Linkin Park, the iconic rock band that defined the late 90s and early 2000s, has officially announced their return. During a live-streamed event on Thursday, the band revealed plans for a world tour and a new studio album, From Zero, set for release this autumn. This marks the band’s first major project since the tragic death of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017, which led the band to go on hiatus.
The band’s return also brings new faces. Emily Armstrong, formerly of the rock band Dead Sara, will join as co-lead vocalist alongside Mike Shinoda. Original members Brad Delson (guitar), Joe Hahn (DJ), and Phoenix (bass) are also returning. Additionally, songwriter and producer Colin Brittain has been brought on as the new drummer, replacing Rob Bourdon.
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The highly anticipated album, From Zero, is scheduled for release on November 15. To build excitement, the band dropped the lead single, The Emptiness Machine, on Thursday, immediately sparking enthusiasm among fans. The upcoming world tour is set to kick off on September 11 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, with planned stops in New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota.
In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Linkin Park expressed their gratitude and optimism for the future. “Bringing our vision to life is the culmination of many twists and turns, as we continue our unique journey together as a band,” the post read. “We couldn’t do it without a belief in what is possible, even when things seem impossible… and without the support and love of everyone around us. Thank you thank you thank you.”
Linkin Park, one of the best-selling bands of the 21st century, has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Known for their genre-blending sound and emotionally charged lyrics, they have remained a powerhouse in the global music scene for over two decades. However, following Bennington’s suicide in 2017, the band had announced an indefinite hiatus, with no clear plans to regroup.
The band members have now found a renewed sense of purpose, thanks in part to their collaboration with Armstrong and Brittain. According to a press release, this reunion is driven by a “special kinship” that has helped reignite their creative spark.
Linkin Park’s return is poised to be one of the most highly anticipated comebacks in rock music.
