Content warning: Suicide, rape
How should a band navigate the challenging waters of loss after the tragic passing of their frontman and lead singer?
In the wake of Freddie Mercury’s passing, the legendary lead vocalist of Queen, the band faced a poignant crossroads — they could either choose to cease creating music entirely or forge ahead with a new voice at the helm. Opting for resilience, they embarked on a new chapter, ultimately touring under the names Queen + Paul Rodgers and Queen + Adam Lambert, effectively keeping their musical legacy alive.
While critics have praised Lambert’s contributions, the band’s subsequent achievements remain cast in the long shadow of Mercury’s indelible legacy, who is frequently hailed as one of the most iconic singers in music history.
Similarly, rock band Linkin Park encountered this painful dilemma following the heart-wrenching suicide of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017. After a seven-year hiatus filled with introspection and mourning, the band is poised to make their triumphant return with Emily Armstrong stepping into the spotlight as the new lead vocalist. Their eighth studio album, “From Zero,” is scheduled for release on November 15, signifying a transformative moment in the band’s journey.
“From Zero” grapples with themes of grief and anger, yet frequently struggles to find a cohesive balance between these intense emotions.
Lyrics that evoke “choosing sides” and facing “bad things” appear to serve as pointed critiques directed towards skeptical fans, as well as Bennington’s family members who questioned Armstrong’s ability to fill the monumental shoes of their former frontman. Armstrong has also faced backlash tied to her affiliation with the controversial Church of Scientology and her initial support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson, as reported by the BBC.
The opening track, “From Zero (Intro),” boasts a 22-second length featuring a contemplative choir and culminates with an intimate soundbite of Armstrong speaking candidly in the studio.
Lead single “The Emptiness Machine” showcases Armstrong’s powerful, gritty vocals intertwined with a nostalgic classic rock vibe, delivering a catchy anthem about embarking on a fresh start.
“Let you cut me open just to watch me bleed / Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be,” Armstrong passionately delivers in the lyrics.
On “Cut the Bridge,” rapper Mike Shinoda and Armstrong seamlessly merge their talents, creating an edge to the metaphor-rich lyrics. With imagery ranging from Fourth of July fireworks to burning bridges and olive branches, the song teeters between powerful and perplexing in its execution.
The lyrics evoke sentiments reminiscent of the band’s poignant 2017 hit “One More Light,” a heartfelt tribute from their last album featuring Bennington.
“Wanna go for the light and not the shadow / But the branch isn’t shiny as the arrow,” Shinoda and Armstrong skillfully sing.
“Heavy Is the Crown” resurrects the quintessential rap-rock sound that Linkin Park carved into the music scene during the early 2000s. This track intricately explores the weight of responsibility that comes with representing a whole genre and band — suggesting that Armstrong is earnestly accepting the symbolic crown passed down from Bennington.
Especially poignant is “Over Each Other,” where Armstrong introspectively narrates the tale of miscommunication amid a deteriorating relationship. The title, featured prominently in the chorus, carries a poignant double meaning — lovers struggling to communicate, resulting in unresolved closure.
“Casualty” embodies the nu metal sound that Linkin Park pioneered in early classics like “In The End” and “Numb.” Yet, despite the frenetic energy of disjointed beats, wild drums, and Armstrong’s fierce vocals, the track falls short of capturing the essence of the band’s former glory.
“Overflow” presents a paltry addition to the album, as it ironically brims with simplistic rhymes and hollow reverberations. In a similar vein, “Two Faced” also struggles for depth, delving into betrayal and ambiguity while fully embracing a metal sound akin to that of “Casualty.”
“Countin’ to zero / You should have recognized / It’s too late to be choosing sides,” Armstrong passionately declares.
Unexpectedly catchy for a non-single, “Stained” nonetheless veers into the realm of lackluster arena rock. Its soaring chorus and potent drums are well-suited to find their place amidst the energetic atmosphere of a Wrigley Field game.
“IGYEIH” — which stands for “I gave you everything I had” — draws thematic parallels with “Stained,” sharing similar motifs of forgiveness and forgetting. This airy reverb gracefully transitions into the concluding track, “Good Things Go,” which reveals itself as an otherwise unremarkable composition marred by clichéd lyrics and contrived faux-hot-mic moments.
“Only you could save me from my lack of self-control / Sometimes bad things take the place where good things go,” Shinoda and Armstrong express in their reflective harmony.
Listen to “From Zero” on all major streaming platforms.
What are Emily Armstrong’s thoughts on balancing Chester Bennington’s legacy with her own creative expression in Linkin Park’s new music?
**Interview with Emily Armstrong: Navigating Legacy and Loss in Linkin Park’s Journey Back**
*Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Emily. With the release of your upcoming album “From Zero,” Linkin Park is making a significant comeback after a lengthy hiatus. Can you share how the band collectively processed the loss of Chester Bennington and what it means for you to step into this role?*
**Emily Armstrong:** Thank you for having me. Losing Chester was incredibly hard for all of us. His impact on our lives and the music we created together was profound. We all took time to grieve and figure out how to navigate this new chapter. When the idea of me stepping in came up, it wasn’t just about filling his shoes – it was about honoring his legacy while also forging our own path. I felt a mix of emotions but ultimately, I saw it as a chance to bring something new to the table while still respecting where we came from.
*Interviewer: The themes of grief and anger resonate through “From Zero.” How do you approach writing and performing songs that reflect such intense emotions while also keeping a cohesive message?*
**Emily Armstrong:** It’s definitely a balance. Writing these songs felt like a cathartic process for all of us. We wanted to capture the complexities of grief – it’s not linear, it’s messy. Some songs touch on conflicting feelings and struggles that come after a loss. For example, “The Emptiness Machine” speaks to starting anew but carries that weight of what we’ve been through. I think being vulnerable and real with those emotions helps create a connection with fans who might be experiencing similar feelings.
*Interviewer: With the launch of this new era for Linkin Park, how do you handle the expectations and skepticism from fans, especially those who may view your involvement in the band through the lens of Chester’s legacy?*
**Emily Armstrong:** I understand that it’s a sensitive topic for many, and I respect that. Chester was irreplaceable, and I would never try to imitate him. My goal is to honor his memory by keeping our music alive. I hope that through my passion and authenticity in these new songs, fans will see that we’re trying to keep the spirit of Linkin Park while also moving forward. It’s a challenge, but I’m all in.
*Interviewer: Throughout this journey, you’ve faced a mix of criticism regarding your affiliation with certain groups and past decisions. How do you separate your personal challenges from your role in the band?*
**Emily Armstrong:** Everyone has their own struggles, and the spotlight can amplify those. I focus on my music and the band. We’re all human, and we make mistakes. I believe in growth and learning from the past. As we move forward, it’s important for me to be honest about who I am and let the music speak for itself. At the end of the day, it’s the connection we create through our art that matters most.
*Interviewer: Lastly, what message do you hope listeners take away from “From Zero” as they experience the new Linkin Park sound?*
**Emily Armstrong:** I hope listeners feel a sense of hope and resilience. While the album addresses tough themes, it also speaks to the possibility of new beginnings. I want everyone to know that it’s okay to grieve, but it’s also okay to rise from that grief and create something beautiful. That’s what we’re doing together – honoring the past while embracing the future.
*Interviewer: Thank you, Emily. We’re excited to hear what’s next for Linkin Park!*
**Emily Armstrong:** Thank you! We can’t wait to share it with everyone.
