Following months of speculation and rumors, Linkin Park have announced their reunion. Unfortunately for the diamond-certified nü-metal/alternative rock outfit, that secret was not entirely well-kept, as word of their plans first began to emerge publicly this past spring, thanks to the loose lips of one of their peers and later Billboard.
Several months after word of their reunion leaked, the group began teasing the news in late August with the launch of a mystery countdown timer. That countdown timer came an end, but not without some elaborate trolling.
Upon reaching the end of its 100 hour countdown, the timer showed an intentionally glitchy animation, and began counting back upwards to 100 hours all over again. Further glitchy animations played at select times, indicating a September 05th reveal, which the band later confirmed would be a livestreamed event. When said counter did hit 100 on its way back up, a brief animation with some cryptic audio was played. And that leads us up to now.
The band have just unveiled their plans via a livestreamed event originating in Los Angeles exclusively for their fan club members. That elaborately staged affair started with a light show and the band’s instruments being dramatically unveiled from under wraps before they took to the stage to perform their new track, “The Emptiness Machine” and other fan favorites, complete with their much rumored new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara.
Pulling out all the stops, that event was also broadcast across Times Square in New York City, NY and the Shoreditch High Street Station in London, UK. Armstrong wasn’t the only new addition to the band, as Colin Brittain has taken over the drums for the outfit, replacing Rob Bourdon. Guitarist Brad Delson was replaced by a live fill-in (Alex Feder) during today’s set, but Delson will also be a member of the group’s reunion going forward.
The rest of the band, who last hit the stage in the fall of 2017 to pay tribute to their late vocalist Chester Bennington, returned today with vocalist/guitarist, etc. Mike Shinoda, bassist/vocalist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell and turntablist/vocalist, etc. Joe Hahn all back on stage.
Also newly revealed by the group today is November 15th release date for their new studio album, “From Zero“. Pre-orders for that outing have been launched via linkinpark.com.
“From Zero” track listing:
01 – “From Zero (Intro)”
02 – “The Emptiness Machine”
03 – “Cut The Bridge”
04 – “Heavy Is The Crown”
05 – “Over Each Other”
06 – “Casualty”
07 – “Overflow”
08 – “Two Faced”
09 – “Stained”
10 – “IGYEIH”
11 – “Good Things Go”
A six date arena tour has also been confirmed with the following dates announced:
09/11 Los Angeles, CA – KIA Forum
09/16 New York, NY – Barclays Center
09/22 Hamburg, GER – Barclays Arena
09/24 London, UK – The O2
09/28 Seoul, SK – Inspire Arena
11/11 Bogota, COL – Coliseo Medplus
According to the band, the decision to return happened organically over the past few years, with Armstrong and Brittain being brought into the fold. Shinoda said of this latest era:
“Before Linkin Park, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking. Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future—embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We are proud of what Linkin Park has become over the years, and excited about the journey ahead.”
He added:
“The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents, their company, and the things we created. We feel really empowered with this new lineup and the vibrant and energized new music we’ve made together. We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones.”
