Colin Brittain, a multi-talented songwriter and producer who has lent his expertise to the likes of G Flip, Illenium, and One OK Rock, is set to join Linkin Park's ranks as their dynamic new drummer, the band revealed in a thrilling live performance event on Thursday. Adding another exciting dimension to their comeback, Linkin Park also announced Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara as their co-vocalist, marking a fresh start for the iconic rock band.
Accompanying this monumental announcement was the release of "The Emptiness Machine," a powerful single that marks Linkin Park's triumphant return to the music scene after a seven-year hiatus. This song serves as the lead track for their upcoming album, "From Zero," a poignant title that symbolizes both their humble beginnings and the new chapter they're embarking on. Scheduled for release on November 15 via Warner Records, "From Zero" will be the band's first full-length album since "One More Light" in 2017, which was released mere months before the tragic loss of their lead vocalist, Chester Bennington.
Comprising of Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, Joe Hahn, and their two new members, Linkin Park is set to ignite stages across the globe with a six-city arena tour that spans Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul, and Bogota. The full tour itinerary is now available, promising an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide.
On Thursday, Linkin Park reunited for the first time in Los Angeles, performing for a select audience who were whisked away by buses to a secret studio location. The intimate event was live-streamed and will remain accessible on Linkin Park's official channels for the next 24 hours, allowing fans to relive the magic.
According to a press release, Shinoda, Delson, Farrell, and Hahn have been quietly reuniting in recent years, choosing not to merely restart the band but to collaborate with various musicians until they found a unique connection with Armstrong and Brittain.
Reflecting on this new era, Shinoda shared, "Before Linkin Park, we were known as Xero. This album title, 'From Zero,' not only recalls our humble beginnings but also signifies the journey we're now on. Sonically and emotionally, it's a blend of our past, present, and future—a celebration of our signature sound while embracing freshness and vitality. It's a testament to our deep appreciation for our new and long-standing bandmates, friends, family, and fans. We're proud of what Linkin Park has become and eagerly anticipate the road ahead."
"The Emptiness Machine" is described as a song that embodies the essence of Linkin Park, and Shinoda expressed the band's renewed vigor, stating, "We feel incredibly empowered with this new lineup and the vibrant, energetic music we've created together. We're weaving together the sonic hallmarks that have defined us while venturing into uncharted territories."
Pre-sale tickets for the "From Zero" tour will be exclusively available to LP Underground fan club members starting September 6, with the general public sale following suit on September 7.
This announcement follows the release of Linkin Park's "Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000-2023)" earlier this year, a comprehensive 20-track compilation celebrating the band's greatest hits spanning over two decades. The album, featuring timeless tracks like "In the End," "Burn It Down," the Jay-Z collaboration "Numb/Encore," and the chart-topping "Lost," further solidified Linkin Park's legacy and set the stage for their triumphant return.
