Moving forward without original drummer Rob Bourdon (replaced by Colin Brittain) and after brief internet speculation Deryk Whibley (Sum 41) would be joining, it’s been an intriguing period. A one hundred hour countdown, followed by a September live stream performance, saw a shock appointment of a new lead singer.
There will of course be doubters or purists unable to handle a new singer and direction for such an iconic band. There will be those that can't handle a female-fronted Linkin Park - however, Emily Armstrong and her new found band mates prove them all wrong at every turn. The new front-woman has taken a stratospheric leap into a huge and much loved pair of boots. Handling them well, she suits the band’s style and doesn’t imitate Chester. There’s new and familiar sounds, with poppy tunes followed by heavy songs, with the risk of coming back largely paying off.
Linkin Park have been on a crusade over the past several weeks, spearheaded by an intriguing marketing campaign. They’ve recently delivered a sell-out six date reunion tour and have announced a gargantuan 2025 world tour.
Following a brief intro the record launches straight into a banger- 'The Emptiness Machine' - the album takes no prisoners. Hearing Mike Shinoda's excellent singing voice bring the album to life and refresh us on what's been missing, before the introduction to Emily is a sensible approach. With a slow delicate start, the song picks up pace and takes on a heavier tone as Emily rings in. The chorus line, "I only wanted to be part of something", will instantly trigger those teenage angst memories of screaming Linkin Park songs into the mirror.
‘Cut The Bridge’ slaps like a nod to ‘Bleed It Out’. The drumming hints to the earlier work, which appears to become a common theme through the album. For instance, track six ‘Casualty’ wouldn’t appear out of place on ‘The Hunting Party’ and ‘Two Faced’, is very reminiscent of original Linkin Park works.
The second single to be released from the album, 'Heavy Is The Crown’ is a ferocious animal, ushering in a nu-metal resurgence. ‘Over Each Other’ is a track built for stadium shows and will be a ‘lighters and phones in the air’ moment. The song starts with a very Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) vibe which would make for an excellent remix or live guest appearance. The track provides Armstrong with the most freedom as it is the only song she does solo. ‘IGYEIH’ is pure metal angst and should keep the heavier fans onside. Hook laden and riff shaken it has heaviness, melody and big choruses.
The ordering of tracks may feel a little chaotic with the back and forth on heavy to sad or melodic, yet, this seems to have been a theme for Linkin Park and Mike. It therefore, continues the flowing theme of nods to Linkin Park of old, while delivering new tracks, styles and a lot of pop-esque songs with a rock sound.
‘Casualty’ may well be placed with live shows in mind, ready to open up the pit and get the crowd moshing. ‘Overflow’ appears to represent the future and possible new direction, which may just mean it will take more listens to get used to and appreciate. The overall album is brilliant, the guitars absolutely shred (particularly ‘Two Faced’) and it’s a contender for one of 2024’s best works.
‘Stained’ shows great interplay between rap and vocals bringing lots of energy while being emotive. The final track of the album ‘Good Things Go’ closes off on a more meaningful and sombre note showing greater vulnerability from Armstrong.
Ending at the beginning, during the album intro Emily asks Mike “From Zero? Like, from nothing?” This definitely fits the rebirth feel this album has brought. At just under 32 minutes the eleven track album is a fast and punchy celebration of return, embracement of legacy and a leap to the future.
Rhys Tagg
Image: ‘From Zero’ Official Album Cover
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