Linkin Park has just released their first single in seven years.
‘The Emptiness Machine’ is the first track from the newly reformed band, featuring new female lead vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain.
And so, a new chapter of Linkin Park begins!
Just one hour after announcing the new additions to the group, the song dropped on all streaming platforms, and the music video was released on YouTube.
Since the announcement, fans have been divided over embracing the change.
“Heard her song with them and no thanks. She's ok, but def not Linkin Park quality,” one fan wrote on X.
Another said: “I wanted to like the new version of Linkin Park, no matter what it was, but I can’t.”
A third believes the band and name should have retired completely.
Other dedicated fans are incredibly supportive of the move to keep the band going.
One fan wrote under the music video: “Chester would have never wanted them to freeze and fade away. He's smiling from above. Love Emily!”
“Emily earned her position,” said another. “Nobody can replace Chester, but respect her for having the courage of stepping up to honour him.”
While a third said: “She isn't the replacement of Chester. She never will be. She's her own person. Linkin Park is moving forward, and I can't wait to see where they go from there.”
It also seems many fans respected the nod that original member and friend Mike Shinoda gave to lead singer Chester Bennington during the band’s livestream event earlier today.
During the live stream announcement, Mike told the crowd: "In the role of Chester Bennington this afternoon is YOU."
“I love that he made it a point that no one is replacing Chester,” one fan said.
While another called it a “touch of class”.
The new Linkin Park has big plans for the rest of the year, with an 11-track album titled ‘From Zero’ to be released on 15th November.
The name touches on the roots of the band, who were originally called Xero, before landing on the Linkin Park name.
