Linkin Park are back with new music and a new singer, seven years after the passing of singer Chester Bennington in 2017.
The rock band debuted new singer Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain in a livestream Thursday. The pair will join returning members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix and Joe Hahn, with Armstrong sharing vocal duties with Shinoda.
“This is a very special day for us,” Shinoda told the crowd on the livestream. “As Chester Bennington, this afternoon is each and every one of you.” Bennington committed suicide shortly after the release of the band’s latest album, Another light.
The group's performance also introduced their new single “The Emptiness Machine”. They also announced a new album, From scratchwhich is scheduled for release on November 15th.
Armstrong was previously a member of the alt-rock band Dead Sara, while Brittain, a songwriter and producer, previously worked with Papa Roach, One OK Rock and All Time Low. A representative for the band told The Associated Press that original drummer Rob Bourdon “has decided to step aside.”
“The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we loved their world-class talents, their company, and the things we created,” Shinoda said. “We feel really empowered by this new lineup and the vibrant, energetic new music we’ve created together. We’re weaving together the sonic commonalities we’re known for and still exploring new ones.”
Linkin Park also revealed their From the Zero World Tour, which will include five arena shows in Los Angeles, New York, Germany, London and South Korea, as well as a sixth concert in Bogota, Colombia.