Linkin Park has returned to the music scene after a seven-year hiatus with their latest album, ‘From Zero’. This marks the band’s first release without their iconic frontman, Chester Bennington. The phrase ‘Heavy Is The Crown’ resonates deeply with fans as they wonder if this new album is the long-awaited comeback they’ve been hoping for. Let’s dive into our review.
The journey back for the alternative rock and nu-metal pioneers has certainly not been an easy one. Following the tragic passing of Chester Bennington in 2017, the band entered an indefinite hiatus. Upon announcing their reunion, the departure of original drummer Rob Bourdon left a significant void in the lineup, requiring fresh faces to step in.
Enter drummer Colin Brittain and lead vocalist Emily Armstrong, co-founder of the band Dead Sara. Armstrong’s inclusion stirred a whirlwind of conversations and backlash. Understandably, the scrutiny surrounding someone filling Bennington’s shoes was bound to be intense. Some fans expressed that the band should either stop performing altogether or rebrand under a different name out of respect for their beloved lead singer. The situation escalated when Bennington’s son voiced feelings of betrayal against the band, stating that they had “betrayed the trust” of their fans. Furthermore, Chester’s mother, Susan Eubanks, claimed she felt deceived, as she learned about the band’s plans for a new singer simultaneously with the public.
Adding to the drama, Armstrong herself became embroiled in controversy surrounding her ties to alleged sexual misconduct allegations against actor Danny Masterson. Former Mars Volta frontman Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife accused Armstrong and others of harassment related to Masterson’s case. Although Armstrong attended Masterson’s court proceedings in support, she later asserted that she does not condone abuse against women. Such incidents are undoubtedly distractions that no band needs when striving to revive their image.
But let’s focus on what truly matters: the music. Fittingly, Linkin Park has titled their eighth album ‘From Zero’, symbolizing a fresh start and a nod to their origins, as they were once known as Xero. This title sets an ambitious tone—it clearly states: we’re back, we’re evolving, and we respect our roots.
Upon first listening to ‘From Zero’, it’s apparent that the band aims to reclaim their signature sound while paying homage to their storied past. The nostalgic elements are present, yet it doesn’t feel like a mere rehash. Co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda and the rest of the group deserve recognition for blending past influences with modernity. Armstrong showcases a vocal style that mirrors Bennington’s, switching from powerful screams to melodic elements—effectively proving her adaptability and talent rather than crossing into imitation.
Nevertheless, ‘From Zero’ presents an intriguing tracklist characterized by a curious rhythm. For every standout anthem, there appears a weaker song. For instance, the lead single ‘The Emptiness Machine’ features a powerful chorus, yet it transitions into the lackluster track ‘Cut The Bridge’.
Things perk up again with ‘Heavy Is The Crown’, only to drop once more into the uninspired power ballad ‘Over Each Other’. The dynamic consistency is apparent; a gripping lead-in is often followed by a song that feels somewhat underwhelming. The highlights fail to carry through as consistently as fans might wish.
Finding the right balance must be overwhelming for the band. Leaning too heavily on nostalgia could make them seem stagnant, while moving too far from their origins risks alienating devoted fans. ‘From Zero’ manages to navigate this delicate landscape, especially towards the significant closing tracks.
Notably, the track ‘Two Faced’ kicks off an exhilarating finale that’s bound to resonate well in live performances. Following this high-energy track, the album closes on an exhilarating note with ‘Stained’, ‘IGYEIH’ (which stands for “I Gave You Everything I Had”), and ‘Good Things Go’.
Ultimately, while the 2024 incarnation of Linkin Park may not eclipse masterpieces like ‘Hybrid Theory’, ‘Meteora’, or even ‘Minutes to Midnight’, they do deserve credit for rejuvenating the essence of their punchy nu-metal sound with crowd-pleasing tunes. ‘From Zero’ stands as a functional reset for the band—it may not be the immediate triumph many anticipated, but it signifies a promising start.
Let’s give them some time; they’re just beginning to find their new footing.
‘From Zero’ is now available. Linkin Park will be embarking on a world tour next year, with European performances set for June and July across Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, and France.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Euronews
