Linkin Park “From Zero”

In buzzworthy news, Linkin Park has worked tirelessly to execute their return to the top of festivals and music blogs as they welcomed Emily Armstrong to round out the dual vocal approach that was left vacant by the now larger than life and deceased Chester Bennington. And while Emily’s inclusion to the lineup, alongside the band’s longtime drummer departing, as well as Brad Delson indicating he won’t be performing live with the group, was littered with noise and nuisance from long time advocates of Linkin Park, the now legacy band chef up one of their most highly anticipated releases since 2001’s “Meteora.” The five records that followed prior to “From Zero” were largely a by the numbers execution, from an outfit that was rather consistent, but also incredibly bland in not pushing the envelope, so much so that “One More Light” (covered here after release in 2017), really felt like a wash cloth release that was certifiably meh at best. Now, seven years removed from the tragic events that followed, Linkin Park emerges to reignite their brand.

And after a few spins, I’d say they’ve done just that. “From Zero” is as much a Linkin Park record as anything else in their catalogue and with a barely thirty minute run time, it hardly lingers long enough to upset anybody thinking Emily is taking over anyone’s space. It’s a new era for the band, and alongside the two singles, nu-metal staples “Two Faced” and “IGYEIH” will certify Linkin Park’s seat as scene favorites. If anything, Mike Shinoda is really the one who falls short in what is otherwise a spectacular return to form by one of the biggest bands in alternative rock. Everything else, well, just isn’t our business.