Published by Mason Oldridge, 11 November 2024
Seven years on from lead singer Chester Bennington’s devastating suicide, the band have regrouped with a new lineup and go again, entering a new era, from zero.
Taking on the role of lead singer is Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong, who wastes no time in bringing her screamo ability to the record. Despite the changes, the newcomer’s harsh vocals balance nicely with Shinoda’s calmer tone and rap verses. The choice of a female lead may be controversial yet works in their favour as the duality of gender aids their sound.
There is heavier instrumentation on singles The Emptiness Machine and Heavy Is the Crown but Casualty is the heaviest as the short and aggressive midpoint. Over Each Other and Stained incorporate pounding drums and Good Things Go rounds the tracklist off nicely in what are the more melodic and well-structured songs of the album. However, Overflow is the highlight. Adopting a more industrial sound, the track stands out from the rest with a haunting background before epic guitar plays the song out.
With a strong set of new material, Linkin Park prove they can succeed with their new arrangement.
7/10