Music review: Linkin Park returns on ‘From Zero’ on their first album since Chester Bennington’s death

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Linkin Park, the inventive American rap-rock band that weaved electronica into their heavy, melodic compositions, returns with their first new album in seven years, “From Zero.” It’s a reference to their early days – when the band was known as Zero – a reiteration of their angry and ascending sound, and something else entirely.

Music review: Linkin Park returns on ‘From Zero’ on their first album since Chester Bennington’s death

It started in September. Linkin Park debuted their first new music following the death of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017: a new song titled “The Emptiness Machine” with new vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain of the band Dead Sarah, featuring returning member Mike. Shinoda, Brad Delson join in. , Phoenix and Joe Hahn.

It was a surprising comeback; As written at the time, Armstrong’s performing style comfortably continued the band’s legacy. His full-throated vocals recalled Bennington without attempting parody. That sentiment continues throughout “From Zero,” with Armstrong letting out a raspy, vibrato-simulated scream instantly recognizable as a Bennington-ism.

However, in his absence, Shinoda has taken a more vocal role. And at some points, this is detrimental to the band, such as on “Cut the Bridge”. Elsewhere, it’s a rehash of “Meteora”-era LPs, like on a handful of “Heavy Is the Crown.” Ultimately, he becomes a good solo leader.

The more melodic moments might sound like another band’s work entirely when performed by Armstrong, such as “Over Each Other”, but this is quickly abandoned for the nu-metal pace of the tracks that follow “Casualty”. goes.

It’s an easy impulse to look for Bennington on this album. One of the most rewarding moments comes on “Too Faced”: “I can’t hear myself think,” Armstrong sing-sings, before belting out a throaty, “Stop yelling at me.” It contains echoes of Linkin Park’s career-defining hits, such as “One Step Closer.” The necessary reminder to the listener that this is the same band that is in the midst of change. Much remains intact: the album is produced by Shinoda and the signatures of the band’s DJ, turntablist, creative director, and creative director are present throughout.

But it’s also possible that the controversy surrounding Armstrong will overshadow some fans’ enjoyment of the record. Shortly after the debut of the new lineup, the singer posted a statement on Instagram, which many assumed to be her appearance at the preliminary court hearing for “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson, who has been charged with rape of two men. Was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Women in 2023.

Shortly thereafter, Bennington’s mother, Susan Eubanks, told Rolling Stone that she did not know whether the band would continue without her son – and that she had previously said they would alert her; They didn’t.

For some Linkin Park fans, this is a nonstarter. For others who will dive into “From Zero”, there are echoes of the bands they loved.

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