LINKIN PARK: THE EMPTINESS MACHINE, NEW SINGER AND TOUR.

words by Nicola O'Connell

Linkin Park have announced their return with a new singer after a long 7 year hiatus following the tragic loss of their well-loved frontman Chester Bennington. The band performed their first return concert on September 5th at the RED Studios in Hollywood unveiling their new singer to be Emily Armstrong, front-woman of Dead Sara. But Emily is not the only new member to join the group, Colin Brittain who has been associated with the likes of Papa Roach, Dashboard Confessional and 5 Seconds of Summer, joins the band as their new drummer.

During their comeback concert, Linkin Park debuted their new single ‘The Emptiness Machine’, the first song we have received from their upcoming album titled ‘FROM ZERO’. The song starts with Mike Shinoda on vocals before finally leading into Emily’s verses. Finding a new singer can be one of the toughest things to do after a band loses a frontman but I feel Emily has earnt her place in joining the guys on their return. There’s no such thing as replacing Chester Bennington, that would never be their intention. I believe the choice of a female singer helps the transition onto their new journey and despite being her own person with her own style, I do in fact believe she brings an element of Chester in which we all loved with the mix of a screaming/singing voice. I’m excited to hear more of the album and interpretations of the older songs with her voice in the mix. I personally think she sounds great and blends well into the record.

Not only did the band announce the new album but also a small world tour with 6 dates throughout September. The band will be stopping at California, New York, Germany, London, Korea and Colombia with tickets for London and Germany going on sale from 10am, Friday the 13th.

All in all it’s been a wild and exciting announcement from the band and I look forward to seeing where this goes and how the album is received by the fans. Personally, I love The Emptiness Machine. I think it’s a brilliant representation of what Linkin Park is and was, whilst going forward and starting a new journey with their new members and music.