Linkin Park’s New Singer
After a seven-year hiatus following the death of frontman Chester Bennington, Linkin Park announced their return with two new members—drummer Colin Brittain and vocalist Emily Armstrong, who now shares lead vocal duties with Mike Shinoda. Known for their early 2000s hits like “Numb” and “In the End,” the band has returned with a new single, The Emptiness Machine, and plans for a world tour Buy The Album There.
Emily Armstrong is a well-known figure in the Los Angeles rock scene. Born in 1986, she gained popularity as the lead singer of the band Dead Sara. She began her music career at age 12 after receiving a guitar from her parents, and in her teenage years, she formed Dead Sara with her friend Siouxsie Medley. The band released their debut single Weatherman in 2011. Armstrong’s energetic performances and raspy voice earned her admiration from big names like Courtney Love and Dave Grohl, though Dead Sara never achieved major commercial success despite critical acclaim.
Armstrong’s addition to Linkin Park sparked fan interest, as her vocal abilities allow her to blend melodic singing with powerful rock screams, a style Bennington was known for. According to Mike Shinoda, the band auditioned several vocalists before settling on Emily. He explained that when he first heard her voice, he felt it fit perfectly with the new material the band was working on. This sentiment was echoed by Linkin Park’s DJ, Joe Hahn, who said her performance was a decisive moment for him.
When the band announced their new lineup and released the single, the majority of the feedback was positive. A New York Times critic praised Armstrong for handling transitions between melodic parts and aggressive screams without mimicking Bennington, bringing her own touch to the band’s sound. Fans on Reddit largely approved as well, with many highlighting how Armstrong brought the energy needed to complement Linkin Park’s music while not attempting to replace Chester. One user commented, “She’s already nailing it,” while another said, “This is the best step for the band’s new phase.”
However, not everyone welcomed the new lineup. Chester’s son, Jaime Bennington, publicly expressed his disappointment, accusing the band of betraying fans and erasing his father’s legacy. This criticism sparked debates among fans, and Brent Smith, lead singer of Shinedown, defended Linkin Park, stating that no one can replace Chester, but the band deserves the chance to continue their musical journey and create a new chapter.
The return of Linkin Park has ignited lively discussions among fans and the music community. On one hand, many believe Armstrong is a great addition to the band, and her voice aligns with Linkin Park’s spirit. On the other hand, the question of whether the band can continue without Bennington remains a sensitive issue for some fans and Chester’s family members.