Linkin Park has officially announced their return to music with a new single titled "The Emptiness Machine," featuring Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara as the band’s new vocalist. The announcement, made on September 5, marks the band's first release of original music since the passing of Chester Bennington in 2017. The new track showcases not only Armstrong's vocals but also introduces Colin Brittain, who has produced hits for artists like G Flip and Illenium, now on drums and likely contributing additional instrumentation.
The band's long-time drummer Rob Bourdon has opted to step away from the group, a decision acknowledged by Mike Shinoda in a recent interview. Bourdon's absence was felt during the recent re-release of the band’s classic album "Hybrid Theory," as well as the promotional efforts for the single. In the interview, Shinoda expressed support for Bourdon's choice, illustrating a shift in the dynamics of the band as they navigate this new chapter.
Beginning September 11, Linkin Park will embark on a limited world tour, performing six shows across major cities including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Seoul, wrapping up by mid-November. This tour coincides with their upcoming album "From Zero," set to be released on November 15, which seems to signify a fresh start for the band and a nod to their early name, Xero.
The inclusion of a female vocalist has been a topic of speculation, with rumors involving well-known artists like Amy Lee of Evanescence before the announcement of Armstrong. The band has expressed excitement about this new partnership and the creative process inspired by their new members. More developments are expected as Linkin Park aims to both honor their past and embrace their evolving sound as they continue forward without Chester Bennington.