
Hahn added that during that gradual process, their main focus was to just create music and explore different things that worked with their upcoming album.
“We did a lot of experimenting, like writing a lot of different types of music. We revisit the dynamics that we can achieve [with this new album], so that was exciting to explore. It’s different but a new, fresh kind of way,” he revealed.
He continued: “It’s been enjoyable to work with everyone. We all welcome the challenges, and with that, everything gets elevated in a very natural way. Now, we’re here on the road, just thinking about the next steps of what we’re about to do. Tours coming up, more videos to work with, artworks — it’s all that we love to do, and it’s great that we’re still able to do all of this.”
Newcomer Armstrong shared how she navigated her new role as the band’s new co-vocalist, acknowledging that she still has so much to learn despite being in the music industry for years now.
“This is kind of a learning curve for me. I’ve been in the music industry for a very long time and this is a change for me—in the best way possible,” said the band’s new co-vocalist. “I’m still figuring [everything] out, but this is a chance of a lifetime. Every day has been an absolute blessing and I don’t take it for granted even in one bit.’
“I think that the last year of doing the album, rehearsals, and stuff like that has been one of my favorite years of my life. And getting to play music with them [bandmates] just felt so easy and fun, and I’m just very, very excited every day. It just keeps getting better,” Armstrong shared.
Brittain, who’s known for his work with renowned artists like One OK Rock, G Flip, and Illenium, shared that everything still felt unreal for him. He then shared how his new role as the band’s drummer has also been exciting for him.
“It still doesn’t feel entirely real. I think what Emily said pretty much sums up what I feel as well. These guys have really brought me in and they sort of became my older siblings in this competitive industry,” Brittain shared. “I just feel full of gratitude and every day has been exciting. You know, writing and producing songs with these guys, doing shows with them, putting together videos and creating arts—the purity in their art form—all of those are inspiring, even the way they show compassion for their fans.”
“These people have been hugely influential in my life both creatively and personally. They stand on such a huge legacy and now, I’m able to give an important message to the world and the fans. And so I’m really grateful to just be a small part of that,” Brittain added.
When asked about their upcoming album “From Zero,” the band members enthusiastically revealed some details that will surely leave fans excited for the band’s new chapter.
“[‘From Zero’] sounds like Linkin Park even though it’s different. It doesn’t sound like one era of Linkin Park, but rather, it sounds like Linkin Park in general,” Shinoda teased. “There are some elements of it that incorporate some of my favorite things about the band.”
“It’s a very energetic album. There’s a lot of guitar-driven songs, melodic songs—a lot of variety. The first two released songs are best examples of some variety in the album and there’s still more than that. You’ll see over time,” he shared.
As Linkin Park geared up for their new chapter in the future, the band is more than eager to hit the road once again, reconnect with their fans, and continue the legacy that they have carved.
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