Linkin Park has always been a band that thrives on change—on pushing boundaries and reinventing themselves. However, after the unimaginable loss of Chester Bennington, Linkin Park’s future hung in the balance. Would they walk away, or could they forge a new path and, in doing so, undertake the most significant reinvention of their entire careers? With From Zero, the answer is clear: Linkin Park has chosen to push forward and evolve once more. This album is more than a tribute to their long history as a band—it’s a proverbial reset button. With Emily Armstrong’s striking vocals and the band’s fearless experimentation, they prove that even after loss, they have much more to offer. From Zero is a bold new beginning, and despite its occasional moments of nostalgia, it also manages to be unlike anything the band has ever done.
As a fan who has been with Linkin Park since 2001, I have experienced the highs and lows of their career—each album a snapshot of the band’s evolution. Back then, I was a 15-year-old switching from public schooling to homeschooling, with the internet emerging as a new way to connect with the world. During this transformative period, Linkin Park’s unique blend of rap-rock grabbed my attention. I became part of the community through the Linkin Park Message Board, forging friendships that still exist today. Over the years, their music became a soundtrack to my life, helping me through heartbreak, loss, anger, and new beginnings. Linkin Park wasn’t just a band; they were family.
So when Chester tragically passed in 2017, the question of how the band would continue was something I didn’t know how to answer. And if I wasn’t sure as an outsider, I couldn’t imagine how the band felt. To fans, Chester’s loss felt personal. He had been more than a leader; his humor, kindness, and fierce love for the fans made him a brother to many. When news of his passing broke, so many of us were able to recall where we were when we first heard Hybrid Theory. The album sold millions worldwide, and for good reason. It was a seismic shift in the rock world that few bands have even come close to emulating since.
So, with the future uncertain, it seemed impossible to imagine the band without him. But then came the news of a new vocalist. Emily Armstrong, frontwoman of Dead Sara, was stepping into the role. At first, I couldn’t help but wonder how anyone could fill Chester’s shoes. But as From Zero reveals, Emily doesn’t need to—she makes her own path and quite successfully if I might add.
After a short intro, the album starts with “The Emptiness Machine,” and after a familiar feeling performance from Mike Shinoda, Emily’s voice from the first notes shows that she’s the perfect fit for this next chapter. Her tone on the album is striking and versatile, ranging from smooth, Bonnie Raitt-inspired crooning to fire-breathing growls that bring a raw intensity to the album. On tracks like “Heavy Is the Crown” and “Over Each Other,” Emily’s vocal range proves her ability to adapt, injecting her personality into the Linkin Park sound without imitating Chester. And that desire to not imitate ultimately becomes her biggest strength.
In fact, some of the boldest moments in From Zero come from Emily and Mike’s willingness to experiment vocally. On “Casualty,” Mike Shinoda steps outside his usual rap territory, growling in the verses alongside Emily’s blistering screams in the choruses. On “Overflow” and my personal favorite “Good Things Go,” Emily hits some of the highest notes we’ve ever heard on a Linkin Park album. This contrast in vocal styles adds a new dimension to the album, showing that the band is unafraid to explore new ground while still staying true to the spirit of what made Linkin Park so resonating in the first place.
Musically, the album is an evolution in many spots. While the sharp left turns in genre found on Minutes to Midnight resurface here, From Zero also brings a fresh, experimental vibe that recalls the bold second half of 2012’s LIVING THINGS. Tracks like “Overflow” highlight the band’s ability to build atmosphere, beginning with a piano and distorted synth reminiscent of Radiohead’s “Everything in Its Right Place” before morphing into a dub-style track with powerful 808s, layers of instrumentation, and a standout instrumental breakdown that shows why only Linkin Park could make a track like this.
Even more surprisingly, while listening to this album, I couldn’t help but refer to it on multiple occasions as “the return of Joseph Hahn.” In recent records, the band’s DJ has taken on a more understated role, but in this release, his influence is prominently featured. His scratches and samples are front and center on multiple tracks, showcasing his talents more than they have been in nearly 20 years. We’ve missed you, Mr. Hahn.
It’s fitting that Joe makes such a prominent return, especially considering the album’s nostalgic moments, like “Two Faced.” This track is a fun portal to an older era, with Mike’s rap verses perfectly evoking memories of Hybrid Theory and Meteora. The samples and guitar tones create a sound reminiscent of their early Xero days, as if the band had a big studio budget in 1997. The classic Linkin Park style sounds rejuvenated and refreshed, avoiding the pitfall of sounding like a stale retread of their previous work.
Yet, despite my intense love for the throwbacks, I still feel they are overshadowed by the album’s more creative and daring moments. The band’s willingness to experiment and embrace new sounds makes From Zero shine the brightest, and these more familiar sounds, while delightful and potential future crowd favorites, still come second to the more creative moments on the record. When a song that would’ve been a big hit on a classic like Hybrid Theory isn’t even among the top 3 best songs, it gives you an idea of how strong of a comeback this is. From Zero is just that good.
While it’s not perfect in spots, From Zero excels at what it set out to do. It is a remarkable comeback and a testament to the band’s resilience and unwavering commitment to evolving. Emily Armstrong brings her unique style and flair to the band, blending her raw power with delicate nuance, and the addition of Colin Brittain on drums injects a new energy into the rhythm section. Inspired by the new youthful energy, the rest of Linkin Park embraces change and explores new sounds with unbridled creativity. It is an album that grows with you every listen and showcases that this band has much more to say.
The fan response to From Zero will likely be divided regardless, and there’s no helping that. Longtime fans already won over by the pre-release singles will find an album that is both familiar and fresh, filled with moments of nostalgia and daring experimentation. However, some may be struggling to accept this new legacy, unable or unwilling to accept Linkin Park without Chester. And that’s okay. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over these past seven years it’s that grief is handled differently by everyone. However, For those ready to give this new lineup a chance and embrace the band’s new era, From Zero has proven that Linkin Park is far from finished—they’re just getting started.
Welcome back, Linkin Park.
