Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda: "This Isn’t a Reunion, It’s a New Chapter"

The new lineup includes Emily Armstrong and Colin, redefining Linkin Park with their upcoming album From Zero.

By Silas Johansson

Sep 27, 2024

The Emptiness Machine (Official Music Video) - Linkin Park

Mike Shinoda confirms Linkin Park’s new lineup with vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin, marking a fresh start for the band.
New album From Zero will be released on November 15, featuring singles ‘The Emptiness Machine’ and ‘Heavy Is The Crown’.
Controversy surrounds Armstrong’s ties to Scientology and Danny Masterson, sparking mixed reactions from fans.

The Gist

Mike Shinoda recently shared more details about Linkin Park’s reformation during an interview with BBC Radio 1’s New Music Show With Jack Saunders. The vocalist and multi-instrumentalist pulled back the curtain on how the band’s new chapter began and what fans can expect moving forward. According to Shinoda, the journey kicked off in 2019, when he first connected with Emily Armstrong—the band’s new and slightly controversial frontwoman.

“We’ve been building to this moment for a while,” Shinoda explained. “I met Emily back in 2019 through mutual friends. We didn’t jump straight into songwriting—it was more about figuring out who she was as a person. The first songs were just okay, but that wasn’t the point. It was about discovering the dynamic.”

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Linkin Park welcomes Emily Armstrong and announces From Zero, signaling a reinvention for the iconic band.

Fast forward, and the new Linkin Park lineup has taken shape. Armstrong isn’t the only fresh face; the group also brought in Colin as their new drummer. Shinoda described how he, Joe, and Dave started working together casually before everything “just started falling into place” with Armstrong and Colin.

Since officially unveiling the lineup on September 11, the band’s ride has been anything but smooth. A global tour, a new album announcement, and two singles—“The Emptiness Machine” and “Heavy Is The Crown”—should have been cause for celebration. But Armstrong’s ties to Scientology and her connection to convicted rapist Danny Masterson have thrown a very public wrench into their momentum. Did the band not see this PR nightmare coming? Either they thought it wouldn’t stick, or their vetting process was about as airtight as a cheese grater.

Despite the controversy, Shinoda appears fully committed to moving forward. He emphasized that this isn’t about trying to recreate the Linkin Park of the past but rather embracing something entirely new.

“The album comes out in November, and I want fans to really get that this isn’t us rewriting or redoing anything,” he said. “It’s about starting fresh. The old chapter had its run, and we loved it, but now we’re asking ourselves, ‘What can we create with a completely new voice?’ Emily brings her own passion and identity. She’s not trying to be Chester or anyone else. That’s why it works.”

The upcoming album, From Zero, hits shelves on November 15, with preorders already available. For those eager to see the band live, the From Zero World Tour 2024 promises a mix of nostalgia and new energy.

LINKIN PARK WORLD TOUR DATES