Linkin Park: From Zero To Uncertainty (Album Review & Thoughts On New Lineup)

[@RockedNet]

What do you think of the new Linkin Park album From Zero? What do you think of the new iteration of Linkin Park? Leave a comment and let everyone know!

[@Erichwanh]

I think I draw the line with rape apology. I hope other people enjoy Emily's singing.

[@py16667]

Mid tier LP album, songs range from decent to completely bland & forgettable

[@texasmurphy7088]

I loved The Emptiness Machine. That song was good. Then I found out that Emily is a Scientologist, and have since discovered that she is still quite active. I cannot even bring myself to listen to ANY of the new songs because I don’t want to have to disappoint myself by not being able to put any money into it. I will never risk my money going into Scientology hands if I can possibly help it.

[@t1m3fl0w]

@@texasmurphy7088 Where did you find shes still active ? Several people on r3dd1t havent found that information yet, I'd like to have it.

[@TheJbhmetal]

I think they need to replace Mike Shinoda. I know it's an unpopular opinion, but I stand by it.

[@OrdinaryCritic]

It seems that Linkin Park fans still haven’t gotten the memo that the band will always change their sound.

[@animatedCHUG]

They haven't changed their sound. From Zero is a compilation of all the sounds they developed over the 17 years they had with Chester. It's a bit of a disjointed record with some very bland ideas.

[@OrdinaryCritic]

@ my point isn’t that they changed their sound in this album in particular, I agree that this is a mash up of previous albums. My point is that many “fans” say they changed in this album like it’s the first time they’ve heard LP evolve.

[@Artizm_Music]

Except this isn’t a new sound. It’s Temu versions of older LP songs. People wanna call One More Light a sellout record. But From Zero is the sellout record because with about half of the band being new members, this isn’t “going back to their roots.” It’s cashing in on nostalgia.

[@OrdinaryCritic]

Damn, people just don’t know how to read nowadays, huh?

[@bineshtuladhar4070]

Yes man. Surely they will change. They have to. As harsh as it maybe music can't stay always stay as same as Meteorea and Hybrid Theory. World changes. Music changes. Everybody and everything does inevitably move on.

[@joakimkeuru9224]

I think “From Zero” is a good re-introduction to the band. It is not their best but a 7/10 album still. Let us be patient about all the Scientology stuff. They will address that when they are ready. As we know the church can be very hostile to people who talk against them.

[@cheche833]

It is not like they got a new singer and released a new album a year after his death. They waited SEVEN years.

[@MKmarcos97]

EXACTLY

[@BlinkPS2]

I’ll give them that.

[@Neckbeardlevel]

AC/DCs Back in Black was released six months after Bon Scott died. There's no way Linkin Park fans would have accepted that. They probably could have done this two years ago, though.

[@SPACEB0YZER0]

Yes 7 years to find a decent singer and they ended up with someone who just screams

[@Neckbeardlevel]

@@SPACEB0YZER0 Hater

[@jonaha.k.ashazam2535]

Honestly no matter who was gonna step in Chester’s place was always going to experience backlash especially if they hired a Chester soundalike in that case would’ve been catastrophic but if Mike chose to front the band himself with no second vocalist the sound would’ve been cursed with repetition. So choosing Emily Armstrong or another female vocalist was the best decision to make in regards to quell the comparisons to Chester Bennington.

[@metpach]

Not really.

[@MemoryMorgan]

Interesting point of view ... You very well may be right, and I agree about the female artist. They needed a rebrand after losing Chester - a female artist makes a statement, including their plans for the future. I'd be surprised if the first album with a new singer was a complete smash hit. They're currently figuring out what their new normal looks like, and the first album most likely shows some of the growing pains of through that process. And, as you said, there'll always be haters. I think a good metaphors of haters is opinions ... They are like ass holes - everybody's got one. Hater's holes are just a little more strongly pungent than most. 😂 Only time will tel how it turns out in the new phase of the band's life, but I'm excited to see what's in store for the next album. Plus, a female that kills it as the lead vocalist in a rock band - a difficult feat, as there are not that many rock bands with female leads to begin with - is a complete bad ass! 🤩🔥😎🤘🏼🎸🎶 I hope their vocalist choice gains her that status... 🎤👩🏼‍🎤💪🏼

[@crazydud3380]

@@jonaha.k.ashazam2535 Agreed. The dual vocalists has always been a core aspect of what makes Linkin Park, well . . . Linkin Park. Mike doing all vocals by himself would not be Linkin Park anymore.

[@smeagol80]

The same people that are complaining now used to complain about Chester in 2017 not being as badass as he used to be. Basically those are unhappy with their own life.

[@crazydud3380]

@smeagol80 My issue with One More Light wasn't that it was pop. It was that most of the band seemed to be absent from the album. They are supposed to be a band, after all. It was not just Chester and Mike. But yeah, the people who wanted another Meteora, if they got that, they would have been accused of "playing it safe", like they are now. There is just no winning with some people.

[@ProfessorDarkAcademia]

I like old Linkin Park. I like new Linkin Park. I like in-between Linkin Park. There’s room for every Linkin in the Park.

[@coltgosney944]

Honestly. I thought it was great. I think fans will never really truly forgive Emily for not being Chester. Keep in mind, she’s not trying to be Chester. Also, I have massive respect for them for changing their sound in the past. A Thousand Suns was awesome.

[@ElonDusk-fw1ln]

I haven't listened to this band in years, so I'm really a fan, just a casual listener. But I literally bought this album solely because I was excited about them having a female singer. I was very open about any music genre they would throw at me...And I still got disappointed. It's been years since I felt so bored while listening to an album.

[@pannalover326]

Here's the thing, Chester left them. They didn't leave him. They had no choice. They should be allowed to carry on however they want. You can't please everyone, and you don't have to. If some of the diehard fans can't deal, they just have to listen to the old stuff, and let the band move on and have a great time. They deserve it.

[@py16667]

Yeah but they totally could have gotten a better vocalist, one who would struggle less with Chester’s highs live & one that can actually scream

[@gex581990]

I get that but a die hard Scientologist that is a SA apologist? Someone that protects rapists and is against psychiatry that would help heal the victims. Just a reminder Chester was sexually assaulted ALOT as a kid which is what created his depression, and he always was an advocate for mental health and dealing with your mental pains. Alot of the LP songs were about just that, but sadly his darkness won and he killed himself but yeah Emily is the polar opposite. She is now singing about things she couldn't be more detached from. Might as well make the new singer of Rage against the Machine a corrupt cop that's in the KKK and has a history of police brutality. I'm truly baffled how so many fans are ok with this just cause they want their favorite band back. She is a great singer and doing a good job but....FUCK HER and FUCK SCIENTOLOGY. If she was actually a decent person that doesn't back a cult of abuse and pain then I'd probably be stoked on new Linkin Park but instead she's pissing on Chesters grave. Chester's own son says so too for fuck sake.

[@LeroyzkiSmithsonian]

@@py16667 Are you new? You clearly haven’t listened to any of her performances aside from the first one

[@py16667]

⁠@@LeroyzkiSmithsonian I haven’t seen one video of her nailing Waiting For The End or Given Up & again, she can’t scream

[@baalaagaa]

Mike was 100% thinking with his dick hiring Emily.

[@mikeythezero]

I've watched a couple of the shows in full with Emily, and I dig it. She's never going to replace Chester, but just like Bon Scott and Brian Johnson it's a new era, and sounding like a good one.

[@mrwasatch]

I'll admit I wasn't into them that much early - was a grumpy old metal guy clinging to Metallica, etc... now I can appreciate their impact and their music, and how much metal has missed them since Chester's passing... I like the new album and Emily's sound - probably 8/10... and it's great for hard rock/metal to have their presence on the music scene again so that someone who is not 60-70 years old can fill a stadium tour!

[@crazydud3380]

@@mrwasatch Thank you. When is the last time any kind of hard rock or metal topped the charts? Since no one has succeeded in taking that role in the last seven years, it means we needed Linkin Park back, as it makes it a lot easier for other hard rock and metal bands to break through.

[@ElliYeetYT]

The way I see it is this… Due to the fact that this album will be hella successful anyway, it’s going to be hard for them to go back to hibernation now. My feedback from them for next time is to NOT Play it safe because that’s essentially what this album is. A safe Nostalgia trip. They need to give Emily and Colin more room to throw in their unique or even wacky experiments for next time. Like, maybe some Linkin Park Prog, Linkin Park Electronica or even Linkin Park Death Metal. Because if they play it safe for the rest of their careers for their whole discography and recycle with prior material, it’ll be a regression. It’s like removing the MCG stadium and just leaving the smaller Marvel Stadium behind instead.

[@marcen12]

I agree but then people will complain about straying further from their sound. These are the same people who thought Meteora was a rehash of Hybrid Theory. A lot of people cannot be happy with anything.

[@py16667]

Well said, also give Emily some metal vocal lessons PLEASE

[@jasonjones3694]

I couldn’t agree more with this

[@aGoodNAZIisaDeadNAZI]

​@@py16667didn't know you were some great metal vocalist. So, what's your band's name, great metal vocalist?

[@NUKCYNDv]

​@@py16667Hell nah, her screams are on top. Much better than the generic fry high pitched scream metalcore bands use these days. I do think she needs to control more her rasp and cleans transitions in love shows tho

[@poisoncandy28]

Imagine having two albums so great that no matter what you do next you are criticised. Everyone keep complaining that nobody should replace Chester but to be honest even when he was in band people criticised every new music they made. Band should move on and it’s great to hear new music from them.

[@crazydud3380]

Chester left them, not the other way around. I am deeply sympathetic to the struggle he had, but it also is not the rest of the band's fault, and it is unfair to expect them to disband due to his choice. Does anybody really think Chester would not want them to continue?

[@whowastheoneguy4719]

Exactly. If Chester still wanted to be the singer of Linkin Park maybe he shouldn't have.....

[@crazydud3380]

@whowastheoneguy4719 Indeed. I am deeply empathetic to what he was going through, but it is a selfish decision made in a moment of weakness. This is coming from someone who deals with major depression and made an attempt a long time ago. A simple fact: it ends your own pain, but greatly increases the pain of everyone else.

[@Felix-qn5fz]

2 things that I think are important to highlight from Linkin Park's comeback. I hate cults and therefore scientology like the next guy but, being born into one and deliberately joining aren't the same thing. Additionally, bands shouldn't listen to what fans want / deserve. Music is art done by a artist based on what they feel at the moment, not what the fans desire. Whether you like or not, Linkin Park doesn't give a fuck about what you like and that's why they are so good at making music. About the future of Emily, I think with the release of the album she has cemented her place in the band. She's super talented, energetic and her synergy plays really well with the rest of the guys. With that said, From Zero is a great kickoff to a new Era of linkin park, which I agree, it's a "testing the waters" phase to discover what sound they are the best at and can expand on.

[@jspaingreene6350]

No...an abusive cult accused of harboring sexual predators, the like of which hurt Chester... Having an active member who defended Danny Masterson take Chester's place... What? Yeah, LP can do whatever want. I don't tell anyone what to do. But I'm not buying it. They don't have to listen to me and I don't have to listen to them in this form.

[@jspaingreene6350]

And let me reiterate... She harassed the victims at the Danny Masterson trial... As a choice, as an adult... Not because she was born into it. Think: If some one harassed your sister or friend at a r*pe trial where they were a victim... Would you be accepting of their apology when the only thing that prompted it was the person wanting to be in a band and it was causing problems? F no. This is garbage.

[@Felix-qn5fz]

@ when LP show finished and people start digging some of Emily’s stuff up, she was very quick to make a public statement about the whole Danny situation. It was along the lines of got called up (perhaps forced by the church?) to support what she thought it was a friend and after misjudging that, she never spoken to him after the trial. Emily has been very advocate about sexuality and also mental health problems In the past as well. Things that don’t add up if she was 100% supporting Scientology

[@nathanhosea489]

​​@@jspaingreene6350 Listen to Emptiness Machine and Casualty and you'll understand where she is in her relationship with those guys. She's trying to escape but just can't. I was very skeptical as well at first

[@aGoodNAZIisaDeadNAZI]

@ then don't listen. Nobody is forcing you to be here.

[@360whiplash]

The band had a right to move on. Other bands in the past have managed to stay successful after replacing an important member of their group who passed away.

[@Stephanie_Rose]

I like the album but I think it's more if a 7.5 than a 6. I didn't get the " it's hard to be Linkin Park" from the new songs I got more of a " it's hard to come back after what happened" vibe. But that is just me. I never thought about how they would be playing less and less old stuff as time goes on and that kinda makes me sad.

[@crazydud3380]

Yeah, I don't know why he got that. It sounded like resentment towards them being rich, even though rich people still experience the same feelings as anyone else.

[@linkinboss2]

I found it so funny the take regarding Linkin Park's future... it kinda pretends nothing happened between meteora and one more light.

[@durience253]

Emily controversy explained. - her parents are Scientologists. She was born into it, but she is also very openly gay, which contradicts being a Scientologist herself because they are firmly against that and have harsh punishment for it. Danny Masterson support- there’s nothing that goes against her claim that she went to one pre trial of his case fully not knowing what he was accused of. She was not vocal, and there is no evidence she supported him outside of that She’s been in the music scene for around 20 years and most people have a good relationship with her, and outside the accusation from Marz Volta singer claiming she supported Masterson as a Scientology bully tactic, which even she evidence is shakey in that, most people adore her.

[@jc1424]

I would never want a band to be unable to make the music they want to make purely because I don't like it. That would be pandering, not self-expression.

[@kushalbhattacharjee2252]

I like the way the album sounds disjointed. It's a bumpy ride but I like the way it's bumpy. Kudos to Mike for having the guts to press the reset button again! Emily blended really well in this album.

[@TheBeelzboss]

"is this the Linkin Park we want"? Hell fucking yes it is!

[@GameplayandTalk]

I think Emily sounds fantastic and does a great job replicating that Chester energy. I went ahead and fired up the new album a week ago and was floored by The Emptiness Machine. I was like, "YES, LP's back!!!!"... and then I listened to the rest of the album. Eh.. I'll be honest, for nearly every album after Minutes to Midnight, I feel LP's output has been wildly inconsistent for the most part. There has been very little cohesion across each album from start to finish, unlike Hybrid Theory, Reanimation, Meteora, and Minutes--and this new album follows that trend, but worse. My biggest frustration is that very few songs get a chance to breathe at all. It's like they are trying to speedrun each song to the finish line in an attempt to appeal to the perpetually distracted kids of today. I wish them well, but I really hope this isn't the trend for the band going forward.

[@dianemoore8982]

Exactly l. People are not getting that. She can’t talk about it because it could put her in serious danger 😊

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

I am definitely willing to give this new chapter a chance. Emily Armstrong said she left Scientology and that won't be an easy thing for her. From what I hear, the new stuff is definitely worth listening to. I think it's natural for bands to evolve and change over time. Also, very good cat.

[@AlexKawa20]

Did she say that? I haven’t heard that anywhere.

[@eddiii4030]

When did Emily say she left Scientology?

[@smidlem1117]

you'll need to source her departure, I read all the press statements around the initial reunion and there was ZERO word of her departure. bear in mind that her mother is head of the osa (office of special affairs), the team that spend all their time legally harassing ex-members of the cult and showed up in person according to Cedric bixler-zavala and his wife Chrissie to physically intimidate Jane does involved in the Danny Masterson as recently as two years ago. none of that sounds like someone who's left a cult.

[@KBRoller]

​@@smidlem1117 Wait... her mother is part of a group that did a thing, and therefore that sounds to you like Emily is still part of it all? Let me tell you, my dad is a fundamentalist young-Earth creationist who thinks atheists may as well murder babies, gay people shouldn't get married, and homeless people are all lazy. By your logic, I must be that terrible person, too, since my dad is, right? She was at the Masterson trial, yes, and she's already addressed that. She wasn't harassing anyone there, and as soon as she saw the evidence that he was guilty, she cut all ties with him and hasn't spoken to him since. That's called innocent until proven guilty, and it's a *good* approach, not a terrible human approach.

[@suisinghoraceho2403]

@@smidlem1117Now we are judging people by their parentages, well done America.

[@andystarling6186]

The band members can't just retire because someone died. Life goes on.

[@MetalPersonJ]

The drummer and guitar player didn't seem to have that issue.

[@t1m3fl0w]

@@MetalPersonJ Brad still there..

[@MetalPersonJ]

@@t1m3fl0w a) Oh wow just one guy. b) no one knows who that is.

[@t1m3fl0w]

@@MetalPersonJ a) you said "the guitar player" - Brad is the guitar player. b) Only the drummer left. c) You dont even know the band.

[@aGoodNAZIisaDeadNAZI]

​@@t1m3fl0w Rob is still part of the group. He just doesn't play on stage. Also, there are rumours that, Rob was the one who introduced Emily to Mike.

[@GremlinBones]

This might sound harsh but I feel like the backlash from One More Light has a direct connection to Chester's final decision. That alone gives Linkin Park the unique situation and right to snap back at all of those elitist fans. In my opinion

[@AlejoChris73092]

This comment.

[@orlandoacosta2631]

I means theyre still going to play songs from HT and Meteora. Theyre going to balance out the setlist with all eras. LP isnt the first band to do this lol

[@MesaLoveYou]

The album is a solid 7/10 , I like the majority of the songs but some of the songs sound like they’re treading on Familiar ground, overall it’s a pretty good album just wish it was longer and some of the songs sounded a bit more original .

[@DonovanGG__]

Its a 10/10 quit trying to be different lol

[@spyrothedragon3983]

@@DonovanGG__ Bruh Poppy’s album shits on this & that’s like a 7/10 😂

[@DonovanGG__]

@ Poppy album is a decent 6/10 for sure but objectively nah

[@spyrothedragon3983]

@@DonovanGG__ can you actually explain why this is a 10, I get liking it a lot, but as far as rock/metal goes, even LP’s discography, there’s way better imo

[@DonovanGG__]

@@spyrothedragon3983 do you have ears

[@Nova-w3e]

It was a pretty good album

[@aaronman4772]

Overall, solid album that definitely serves as a "re-debut" while also hitting a little bit of all the different phases of the band. There's almost a track or 2 no matter what Linkin Park you like. Two Faced is basically One Step Closer 2.0, and songs like Cut The Bridge, IGYEIH, Heavy is the Crown, and Casualty are more in the Hybrid Theory/Meteora realm. Overflow and Stained are more like latter era electronic rap and honestly wouldn't be out of place in the like moody vibe rap that was popular over the last few years, though it definitely lets Emily flex a bit more as a traditional singer. It's clear though that the band are having fun making music, and Emily seems to fit right in and just the vibe they have from live performances makes her and Shinoda seem like long lost siblings, lol. Probably a 7-7.5/10 for me. It's not Hybrid Theory or Meteora, but it's a strong comeback for a band that it was going to be damn near impossible to comeback. Favorite tracks Emptiness Machine, Heavy is the Crown, and Two Faced. I think the next album in how many years before it comes out is going to be really interesting to see what comes out, because with this one being a bit of a tour across LP's history, what is the next stage for LP?

[@agustinjr.enriquez6238]

To me it sounded like Minutes to Midnight part 2

[@ianmills5935]

I love it but I understand why some don’t but don’t actively try to push her out. The album isn’t perfect but which one is. I think with time they will do better. Let’s be honest Hybrid Theory wasn’t perfect and neither was Meteora. But Chester and Mike blended together better from one album to the other. She will blend in with the band better as time goes on. I will be excited to see them live as they are now.

[@Noname-e9k7k]

I'm mixed. I think Emptiness Machine was painfully average, but aside from the trying-too-hard-to-invoke-Chester scream section I love Heavy Is The Crown. I definitely have my concerns about Emily's Scientology connections, but someone being a bad person doesn't change whether or not what they make is good. Tom Cruise is an out-and-out Scientologist, and yet I still think Top Gun Maverick was a great movie. And the people getting mad because they "replaced Chester" need to get a clue. It's been seven years-they shouldn't be permabanned from being Linkin Park because of a tragedy they couldn't control. So long as they lean more towards the Heavy Is The Crown side of things, I'm cautiously optimistic for their future.

[@tjflash60]

If the band can honor Chester’s memory and find peace working together good for them. I am sure no one misses Bennington more than his family and the band and if they are ok with the decision to continue I wish them the best.

[@SuperDmath]

As far as where you said everyone will have a strong opinion, I think it’s good but I wonder how every defender (myself included) will feel in about a year from now. I think it’s good but I don’t think it’s good enough for me to argue with anyone who doesn’t like it

[@professionallyamateur5991]

This "its hard to be Linkin Park" thing feels somewhat like a forced narrative. The same logic that supports that could apply to their early albums, where songs such as "Numb" were *literally* about struggles with their record label trying to control them as a band.

[@GobiPup]

I like some of the new songs quite a bit, some are just okay, but that’s most albums. I wish them success.

[@TheRozeDragon]

The backlash was coming no matter who they chose to take chester's place, there are plenty of people who felt like it was chester or nothing despite claiming they wanted linkin park to come back, well that just wasnt possible and they just couldnt accept that and that leads you to wonder how big of a linkin park fan were they if they cant accept we lost chester and they only way we are going to get linkin park back is with something a bit different then a linken park with him

[@The300Show]

People are acting like this is the first time Linkin Park has done something different. People have complained about every single album since Minutes to Midnight. Let people enjoy the music they want to enjoy. If you don’t like it, that’s fine. Don’t listen to it.

[@py16667]

No one is stopping anyone from enjoying anything, I actually only see people in their camp trying to stop people who have criticisms from having a voice lol

[@christiandauz3742]

Fans didn't like MtM? I understand not liking ATS and OML but the other post-Meteora albums are good I wish LP stop doing albums after Meteora. EPs and Singles

[@darrylhewes2376]

People either accept LP for who they are or don't. Personally i like LP 2.0 😁.

[@alanblazingace9]

It fell flat to me. The only stand outs are the singles that came out before release.

[@calum1987]

Doesn't matter if they release more albums - the hits from Hybrid Theory and Meteora will continue to make up the majority of LP setlists forevermore because they resonate the most with audiences, and after 7 years away that matters

[@InfantGoose6565]

I think you make a really good point about whats gonna happen with their future setlists

[@jaddaman]

It's the day From Zero is released and I'm still waiting for my cd to arrive in the mail to hear it. That being said, I'd like to share my opinion- Uncertainty is the best way to describe Linkin Park's future. They're reestablishing themselves with a new lineup and rebuilding the creative energy that propelled the band to notoriety in the first place. Emily, in my opinion, is a fitting choice to be the band's new singer and I look forward to seeing the band in concert next year, but I will play Devil's Advocate at the same time and state that seeing LP at Projekt Revolution 2007 is the best concert I've ever seen in my life. That is a MASSIVE milestone that the new era of LP we have will have to outdo with all they have and then some. All that said, Linkin Park is a band that took their early success and established a legacy of consistent touring, incredible displays of personality and humanity, and seven albums with Chester Bennington that were all different in unique sounds and styles. From Zero is another LP album that is its own entity, and where comparisons will be inevitable, it will have its own pedestal to stand on in the band's history. Change is inevitable and variety is the spice of life, both concepts embraced and expressed by Linkin Park over the years, and this new era is no different. I'll embrace everything good and bad the world can throw at them, but Linkin Park is one of my top four bands of all time for strong reasons that are damn near impossible to crush. I look forward to hearing From Zero in full later tonight, and I'll embrace the band's future with an open mind, open arms, and an open opportunity to show me what they've got.

[@kingpin1331]

I think it is unfair to expect the band to cease existing because a member passed. Chester is and will be missed but a band is more than 1 person and they clearly still have so much to offer. Speaking as someone who couldn't afford to see them before Chester passed the thought I will finally get to see and hear their songs preformed live is exciting as long as it is handled with respect I'm ok with it. The stuff with Emily as some have suggested she could be no longer a part of scientology and just fearful of retaliation. Who knows people change

[@MadMax-el2el]

My copy of one more light, is still sitting on my shelf unopened. I was late to the party, I bought it. Life happened again, i ended up taking an emergency flight rather than the initial planned road trip. So the cd was left on my book shelf. By the time i got home Chester was gone. When we knew Linkin park was coming back, I pulled one more light off the shelf put it on top of my sound board. Thinking I would watch the show then say good bye to Chester and finally give it a listen. That never happened. Don't know if it ever will. I don't know what I was expecting, emptiness machine was fine, she was clearly nervous and finding her footing. But as they kept going, it was... just painful... it was like seeing a kid playing dress up in their dead parents clothing. I was experiencing an uncanny valley moment and I just turned the stream off... walked over the the sound board, pulled up some kmfdm and just let the rest of the evening drown in industrial. I came back a day later watched the new video, the vocals were fine on the studio mix. I could see and understand why they went with that voice. Took off out of town overnight, got back and the scientology rumors had flooded my social media feeds, my in box and a non music discord. It was all that people talked about that night as we sat around playing poker. Next night at the game store, the table next to us were going on about it for a good 10 minutes. I don't have an opinion one way or the other about her. I can understand the vocals choice, I don't think it's the right fit, but it's not my place to tell them. If she is a scientologist that is a grotesque choice. If she's not, it's a lot of flack for her parents choices. I don't blame the band for moving on. I thought I would be right there with them... I just know it is a road I won't be traveling and I am fine with that. The Linkin park music that I enjoy is still there. The memories of the shows i was at are untainted. Like all things in life, things change, knowing when to let go and walk away is just part of life.

[@Stuffyoucantunwatch]

Would it be better if LP restarted with a new name?🤔

[@AlexKawa20]

Not really. A) Four of the six original members are still there, B) if you listen to this album, you can't say it doesn't sound like LP, at least from a musical perspective, and C) even if they did change their name, people would still call it "Linkin Park without Chester," so there really wasn't any point in doing so.

[@alex_flamer]

I think all the criticisms are the vocal minority. The silent majority doesn't care. They want the band so the tour sell out and the album will still move units. Also the radio will continue to overplay cuts from it since they're just an extension of that silent majority. Personally, I outgrew this band, but this video, along with others talking about the band and album, are still entertaining.

[@debonaire_nerd]

All I hear are the makings of a solid new band. I wish that's the direction that they had taken. Foo Fighters, Crowded House, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Danzig, Wings, Velvet Revolver, and Audioslave are great examples of sequel bands who can enjoy enormous success by building themselves from the ground and up. That's what I wish could have been for Linkin Park.

[@kevinnugraha9198]

Chester wasn't even interested in the idea of changing Stone Temple Pilots name when he replaced Scott Weiland as their frontman.

[@debonaire_nerd]

@@kevinnugraha9198 Yep. Which I also see as a mistake. Weiland, like Bennington, brought a unique timbre to his band. As I've said in previous posts, those songs are written with the singer in mind. While that can work for new material to accommodate the second iteration of a band, it's a strategy rarely suited for legacy material. Yes, Brian Johnson has done a stellar job with the Scott-era tracks, but that's the exception more than the rule.

[@kevinnugraha9198]

@@debonaire_nerd Fair enough. If you think Chester made a mistake for not changing STP's name, I think it's a fair debate then. Because most of the time I see people complaining about "It's not Linkin Park w/o Chester" but at the same time some of them said "Chester saved STP". I just felt like some people are treating Chester like an infallible God or something. In my opinion, along with Brian Johnson of AC/DC, I can give you another example. Arnel Pineda of Journey as a replacement for Steve Perry works well with the legacy the band previously known with.

[@debonaire_nerd]

@@GRChronicles "Chester left them, not the other way around." By your metric, i'd much rather be dumb than if that's your idea of genius or critique. Watch your language.

[@debonaire_nerd]

@@kevinnugraha9198 I don't follow Journey, but I have heard good things. Same with Van Halen. I'm not a Halen guy, but there's a LOT of love for Hagar. But, I do happen to be a Sabbath fan and, while I do prefer Ozzy, Dio and Martin were fine vocalists too. Here's why these exceptions work: those singers performed their predecessor's parts very well. I can't say the same for Emily. Emily sings the new songs very well because they are written for her. But, the struggle is audible when she tries to hit the more aggressive notes that Chester was singing during those legacy years.

[@Ilurblur]

The backlash from One more light compared to this is not the same Luke. For me i'm gonna hold off on supporting them until they confirm weather Emily is still a scientologist or not. The silence from them leads me to lean more on the side that she is. To hell with that abusive cult and anyone in it

[@kevinnugraha9198]

I don't think they'd have any plan to address any of that in the future. They would just completely ignore it. And I support them to keep doing that. It doesn't affect anything anyway. Arenas and records are still sold out. Dealing with controversies just going to waste more energy.

[@Ravyne]

If Emily has indeed left Scientology and LP wants to keep doing their thing, the best thing is not to talk about Scientology. That cult ruins lives, especially those who leave. LP doesn't need that crap, constantly being harassed, monitored, and possibly sued by Scientology.

[@yoursugarismine]

@@Ravyneif it’s true that she left Scientology, and it’s true that Scientology harass whoever leaves, them not addressing the issue is not going to save her from this harassment. And personally I don’t agree with those who say that it was her parents in it, she didn’t choose it. It doesn’t matter, bc she been brought up in it and her brain and beliefs and behaviours would have formed coming from a Scientology background and point of view. So to me that says a lot about the person and how she may be in life as a person. Not to mention probably very rich and spoiled and grew up thinking she better than everyone else. I may be wrong of course and time will tell but our behaviour and beliefs are strongly affected by our parents behaviour and beliefs and this is why I think this way. To be in Scientology they need to be extremely rich because of the donation they must do and I normally don’t like the personality of rich ppl’s kids, they lack important values of life. But anyway sorry about the tangent

[@Kkrzik]

Regarding different direction LP has already did that since 2007 with every album

[@suisinghoraceho2403]

Are you sure that’s “your cat” not the other way around?

[@abyxis]

I think it’s cool. An interesting start for the new era. I think a lot of people forget how much everyone has disliked the last few albums with Chester too…. (And before you comment yes I know. You loved OML that’s fine the general reception was poor)

[@pumpkinspicetrashbag]

“An album from linkin park about how hard it is to be linkin park” OOF.

[@ReidGarwin]

Cry me a damn river Linkin Park, it is not hard being one of the most privileged bands in the world. You want it hard. Roll in the dirt with the rest of bands, get off the pedestal. That's what I say to them

[@Noname72105]

That's been in their lyrical repertoire for years though. Either since Minutes To Midnight (Bleed It Out being about writer's block) or A Thousand Suns (When They Come For Me is a banger but it's out of place, mostly being Mike hyping himself up).

[@ArcaneAssassin777]

​@@Noname72105the difference being that it was done better back then this album is like a four or five out of 10 for me about the only thing I can say is that at least Meteora isn't ranked at the bottom anymore

[@Noname72105]

@ArcaneAssassin777 It's never been Mike's strong suit but he does keep doing it for some reason. Idk how one ends up with Meteora on bottom and not OML or MTM but you do you I guess.

[@ArcaneAssassin777]

​@@Noname72105 Tl;dr: I have an opinion and just wait until you hear how the rest of them are ranked I have Meteora on the bottom because I have this thing called an opinion I think Meteora is a worse Hybrid Theory all it comes down to is that when I listen to it I like it but not as much surprisingly I never really have any criticisms it's just I don't like it as much also you are going to hate me for this but one more light is in competition with a thousand suns Hybrid Theory and living things as my favorite Linkin Park album

[@spd7693]

It still didn't come clear to me. If I support Emily, am I supporting a vessel of a sect that is proven to be dangerous or not? If she had never been a scientologist, I would have supported the band with her without even thinking. On the other hand, I don't think anyone else could have replaced Chester. Maybe only someone like Alissa White-Guz could have been an interesting choise, but that's quite a bit of a stretch. Emily is a good singer and maybe just like I would give Iced Earth a chance if they somehow happen to come back, I should give the new Linkin Park a chance too. Hopefully if Jeff Loomis and Van Williams decide to found a new band together, the vocalist isn't someone that makes me scratch my head.

[@jspaingreene6350]

Thoughtful comment. I am zero interested in Emily. Her cult involvement as an adult is gross and I just won't pay attention to them. I only push back when people dismiss her association with scientology... It's a very bad cult.

[@bradhogan646]

I’ve personally never been a huge fan of Linkin Park. I think Keys to the Kingdom & War are great songs but that’s about it for me.

[@cinematicsterling6897]

i liked the album overall but the singles were definitely better than the deep cuts on the albums. two faced is my favorite song off the album

[@GaiaGreen3]

I need a more significant rebuking of the Scientology stuff to come from the vand before I can get really comfortable with Emily Anderson. However, she is a good performer and I'm willing to give her this chance to earn my goodwill. The one thing I do stand on is that I never want to hear her sing something like Breaking The Habit or Easier To Run. Some songs were written so categorically for and about Chester that it feels wrong to give them to another person. Especially if Emily's previous defenses of abuse haven't actually been remedied.

[@kevsthabest]

I'm actually a fan of her rendition of Breaking the habit, she does a respectful job with it. I've been hoping for a live album of the tour, her version of Waiting for the End is incredible.

[@kronymerakam9536]

Breaking the Habit is not about or for Chester for your information.

[@kevsthabest]

@@kronymerakam9536 Well considering they're complaining about Emily "Anderson", I doubt he cares. I wouldn't have bothered to reply if I'd notice earlier. The copypasta is getting lazy when they don't even bother getting names right

[@yoursugarismine]

@@kronymerakam9536I thought breaking the habit was written by Chester and one of his favourite songs from linkin park, but I may be wrong in remembering these things

[@kronymerakam9536]

@@yoursugarismine Mike wrote Breaking the Habit

[@stg_tmc]

I’ve never been a big fan of LP regardless but I think it’s awesome that they’re taking Architects and Spiritbox with them next year.

[@daryp977]

Im not sure what is happening in this comment chain. The music is awesome. There is no uncertainty..... I think the majority is in love with the mix of old and new.

[@PhilibusterGD]

I thought it was great. The only song I didn’t like was Casualty, and the rest of the album is a 7/10 or above, so I’d rate From Zero a 9/10

[@aalfonso1981]

I think regardless what version Linkin Park came out with it's going to get backlash. "Fans" just want something to complain about. Personally I'm just glad they decided to continue because it was only the right thing to do. Regardless what people think they will sell tickets.

[@Ravyne]

Over the decades, I have cherished each new sound from Linkin Park and never once doubted their directions. I also trust Mike and I know he worked through all the details before he brought Linkin Park back. I like Emily's voice and the new songs work well with it. She doesn't quite have the amazing vocal range that Chester had, so I am not interested in hearing her sing his songs. If I want to hear Chester's songs, I will listen to Chester sing them. But I am willing to give Emily and Linkin Park a chance with new material. That is one thing I have always loved about LP, they change and evolve and I am here for it!

[@MrStevo808]

Having the new Linkin Park is better than having no Linkin Park

[@artvjon]

hard disagree

[@alexandererer]

@@artvjon NPC

[@baalaagaa]

Is eating shit better than starving?

[@metpach]

Not sure bout that. It's like wanting Type O Negative without Peter Steele.

[@spyrothedragon3983]

@@alexandererer Dude, it’s generic, did you see the heavy is the crown video, that is literally npc music 😂

[@zachlowe5096]

I've been saying this from the start: it doesn't make sense for Emily to be a part of Scientology if she's a lesbian since they hate the LGBTQ community and I feel like with that being said and the statement she made about regretting her past actions while not flat out saying that she's left Scientology because of their knack for targeting people it makes sense why they choose to ignore THAT part. Even if they make new music and perform less songs from the past albums, I'm glad that Linkin Park is back and Emily has proven herself to be a great vocalist no matter what anyone says

[@memoh.23]

They need to do more music with the new frontman, they don't need to force her or make her do old catalog because even if she put efforts is not same feeling and they should concentrate on the new and try to capture people's attention with the new singer and make more song that she can put her essence on them because it feels more that Shinoda is carrying the boat, at the end opinions don't matter.

[@EricKC2015]

Its not like famous bands have dealt with tragedies like what linkin park has gone throgh (AC/DC, Lynrd Skynrd, ect). Its simply another chapter in a famous group, welcome to join or leave the hype. And let the band try to find what they are…now.

[@2120musiclover]

I dont like how Emily sounds on the Chester songs, but she sounds good on the new songs. HITC is good.

[@carterboggess2372]

From a huge fan that supports the bands decision to move forward I will say it was messy in the beginning but they have stood their ground and stuck by Emily and their decision! I think the album hits all the right points of what they are trying to accomplish. With some common ground that us as fans to connect to while adding Emily into the mix. LP is always been the band to throw curveballs so we should expect the unexpected music wise movie forward. As for live shows I feel like they won’t take out songs from hybrid theory and Meteora stuff out of the set. I would find that hard to believe. They always like to play stuff from all albums when they play live. I’m excited for the future!🤘🏻

[@jeezycreezy4220]

I'm not fond of this new Linkin Park, but I'm also not going to stand in the way of anyone enjoying it. I've still got my old copies of Hybrid Theory and Meteora, and nothing will erase those from existance.

[@nzrtlab]

Yes this is what I want

[@SimianScience]

hey rocked is this a important band to you? was this one of the first bands you got into?

[@lisandroxiii5031]

It's what it's. There are many people who are biased towards the reunion of the band without Chester and probably won't liking anything released in the new era. The people complaining about the scientology thing would never stop doing it unless it's proven to be wrong. And the band won't stop doing well and selling out arenas despite any controversy as their following is huuge. People should just take the music for what it's and try to have some fun. And this comes from someone who has its issues with the music itself. I'm not saying I have to dumb myself down to enjoy it as there are a fair share of bangers throughout the album. But, it's true that once you get to the deepcuts there plenty of forgetable or not so interesting moments on there. There ain't no perfect songs on here. The album isn't at all that. But, aside from maybe Overflow, there ain't a bad song, either. It's fine. Don't be a hater and try to ruin everyone's fun, but also don't suck on LP's machine and pretend that you're still in 2001, cause you're not, it's 2024.

[@OfLegionReal]

Made me excited that they coming to my city and we normally in one city in Nebraska get indie artists. Even my mom likes Emily. My mom said their is no one like Chester

[@nannyalberte]

I will always wonder why people get so upset when bands evolve and change, it's just natural. In this particular case, I think the most insulting thing the band could have done was sounding like they did with Chester, they can't, they won't, they shouldn't even try. Finally, if Emily was going around preaching about this disgusting cult, I will understand the backlash, but being born into it, it's like being born in a religion: when you're a kid your parents make all the religious decisions for you, you cannot blame her for that, this because she has come out and said she's not in the cult anymore. I don't know if you know this, but leaving a cult is one of the hardest things to do, specially such a powerful one; and, you know what?, funny how Tom Cruise and John Travolta (and others) can be without people crucifying them for actually truly and unironically being part of this cult. I don't think they are erasing Chester at all, I think they are respecting his legacy by not trying to replace him, but moving forward

[@michelblanchet1472]

Important is : they do not need to care what you want. They do what they was as they always did and millions love. And we don’t give a dame about the allegations. None our business. When you hit play, is it good? Yes, have fun. No, move on to something else. Simple.

[@mikebowerstv]

After the first 2 albums I stopped listening to LP until the comeback with Emily and I was a fan again. I went to the Dallas show last week and had an absolute blast. For what it’s worth my teenage daughter loves the new version which is the only version of LP she knows.

[@nessagatten4368]

Dallas concert was AMAZING

[@yoursugarismine]

That is YOUR experience and means something to you, not necessarily everyone else. There have been good albums after the first 2 so you couldn’t have been that big of a fan to start with. And of course your daughter is going to like them, the issue, if there is one, is with older fans of the Chester era that are/aren’t going to accept the new line up bc of the comparison. New fans will probably like them bc they are established creative professional musicians, they hardly will make bad music

[@HammedBurngur]

According to some people, linkin park hasn't been linkin park since 2007

[@Artizm_Music]

In terms of the actual music, it is some of their better material since The Hunting Party. But, I’m sorry, Linkin Park really gave me the ick over the past couple of months. No, I don’t have a problem with them moving on without Chester. No, I don’t have a problem with a new vocalist. No, I don’t have a problem with a FEMALE vocalist. The problem is literally Emily Armstrong and even Mike Shinoda himself. Emily with the scientology stuff, and as discussed in Rock Coliseum, Mike Shinoda has gained a big ego since Chester’s passing with the NFT stuff, hiring a Scientologist, trying to come off as “the underdog” even though they are one of the biggest selling bands ever. They’ve severely damaged their reputations and it’s sad to see as a longtime fan.

[@brentnealy-aceruffstuff3316]

I know right

[@entransify]

i've seen a lot of diehards say this album is awesome. i've also seen others who aren't so enthused by it. i haven't listened to it yet, i'll need some time.

[@py16667]

Recency bias is very real, objectively it’s not their worst, far from their best

[@MarceloZ2]

I really don't care about the drama, I'm only here for the music. And... The music is just ok. Not as bad as Living Things or One More Light, but not any Hybrid Theory or Meteora either. Just... Ok. Emptiness Machine is easily the best track of this thing. I would give it a 6/10.

[@postl3]

Comparing it to HT or Meteora isn't necessarily fair since those two albums are magnum opus platinums

[@WC_Beer_Reviews]

People will need to reacclimate themselves to the new sound. But if you give yourself time to process and absorb it, you may be able to approach it with a new perspective

[@meherenow793]

I stopped listening to LP after minutes to midnight; apparently, that was a good call.

[@ExtrumComics]

I look forward to the Hybrid Theory tribute band if they decide to cover these songs! Ivo is phenomenal!

[@Rose34561]

I love the tribute Hybrid Theory closest thing we have to Lost live

[@Kered-9]

I honestly don't know why people are so up in arms that this band kept going minus 1 member. What about so many other bands that have been going for decades that have only 1 original member left? Can you believe AC/DC kept going after Bon passed away? OMG!! Marilyn Manson is still a band going through many members... Nine Inch Nails only has 1 original member.... etc.

[@sgtron116]

Everyone forgets about when Van Halen replaced their lead singer . 2.0 was some of there best music.

[@McSquawk]

I listened to this album as a back to back with the new Poppy album and you know, it's a decent effort. THE GOOD: Emily sounds good. The album ends strong with Good Things Go. Kind of ending on a similar vibe as Pushing Me Away or Numb, but dare I say it's more musically ambitious than either of those songs? THE BAD: Mike Shinoda should stick to rapping. The studio chatter was really cringe. "Get your screamy pants on"? 🤮 Anyway, hope you review the Poppy album soon, it's a good one!

[@py16667]

Emily can’t scream imo, even Poppy is a better screamer

[@MrConstant23.]

At most, it's Linkin Park w/ Emily

[@MadaTheConquistador]

Personally, I dig this new album. I do Emily does a decent job at filling in Chester's shoes, though it's not exactly their best and some of these tracks I don't see myself revisiting very much. However, my personal favorites are Heavy Is The Crown, Two Faced, and Good Things Go

[@MKmarcos97]

Cut the bridge and Casualty are fucking amazing

[@RanterInShades]

Pretty much why I'm not sure I want to catch their upcoming tour. Nothing to do with scientology at all, I personally could care less if that's what Emily chooses to believe, but it would feel too much like a simulation and it wouldn't feel right.

[@Noname72105]

Album's fine. Emptiness Machine, Heavy is the Crown, and Two Faced all slap. Cut the Bridge should have been cut from the album. IGYEIH is fine but a little grating.

[@williamyates694]

I'll say it. I do not like the current line up. Sorry guys!

[@TimmyTantrum]

The new Linkin Park live doesn't sound right to me. It's not Emily's voice or who she is/was, it's that they're playing the classics in a different key. It just sounds... off. I wish they would've gotten someone who sang closer to Chester's range. The new album is... okay. 6/10 sounds about right.

[@baldridgeroy]

Look, I'm a fan of Kansas. They currently have 0 original members in their touring line up now, but still sound good, and fans love them. That's how Rock n Roll works. You just gotta move on.

[@brandonthomsen8929]

Best album since minutes to midnight

[@samTmadeUmad]

Troll spotted

[@brandonthomsen8929]

@samTmadeUmad no I'm dead serious it really is, nothing wrong with the other albums but this one I can see myself enjoying more than say living things hunting party a thousand sun's and so on

[@samTmadeUmad]

@@brandonthomsen8929 okay, i can respect that. My b. Living things was their last good album tbh. I don't like this one bc of Emily.

[@py16667]

By what metric exactly? A Thousand Suns was a really bold & unique album, their most experimental & complex work, not my favorite album but objectively it’s a cut above most of the discography. Then The Hunting Party has some of Brad & Rob’s best work, I feel like the songwriting was better on that album than From Zero & it didn’t feel like every song was a single, they let it breathe a bit, let the instruments just play, actually have some longer song lengths. All I can say for sure is From Zero is better than One Mire Light, at least musically

[@mohammadaalimohammadi7198]

as a fan i dont say the band must stop working together and its good we have new vocalist . Emily is good but not for old songs. that songs blongs to Chester . its better to she dont perform chester songs anymore. one time ok but from now on they must make new raod for the Band.

[@thirteenfifty3196]

evolution of LP ❤❤❤

[@DeicoKill]

its a 9/10 album

[@Talib-904]

I love todays Linkin park the same way I loved it since it was the beginning Chester not around anymore may he RIP Emily is not Chester but she’s doing well so far

[@tonyschannel7438]

I'm just not sure how I feel about Linkin Park's new singer being a woman...Now before anyone says anything, I'd feel the same way if something happened to Amy Lee, Lizzy Hale, Hayley Williams, Taylor Momsen etc and they replaced the lead singer of Evanescence, Halestorm, Paramour, Pretty Wreckless etc with a guy! (well Halestorm would make the least amount of sense obviously since the lead singers last name is in the band's name)

[@IanNachtigall]

Okay on the Emily Armstrong Scientology thing: 1. Can she sing?☑️ 2. Does she sound good?☑️ 3. Does the new record have some bangers?☑️ 4. Is worrying about an artists sudo-religious background or history that 99% of fans will never personally interact with silly?☑️ Enjoy the music or don’t. Other than that, no one really cares.