In 2017, Linkin Park went on hiatus following the release of their seventh studio record, “One More Light,” and the tragic passing of their lead singer, Chester Bennington. Grief struck hard for the band, fans and the rest of the world as one of the most highly influential singers of an entire generation had suddenly passed away.
It took several years to heal and regroup, and his death still hits hard as the anniversary swings through each year. However, rumors of the band's reformation sparked in March 2023. Little did fans know, the band’s rebirth was in the works since 2019.
The band officially announced its return in September 2024, where new members Emily Armstrong of Dead Saraand Colin Brittain would fill in as co-lead singer and drummer, respectively. Soon followed the proclamation of the band’s eighth studio album “From Zero,” which was released Friday.
According to co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda, “From Zero” is a reference to both the band’s original name, Xero, and the band’s next chapter with its new members.
The idea is evident on the record, especially as the starting track, “From Zero (Intro)” opens with a heavenly choir and quickly cuts to an audio recording of the band in the studio. Other audio recordings similar to it litter throughout the album, specifically in between tracks. Each draws back to the idea of beginnings and captures the magic of a debut record where expectations are limitless.
Even though the expectations for the new chapter of the band are insanely high, Linkin Park exceeds them with the album’s lead single, “The Emptiness Machine.” As the first introduction to the “new” Linkin Park with it releasing the day of the band’s return, it shows off Armstrong’s insane vocal range and Brittain’s skillful drumming. Yet, it still captures Linkin Park’s signature style with grungy guitars and edgy lyrics.
The next two tracks, “Cut the Bridge” and “Heavy Is the Crown,” solidify this dynamic of new and old sounds. “Cut the Bridge” features Shinoda’s signature rapping syncopation overlaid with booming drums and Armstrong’s growling vocals. “Heavy Is the Crown” has a similar formula, but its sound leans more toward newer radio rock with its cleaner guitars. However, Armstrong’s 16-second-long scream during the breakdown takes the listener’s breath away and turns the song into anything but a standard radio rock tune.
“Over Each Other” and “Casualty” showcase Armstrong’s range, from her angelic falsettos in the first track to her hardcore, nasty screams in the second. It is quite the whiplash to hear these tracks back to back.
“Casualty” is arguably the edgiest song on the album with its thunderous drums that seem to punch up Armstrong’s vocals and chugging guitar riffs. It makes the listener want to throw themselves into a mosh pit and head bang until they’re dizzy. It is all the more jaw-dropping when Armstrong emits such strong emotion in the post-chorus with her harrowing cries growing into a full-chested scream.
The other song that may top “Casualty” as the grittiest track on the setlist is “Two Faced.” The track is everything you would want in a new Linkin Park song, as if the band’s older songs “One Step Closer” and “In The End” had a rambunctious, vivacious toddler.
However, “Two Faced” also has a newer edge to it, making it not a complete rip-off from the band’s older catalog. If anything, it feels like an homage to Linkin Park’s history, showcasing how much the band has grown since its debut record, “Hybrid Theory.”
Although not packing quite the punch, the last three songs on the tracklist keep the energy up. The bass in “Stained” is loud and buzzing as it overlays the crunchy drums, creating one massive reverberating wave of sound each time it hits. “IGYEIH” has a mind-boggling breakdown, complete with drilling drum fills and Armstrong’s ravaging vocal fries. The closing track, “Good Things Go,” is not as hardcore as some of the other tracks, but its bright guitars and swaying beat hold it up as a solid end to the album.
Linkin Park pays homage to its past while opening itself up to the future in “From Zero.” It's bittersweet to hear how the band has healed from its wounds and is ready to pack the punch they once did.
The record will not fill the hole Bennington left after he passed, but it was never meant to. Instead, “From Zero” wants to carry on his legacy through the fans who give it a try, and you definitely should.
Rating: 4.5/5
