Linkin Park has returned with new music and a new vocalist, seven years after the 2017 death of lead singer Chester Bennington.
The rock band debuted new singer Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain on a livestream Thursday. The pair will be joining 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. “In the role of Chester Bennington, this afternoon is each of you.” Bennington died by suicide shortly after the release of the band’s last album, One More Light.
The group’s performance also featured their new single “The Emptiness Machine.” They also announced a new album, From Zero, which is set to be released on Nov. 15.
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 band rep told the Associated Press that original drummer Rob Bourdon “has decided to step away.”
“The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents, their company, and the things we created,” Shinoda said. “We feel really empowered with this new lineup and the vibrant and energized new music we’ve made together. We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones.”
Linkin Park also revealed their From 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 Bogotá, Colombia.
