SHINEDOWN frontman Brent Smith has expressed his enthusiasm for LINKIN PARK’s decision to bring on DEAD SARA’s Emily Armstrong as their new co-vocalist.
Smith shared his praise shortly after LINKIN PARK unveiled their new lineup during a live performance event. Joining original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, and Joe Hahn are Armstrong and Colin Brittain, known for his work with G FLIP, ILLENIUM, and ONE OK ROCK. The band also premiered a new single, “The Emptiness Machine,” and announced their forthcoming album, “From Zero,” set for release on November 15 via Warner. This will be LINKIN PARK’s first full-length release since 2017’s “One More Light,” which was the last album featuring lead vocalist Chester Bennington before his passing.
On social media, Smith remarked: “I remember hearing Emily Armstrong from DEAD SARA sing ‘The Weatherman’ for the first time and thinking Rock N’ Roll would be just fine… Today, I feel confident that LINKIN PARK will be more than OK.”
He continued: “There’s a lot of buzz online with mixed reactions from fans around the world. But think about this: Do you really believe that anyone in this ICONIC band thinks Chester Bennington could ever be replaced? He was one of a kind, and everyone knows that. But there’s an audience out there that misses this band and what they represent. So I urge you all… Give them the chance to continue their story. Let them honor their legacy and create a new one.”
“Give ’em Hell, L.P.,” Smith added.
Later this month, LINKIN PARK will kick off a six-date arena tour, stopping in Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota.
Pre-sale tickets for the “From Zero” tour will be available to LP Underground fan club members starting September 6, with general sales opening on September 7.
According to a press release, Shinoda, Delson, Farrell, and Hahn “quietly began meeting up again in recent years.” Rather than attempting to “restart the band,” they collaborated with various musicians and formed a special connection with Armstrong and Brittain.
Shinoda commented on the new lineup and future plans: “Before LINKIN PARK, our first band name was XERO. This album title reflects both our humble beginnings and the journey we’re currently on. It represents our past, present, and future — embracing our signature sound while infusing it with new energy. We’ve made this album with deep gratitude for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We’re proud of what LINKIN PARK has become and excited about the road ahead.”
“The Emptiness Machine” is described as capturing the essence of LINKIN PARK’s signature sound. Shinoda noted that the band feels “empowered” by their new lineup and the vibrant new music they’ve created, blending familiar elements with new explorations.
