When a band loses a key member, it's almost an impossible mission to resurrect it and keep it active with the same passion as before. Some bands have managed to do this, like Alice in Chains , but others haven't reached the same level as the example mentioned.
Linkin Park went through a difficult time with the loss of their vocalist, and one of the most iconic voices in metal, Chester Bennington , in 2017. Since the musician's suicide, the band has been quiet, but now they've decided to come back stronger than ever, reuniting with two new members: vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain .
The new faces join longtime band members co-vocalist and producer Mike Shinoda , DJ and video director Joe Hahn , guitarist and co-producer Brad Delson , and bassist Dave Farrell .
The addition of the vocalist generated a series of discussions, whether due to issues in her personal life (which we won't discuss here, since what matters is the music) or how she would never be like Bennington. Luckily for us, Emily doesn't try to sound like the legendary frontman and has found her place in the band, showing her strength in the songs, making her presence felt, and helping the band in this comeback.
From Zero , the band's first album with their new lineup, is a blend of the original band's sound and new influences. While some songs sound like the band at their peak, others sound like a completely different band. Of the Linkin Park-style songs, the first single, "The Emptiness Machine," stands out. With light vocals and an electronic beat, the song sounds like something from the band's early albums, and it worked perfectly as the first single.
Another highlight is “Heavy is The Crown”, which also fits into the Bennington era. With an epic atmosphere and Shinoda's raps, the song sounds like something straight out of Meteora (2003).
Fortunately, From Zero goes beyond the singles, and "Cut The Bridge" is a good example, with its alternative and fast-paced feel reminiscent of the 90s. "Over Each Other" is another track that departs from the classic Linkin Park sound, but ends up being one of the most impressive, due to Armstrong's vocals. His angelic and powerful voice gives the song a hard rock vibe that sticks in your head.
“Casualty” is a knockout track, with a very heavy riff and the screamed vocals we love so much. It's impossible not to think of Bennington here, as this is a track he would certainly have mastered, just like Armstrong did. “Two Faced” gives Shinoda more space, and with a catchy chorus, it's one of the best tracks on the album. You'll definitely put it on repeat several times, just to appreciate every moment of it.
Another track that has the same effect is “IGYEIH”, which features more melody, is made to be sung along to, and has a very strong chorus.
“Good Things Go” is a magical and melancholic rock ballad, with Armstrong and company singing about a lack of self-control and about bad things taking their place when good things go away. It’s not an uplifting message, but it certainly makes the listener think.
There's no replacing Bennington and the sound Linkin Park had when he was alive. His voice marked the lives of many, those who only listened to the records or those who were able to see him live. The most successful parts of From Zero are the songs that don't sound like classic Linkin Park, and there's no denying that the band has entered a new era, starting from scratch with a vocalist who will help the former members carry that banner.
At the end of “Two Faced,” Shinoda says that “now we’re all on the same page,” and the vocalist is right. We agree that, thankfully, there are great moments here, and they will attract new fans and give old ones a new album from the band they love, which has become one of the most important rock bands in recent times.
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