An album worth waiting for
Seven years ago, Linkin Park released One More Light. The album holds a special—and bittersweet—place in the hearts of fans, as frontman Chester Bennington took his own life shortly after its release. Linkin Park’s new album, From Zero, was released in late 2024 and features Colin Brittain on drums, as Rob Bourdon left the band in 2018. But fans are left to sift through a mixed bag of emotions as the new album boasts the vocal stylings of Emily Armstrong, filling Bennington’s immeasurable shoes.
When bands carry on in the absence of a member following a tragic passing, it’s often met with varied reviews. As Linkin Park took a seven-year hiatus, fans are understandably conflicted about their new album, leaving the music to speak for itself. This means that anyone looking for an album infused with late ‘90s grit and an emo-laden edge will most likely gravitate toward the otherwise melancholy sound of From Zero.
Focusing solely on From Zero and not on the band members, its overall reception is laced with positivity as it’s praised for nostalgic yet innovative tracks. Suffice it to say, From Zero showcases how Armstrong works in tandem with the rest of the band, offering a unique — albeit bittersweet — sound.
Pressing “play” on the album is jarring as listeners expect to hear Bennington’s vocals, but what emanates from the speakers offers an emotive quality, with bits of “emo” filtering through a 2024 lens. Armstrong’s vocals blend seamlessly with each track, her talent on full display as she wafts between raspy vocals and a sweet vibrato, ebbing and flowing with each song’s mood. Overall, the album offers more than its fair share of emotion, each track melding flawlessly into the next like a sort of journal, offering up something borrowed but also new.
To replace a frontman is no small feat, especially for a band as celebrated as Linkin Park. For some, the lead singer is the heart and soul of the group; replacing them is seen as a certain type of sacrilege in and of itself. Creating music under the same moniker comes with its own perils and pitfalls unless the new singer does the former justice. Even then, some are divided.
In the case of Linkin Park and, more importantly, Bennington, fans tend to feel a type of kinship, the music of a generation speaking to them from the vocal register of their beloved musical heroes. This proves daunting should a new musician deign to replace one of the fallen, even if the intentions come from a place of respect. Regardless, following in Bennington’s footsteps might have some fans experiencing mixed emotions, but most agree that the album calls on a myriad of emotions. Devotees experience Linkin Park’s coveted sound without its dauntless leader but still appreciate the artful score that is From Zero. Although Armstrong’s tenure with the band might find its share of adversity, she captures Linkin Park’s sound and essence with undeniably captivating vocals, and that’s something that can’t be overlooked.
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