Linkin Park has officially unveiled Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara as their new co-vocalist, a decision marking a significant shift since the tragic death of Chester Bennington in 2017. The announcement, made during a live performance event in Los Angeles, coincided with the release of their new single, The Emptiness Machine, the band’s second song from their first album in seven years. Armstrong’s introduction comes as the band prepares to release their new album, From Zero, on November 15, signalling a fresh chapter for the iconic nu-metal group. Alongside the album, Linkin Park revealed dates for a six-city tour spanning Los Angeles, New York and Seoul, among others. My Kolkata does a deep dive into the new frontwoman’s life and career, whose aim now is to join the much loved band on their ongoing musical journey.
Meeting Emily
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Emily Armstrong is best known as the frontwoman of Dead Sara, a hard rock band formed in 2005. She dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time and quickly rose to prominence with Dead Sara’s breakout hit Weatherman from their 2012 self-titled debut album. Armstrong’s gritty vocals and electrifying performances earned her a reputation as one of rock’s rising stars, collaborating with artistes like Courtney Love and Demi Lovato. Her influences include classic rock legends such as Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac, giving her a unique vocal style that blends intensity with raw emotion. Armstrong’s passion for rock is evident in her catalogue with Dead Sara, which spans multiple albums and high-energy tours across the U.S. and Europe.
Joining the Park
Armstrong steps into big shoes as Linkin Park's co-vocalist, joining to help fill the void left by Chester Bennington’s passing. While she brings her own fierce, rock-centric style, fans have already begun to notice parallels between her vocal intensity and Bennington’s emotional delivery. Armstrong’s energy is seen as a complement to Mike Shinoda’s rap and the band’s trademark sound, but she brings her distinct flavour, introducing an era that will likely see the band exploring new musical landscapes while staying true to their roots.
Despite the excitement surrounding Armstrong’s role, her inclusion has not been without criticism. Some fans are wary of how her style will mesh with Linkin Park’s — a band that has blended rap-rock and electronica over the years. However, the debut of their new single The Emptiness Machine showcases how well the synergy between Armstrong and the band is working, suggesting that the new lineup is ready to forge ahead with a fresh sound.
‘Keep Me In Your Memory’
Bennington’s death left a void in the band’s identity and sound. Over the past few years, Linkin Park has been quietly meeting with musicians to explore how they could evolve their music. Armstrong, with her dynamic voice and stage presence, emerged as a fitting choice for the band’s next phase. Her debut with the band shows a balance of honouring Bennington’s legacy while embracing new creative possibilities.
The first step
Linkin Park’s upcoming album, From Zero, marks their first full-length release since 2017’s One More Light. The lead single, The Emptiness Machine, has been described as a powerful return, blending the familiar electronic elements with Armstrong’s commanding voice. The album promises to delve into themes of loss, renewal, and the band's ongoing evolution post-Bennington, blending their classic sound with new experimental touches.
The road ahead
To support From Zero, Linkin Park has announced a six-date arena tour, with shows planned in major cities including Los Angeles, London and Seoul. These performances will be fans’ first opportunity to see Armstrong perform live with the band, and they are expected to be highly anticipated events as the group unveils its new material. This tour is particularly symbolic, as it not only introduces Armstrong, but also represents Linkin Park’s return to the global stage after years of uncertainty about their future.
A hiccup
Armstong’s Instagram story regarding her association with Danny Masterson
While Armstrong’s addition has been largely welcomed, her past associations have stirred controversy. She was previously linked to the Church of Scientology and briefly associated with actor Danny Masterson, who was convicted of sexual assault in 2023. Armstrong addressed these issues, stating she had distanced herself from Masterson once she became aware of the allegations. She emphasised that she does not condone any form of abuse, hoping to clarify misunderstandings before fully stepping into the spotlight as Linkin Park's co-vocalist. Though this has caused some friction among fans, Armstrong’s transparency has been seen as an effort to move forward positively.
As Linkin Park embarks on this new journey, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how Armstrong’s presence influences the band’s iconic sound, and how they navigate the challenges of moving forward while honouring their past.
By embracing new talent and new sounds, Linkin Park seems poised for another transformative era in their career. Their new album and tour will be critical in showing how Armstrong fits into this evolving story.
