Linkin Park has chosen Emily Armstrong from the rock band Dead Sara as their new co-vocalist, as announced during a live event on Thursday. Joining her is Colin Brittain, a songwriter and producer known for his work with G Flip, Illenium, and One OK Rock, who will take on the role of drummer.
The announcement coincided with the release of a new single titled “The Emptiness Machine,” marking the band’s first new music in seven years and serving as the lead track for an upcoming album called “From Zero.” This album is set to be released on November 15 through Warner Records, and it will be the group’s first full-length project since “One More Light,” which was released two months prior to the passing of lead vocalist Chester Bennington.
The current lineup includes Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, and Joe Hahn, alongside their new members. They will also kick off a six-date arena tour, with stops in Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogotá.
Linkin Park performed together for the first time in Los Angeles on Thursday at a special event for ticketed fans, who were transported by bus to a studio lot. The performance was streamed live and will be available for viewing on the band’s official channels for 24 hours.
In a press release, it was noted that Shinoda, Delson, Farrell, and Hahn have been meeting up again in recent years. Rather than attempting to restart the band, they collaborated with various musicians and discovered a unique connection with Armstrong and Brittain.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Shinoda stated, “Before Linkin Park, we were known as Xero. The title of this album symbolizes both our beginnings and the journey we’re embarking on now. It embodies our past, present, and future—embracing our signature sound while being vibrant and fresh. This project is a testament to our appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, friends, family, and fans. We are proud of Linkin Park’s evolution and excited for what lies ahead.”
“The Emptiness Machine” aims to encapsulate the essence of Linkin Park. Shinoda expressed that the band feels empowered by this new lineup and the dynamic music they’ve created together, blending familiar sonic elements with new explorations.
Pre-sale tickets for the “From Zero” tour will be available to LP Underground fan club members starting September 6, with general sales commencing on September 7.
This announcement follows the earlier release of Linkin Park’s “Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000-2023),” which features 20 of the band’s greatest hits over more than two decades. Released via Warner Records, it includes popular tracks like “In the End,” “Burn It Down,” and the Jay-Z collaboration “Numb/Encore,” along with “Lost,” which helped elevate their album “Meteora” back into the Billboard 200’s top 10.