After years of uncertainty following the tragic death of Chester Bennington in 2017, Linkin Park has officially stepped into a new chapter. In an interview with The Guardian, co-founder Mike Shinoda and new vocalist Emily Armstrong opened up about the band’s rebirth, the backlash they’ve faced, and their hopes for the future.
For over two decades, Linkin Park has been a defining name in American rock. Their debut Hybrid Theory was one of the best-selling albums of 2001, spawning timeless hits like Numb and In the End. But in the years after Bennington’s death, the band struggled to decide whether—and how—they could move forward.
After much deliberation, Shinoda brought in two new members: Emily Armstrong as co-lead vocalist and Colin Brittain as drummer. The additions were made after multiple studio sessions and quiet trials. Shinoda said Armstrong stood out instantly.
“She had this sassy little sister energy,” Shinoda recalled. “Something just clicked.”
However, Armstrong’s arrival wasn’t without resistance. Many fans, still grieving Bennington, lashed out at the idea of a female lead.
“People lashed out at Emily just because she wasn’t a guy,” Shinoda explained. “They were so uncomfortable with change that they chose a hundred things to complain about.”
Despite the backlash, Armstrong embraced the challenge. Known for her bluesy punk background as the frontwoman of Dead Sara, she admitted feeling intimidated by the prospect of stepping into Bennington’s shoes.
“I was scared,” she confessed. “I didn’t want to ruin Linkin Park. They’re a legacy band—I told Mike that straight up.”
Healing through music
Shinoda’s own path to healing began with his 2018 solo album Post Traumatic, which chronicled his grief. But touring was emotionally draining.
“I’d go on stage and spend 90 minutes with half the crowd crying,” Shinoda said. “It felt like being a therapist who needed therapy themselves.”
Eventually, he realized it was time to move forward—not as a replacement for Bennington, but as a continuation of the band’s legacy. That decision led to Linkin Park’s eighth studio album, FROM ZERO, released November 15 under Warner Records. The album combines their signature rock-rap fusion with heavy guitars, catchy melodies, and raw lyrics.
A comeback with momentum
Now a fully reassembled band, Linkin Park is preparing to tour the US starting July 29. While some fans remain skeptical, the excitement around their return is undeniable.
“This album and tour have become one of our most successful ever,” Shinoda said. “That’s way beyond what I dreamed this could be.”
For Shinoda, Armstrong, and the rest of the band, this new era is less about replacing Bennington and more about honoring his memory while creating something fresh.
