After original Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington’s tragic death in 2017, the band refused to remain silent.
While they didn’t release an album for seven years, co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda expressed his willingness to continue working on new projects with the band. And in September, the group announced the addition of new lead singer Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara.
On Linkin Park’s album From Zero, released Friday, Armstrong dispels any doubts of her vocal ability or place in the band — capturing a dynamic with Shinoda similar to the one he had with Bennington.
Armstrong isn’t the former frontman, but she does a decent impression, even unleashing a near-17 second scream on “Heavy Is the Crown” — a clear tribute to Bennington’s iconic moment on “Given Up.”
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It’s impossible to listen to her scream belted on “This is what you asked for” without thinking of Bennington, whose vocal distortion was second to none. He was the catalyst for the painful emotion Linkin Park heavily capitalized on.
The band hasn’t missed a beat instrumentally, likely due to Shinoda’s determined vision to bring the band back to the forefront of nu metal. They’ve returned to their signature dynamism, the instruments making space for Shinoda’s rapping before exploding with the powerful choruses on tracks like “Cut the Bridge.”
It’s the classic Linkin Park formula — the build-and-release indicative of the nu metal genre — and it’s largely effective, or at least nostalgic, though it does become a bit jaded at points on the back half.
The tension on “Overflow” grows with echoing drums and keyboards but takes too long for the final thrust of heavy distortion, nulling the intended effectiveness.
There are also points where Shinoda’s rapping seems uninspired. In “Two Faced,” he goes through the motions, formulaic and dry. Still, the song is another showcase of Armstrong’s unquestionably strong vocal range and ability and serves as a reminder that the band hasn’t strayed far from its heavy roots.
As strong as Armstrong’s presence on the album is, it can’t save some of it’s weaker moments. “Stained” seems like nothing more than a filler track on the already brief record, which lasts a little more than a half an hour.
But they quickly recover from this largely boring departure on “IGYEIH,” which wastes no time solidifying itself with angry intensity.
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“And I’m so tired of this wishful thinking/ Drownin’, sinking / Left with nothin’ left,” Armstrong screams with her trademark pointed rage.
“Good Things Go,” however, is a forgettable track that closes off an inconsistent and tired back half. But this album is far better than many expected, boasting fiery highlights in “The Emptiness Machine” and “Heavy Is the Crown.”
Armstrong dove into her leading role with confidence and an instantly noticeable level of vocal talent. For fans, it’s a relief the band didn’t fizzle out with weak projects, but came back with fire.
