Linkin Park Introduces New Singer
Linkin Park made their return this week for the first time since Chester Bennington's suicide in 2017; seven years after he led them to global success with hits like Numb and In the End that combined aggressive metal riffs with hip-hop beats. On Thursday they debuted a livestream that introduced co-vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain; these will join Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn and Phoenix as new lineup members; Armstrong's performance style perfectly continues Bennington without ever trying to emulate him with full throated vocals that recall Bennington without attempt parody.
Armstrong made an impressively strong first impression. She seemed at home singing intense songs such as "The Emptiness Machine" and "Crawling", while also rising above emotional ballads such as the uplifting "Somewhere I Belong". While not entirely flawless; her high belts could use some refinement; at times she may push too hard with her screaming; these errors should be expected of any performer making their debut with an iconic band on their best-known songs.
Although Armstrong delivered an outstanding performance, some fans have criticized Linkin Park for selecting her to replace Bennington. When interviewed on Radio 1's New Music Show by founder Mike Shinoda, Shinoda stated that Armstrong wasn't meant as a replacement act and wasn't meant as "rewriting of Linkin Park."
Linkin Park may find it challenging to fill the shoes of rock icon Chester Bennington, but their intention seems clear: start over without their beloved frontman. There have been plenty of examples where bands found success after losing a lead singer; Queen with Adam Lambert; Alice In Chains with William DuVall; Sublime with Jakob Nowell as lead vocalists come to mind as examples of success after losing one singer or another.
Linkin Park will release their new album From Zero on November 15. Their lead single, "The Emptiness Machine", can be heard now - for more updates about its upcoming release follow them on social media and check your email to receive them as soon as they go on sale! Ticket sales start October 29.
