Linkin Park Has A New Lead Singer … And The Decision Has Left Fans Divided

It’s been seven years since Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington’s death. Now, the rock band is ready to entertain audiences again, albeit with a very different voice leading the way.

From Zero World Tour

There’s a new album coming, called “From Zero,” and the first single, “The Emptiness Machine,” was recently released. Taking the place of Bennington’s slightly raspy, slightly nasally vocals is Emily Armstrong. Another change is the addition of a new drummer, Colin Brittain — but almost all of the coverage thus far revolves around the selection of Bennington’s successor.

Armstrong started her own L.A.-based band Dead Sara nearly two decades ago. And she credits the 2000 Linkin Park album Hybrid Theory with helping her discover her desire to become a singer.

“As a singer, I want to be able to scream,” she explained. “That album was everything. I’ve listened to it a trillion times. I would skate to it. I would mosh to it.”

Along with existing members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn, the band is set to head out on the From Zero World Tour to showcase its new lineup.

Fan reactions are mixed

Any singer would have pretty big shoes to fill when it comes to replacing an artist like Bennington, but some Linkin Park fans think Armstrong will breathe new life into the band.

While a number of social media responses concluded that the raw quality of her vocals complemented the band’s signature sound, others weren’t convinced … including one who compared her to “a screaming child” and another who lamented that Linkin Park is now little more than “a cover band.”

But Shinoda, who was initially drawn to Armstrong’s vocal range, said: “Now that we’re ready to do some shows, it’s been better than I imagined.”

Chris Agee September 7th, 2024

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