Linkin Park Reunite With New Female Lead Singer
Linkin Park is stepping into a new chapter, announcing the addition of Emily Armstrong as their new co-vocalist and Colin Brittain as drummer. This is the band's first major lineup change since the tragic passing of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017.
Armstrong, best known for fronting the alt-rock band Dead Sara, will now share vocal duties with Mike Shinoda, while Brittain, a seasoned producer, takes over from longtime drummer Rob Bourdon, who has stepped away from the group.
Announcement comes with the debut of a brand-new single
The band introduced their new lineup during a livestream event, debuting a brand-new single titled “The Emptiness Machine.” This marks the first original release from Linkin Park in seven years and serves as the lead track from their upcoming album From Zero, set to be released on November 15.
Shinoda explained the album title, saying it reflects both the band's early days as well as their current journey, adding that they’re “embracing their signature sound but with new life.”
Linkin Park Excited To Welcome Armstrong and Brittain to the band
Armstrong’s addition to the band has been met with excitement. She grew up a fan of Linkin Park, and their music had a huge influence on her career.
“One Step Closer was the song for me,” she shared, reminiscing about her love for their 2000 debut album Hybrid Theory.
Her raw and powerful vocals during the performance of “Somewhere I Belong” showed that she’s more than capable of continuing the band’s legacy.
Shinoda emphasised that working with Armstrong and Brittain felt natural for the band.
“The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents,” he said.
He also spoke about the bittersweet changes, mentioning that Rob Bourdon’s decision to step away was fully supported by the band, as they wanted him to pursue what made him happy.
Linkin Park head out on tour
Linkin Park’s upcoming album From Zero is highly anticipated, not only because it’s their first new material in years but also due to the emotional weight it carries. Their last album, One More Light, was released just two months before Bennington’s death.
Since then, the band has focused on anniversary editions of earlier albums like Hybrid Theory and Meteora, as well as a greatest hits collection, Papercuts.
The band’s new era will also be marked by a six-date world tour kicking off this month, with stops in cities like Los Angeles, London, and Seoul, before concluding in Bogotá in November. This will be the first time Linkin Park hits the road since 2017, making it a significant return to the stage for the group.
Fans can expect more than nostalgia from the tour and the new album.
As Shinoda explained, the band is “weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for” while also exploring new sounds.
The excitement from both longtime followers and new listeners has been palpable since the livestream, which gave a taste of the band’s renewed energy and direction.
Pre-sale tickets for the “From Zero” world tour will be available through the LP Underground fan club, with general sales following soon after.
