Linkin Park have finally let the cat out of the bag: their new co-lead vocalist is Emily Armstrong. The news broke in 5th September 2024 during a livestream-one that was meant to be a turning point in the band’s storied history in which they welcomed not only Armstrong but also the drummer and producer Colin Brittain into the mix. Thus, for the fans, this was a cue that the band slides into a new era where their iconic sound would blend with fresh energy.
#LINKINPARK @MIKESHINODA introduced Emily Armstrong as a new lead singer
🤘🤘🤘 PIC.TWITTER.COM/FELJGKHRAZ— ⚡️Marchel.EGLD⚡️ (@MariuszMarchel) SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
If you’ve been following the rock scene over the past decade, then you’re probably no stranger to Emily Armstrong’s name. Best known as the fierce and commanding lead vocalist of Dead Sara, an L.A.-based rock band who exploded onto the scene with their 2012 hit single “Weatherman,” the raw intensity of that track and its powerful vocals instantly made it a fan favorite, earning the group critical acclaim. Even rock legend Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters sang their praises, at one point even making the statement that Dead Sara had the potential to become “one of the biggest rock bands in the world.”
But what makes Emily Armstrong different is her voice-equal parts grit, emotion, and unstoppable power. With a reputation for electrifying live performances and an on-stage presence that’s impossible to look away from, she’s built a name for herself as one of the most exciting new voices in rock. And with her joining Linkin Park, how that gets replicated for a band like Linkin Park-a question that’s highly awaited.
The buzz of excitement around Armstrong’s addition was palpable as Linkin Park made the announcement during their livestream in September 2024. Fans had anticipated this moment, as they had watched the band spend years quietly developing their next move following the tragic passing of lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017. Now, with Armstrong as co-lead vocalist alongside Mike Shinoda, Linkin Park is gearing up for a new chapter that looks to the past but with eyes firmly on the future.
In fact, as Shinoda said during the reveal:
“Emily just felt like the right fit from the moment we started working together. Her voice has this incredible range-she can go from soulful to gritty, from intimate to full-throttle-and that’s exactly what we needed for where we’re headed.”
Not only Armstrong, the lineup is shaking up for Linkin Park. Colin Brittain joined the lineup this year too as an accomplished producer and drummer. Colin took the place of Rob Bourdon; Linkin Park’s long-time member. Brittain had an impressive resume with him while joining the band, having worked with diverse artists such as Illenium and One OK Rock. The works he did under those bands often combined the rock, electronic, and pop genres, so that wouldn’t be a problem to adapt to the genre-bending style which Linkin Park introduced.
With Brittain behind the drums, fans can expect a whole new rhythmic energy set underneath the evolving sound of the band.
“Colin’s experience brings a fresh layer to what we do,”
Shinoda said.
“His ability to balance big beats with intricate rhythms is going to push our music in exciting new directions.”
Perhaps the most exciting part of the announcement was confirmation that Linkin Park’s next studio album, “From Zero,” would be released on November 15, 2024. Having been in the works for over a year, the album promises to blend the band’s signature sound with new influences brought in by Armstrong and Brittain.
The early release of the first single, “The Emptiness Machine“, has already given the fans a taste of what to expect. Armed with powerhouse vocals from Armstrong, this single balances the emotional weight that always came with classic hits by Linkin Park with newfound rawness and energy-high on both nods to their roots and bold steps forward, exactly what the longtime listeners and newcomers could only hope for.
Further to the “From Zero” release, Linkin Park will also perform one of the most highly publicized world tours. The band’s first full-length tour since 2017 is nothing short of monumental, with many planned stops in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, London, and Seoul.
Meanwhile, fans have been dying to see Armstrong step on stage with the band for the first time since then, bringing new songs-and perhaps new takes on old classics-to life in arenas across the globe.
The tour is more than a promo event; it’s a testament to how resilient this band can be, change with time without changing core. It’s almost an emotional return for many fans, not just for Linkin Park but also for the entire rock community that underwent mourning and healing simultaneously right after the demise of Bennington.
There’s little to argue about the emotional weight of this new chapter. A studio and stage return from Linkin Park by way of Sharp Divide flooded in a year that’s seven years from Chester Bennington’s death; the reactions have been varied from fans. Many have brought words of excitement for Armstrong’s fresh voice, while others have reflected on the bittersweet nature of moving forward without the beloved frontman.
“I think Chester would’ve been proud,”
commented one fan after the announcement livestream.
It’s hard to imagine the band without him, but this feels like a way to honor his legacy while letting the music continue to evolve.
