Linkin Park, one of the most iconic rock bands of the 21st century, is entering a new era with the addition of a fresh face to their line-up. The band has officially announced that Emily Armstrong, known for her role in the alt-rock band Dead Sara, will join them as their new lead singer.
This exciting news comes as the group gears up for their next album From Zero and a world tour, marking their first major project since the tragic passing of former lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017.
A New Chapter for Linkin Park
The untimely death of Chester Bennington left a huge void in Linkin Park, and the band took time to process the loss. Now, with Emily Armstrong stepping in, the band is ready to embark on a new journey. Armstrong is set to share vocal duties with founding member Mike Shinoda, while Colin Brittain, the band’s newly appointed drummer, will take over the percussion section.
Linkin Park’s remaining original members, including Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn, are thrilled to have Armstrong join the team. They are eager to show fans what the new line-up offers, both in terms of music and live performances.
From Dead Sara to Linkin Park: Emily Armstrong’s Journey
Armstrong, a Los Angeles native, is best known as the powerhouse vocalist of Dead Sara, the alt-rock band she co-founded with guitarist Siouxsie Medley back in 2005. Over the years, she has garnered a reputation for her raw, powerful vocals and commanding stage presence. Linkin Park fans are in for a treat with her unique energy and dynamic range.
In a candid interview with Billboard, Armstrong reflected on the immense impact Linkin Park’s music had on her as an aspiring musician. She recalled how their groundbreaking 2000 album Hybrid Theory inspired her to explore her voice as a singer.
“I was in a band when it came out,” she shared. “One Step Closer was the song for me, and I was just like, ‘That’s what I want to do. As a singer, I want to be able to scream.’ That album was everything—I’ve listened to it a trillion times. I would skate to it. I would mosh to it.”
Now, after years of listening to the band, Armstrong will be performing alongside them—an exciting full-circle moment for the singer.
Moving Forward with New Music and a World Tour
With Emily Armstrong on board, the band has announced their highly anticipated album, From Zero, which will be their first major release since Chester Bennington’s death. The album will be introduced by a single, The Emptiness Machine, marking their first new music since 2017. The song made its debut during an hour-long concert streamed on the band’s social media platforms, officially launching their new chapter.
In addition to the album, Linkin Park is preparing for an upcoming world tour. The tour will visit several major cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, Seoul, and London. For the first time since 2017, fans will see Linkin Park live with their refreshed line-up. Bogotá will also host the band for a special performance in November.
A New Line-Up, A New Sound
While the introduction of Armstrong has drawn comparisons to other bands who have replaced their lead singers after the loss of a frontman—such as Queen with Adam Lambert, and Alice in Chains—Linkin Park’s decision to move forward has been met with anticipation and curiosity.
Brittain’s role as the band’s new drummer is also significant. Rob Bourdon, the band’s original drummer, had quietly distanced himself from the group in recent years. Mike Shinoda explained to Billboard that Bourdon’s departure was not a surprise, as it had become clear that he wanted to step back from the music scene.
“Rob had said to us at a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band,” Shinoda revealed. “We understood that—it was already apparent. He was showing up less and staying in contactless, and I know the fans noticed it too.”
Brittain, known for his work with bands like Papa Roach and All Time Low, is expected to bring a new flavor to the band’s rhythm section.
Looking Ahead
The journey ahead is filled with hope and excitement for Linkin Park and its fans. While Chester Bennington’s legacy will forever be part of the band’s DNA, the addition of Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain signals a fresh chapter in their story. With new music, a new line-up, and a tour on the horizon, Linkin Park is proving that they’re still one of the most resilient and influential bands in the rock world today.
Fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds, with Armstrong taking center stage and bringing her style to the band’s beloved sound. As the band prepares to hit the road again, one thing is clear—Linkin Park’s legacy is far from over.
Stay tuned for more updates on their forthcoming album From Zero and their upcoming world tour, which promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans old and new.
