Album/EP

Linkin Park - From Zero (Album Review)

Paul 'Browny' Brown

CEO/Founder and Editor-In-Chief

Nov 16, 2024

7 min read

Linkin Park - From Zero
Released: November 15, 2024

Lineup

Mike Shinoda // Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Brad Delson // Lead Guitar
Joe Hahn // Turntables & Programming
Dave 'Phoenix' Farrell // Bass
Emily Armstrong // Vocals
Colin Brittain // Drums

It's been dubbed the most anticipated rock album of 2024, yet we didn't know it even existed until early September, so has the short, two month tease been worth the wait for the launch of a new era of Linkin Park? We'll soon find out. Having only listened to the initial single and nothing else, I wanted to go in with an open mind for to this new collection of tunes with both the LP tagline and also as someone who had never heard of Emily Armstrong before this record. Let's start...

Commencing with a brief behind-the-scenes listen at the conception of the album's title, we're immediately thrust into 'The Emptiness Machine' which set itself up as the initiation of this new phase of the band, who have been laying dormant for 7 years following the passing on Chester. It has all the characteristics of what made LP a household name in the nu-metal space with plenty of effects over key instrumentals and Mike Shinoda's signature rapping bringing us into the first chorus before Armstrong takes over with a performance adjacent to Chester's own, but with her own abilities on display. Upon release, the world was in awe and this track got many fans excited for the prospect of the group coming back into the game; and to be fair, it still holds up after all this time.

For the next nine songs we're taken on a journey with the group putting their fingers in many different genres and sounds from the earlier albums such as Hybrid Theory and Meteora. Take for example the rap rock infused track 'Cut The Bridge' - which leads us in again with Mike before Emily joins for the chorus - a structure that's prevalent throughout From Zero. Leaning more towards instrumentals without effects, this stripped back track will pique the interest of rap/radio rock listeners, but may miss the mark for those wanting a bit of metal... something which 'Heavy Is The Crown' delivers and enticed with the opening 20 seconds. Immediately we're transported back to Meteora era LP as Shinoda spits his verse which wouldn't feel out of place on the band's sophomore record. While it's been 21 years since that album's release, this doesn't feel like a nostalgia grab, but more so progression on a soundscape that won over millions of fans back in the day. And that scream, uffffff!

Emily gets her time to shine front and centre on 'Over Each Other' blending raw, rock vocals with emotive melodies that'll inspire a new generation of females to rock, and lined up next to the album's other melodic track 'Stained'; there's a couple of moments for listeners to take a breather from the hard and heavier sounds present. Speaking of heavy, Em gets her screamy pants on for 'Casualty' which wastes no time in setting up the next two and a half minutes as Brad Delson's shredding leads up back to a Shinoda rap attack before the pair ebb and flow leading into the Emily-focused chrous. In this song, you can see how they're utilising Emily's abilities to create a sound that throws back to their roots, and Chester's presence, while trying to offer something new to the catalogue.

If you know Mike's side-project Fort Minor (banger album back in the day too) then you're gonna be all over 'Overflow' which slows things down and presents a moody, alluring take on the current landscape of the slow-jam rap genre. The synths and echoes present make 'Overflow' feel more like an interlude than a full track, but as the final bars are played out, it leads straight into the fierce 'Two Faced' - which upon first listen I was in awe of, before picking apart certain aspects such as the similarities between songs like 'With You' and the breakdown riff from 'One Step Closer' with some Mr Hahn DJ-scratching for good measure. While it's a throwback to that vintage sound that made them a household name, this song in particular feels like a nostalgia grab.

As touched on earlier, melodic offering 'Stained' leads us in with a heavy sounding beat that sounds ominous, but quickly shapeshifts into a delicate performance in the chorus where Emily's vocals are the main focal point - and credit to her, they are flawless with a touch of rasp and makes for an addictive listening experience.

As for 'IGYEIH' (I Gave You Everything I Have) I can't help but picture Randy Marsh as Lorde in South Park when Em yells 'Ya Ya Ya Yaa' - but putting that aside, we're met with a rockier guitar-driven offering that exudes some of the raw-sounding Linkin Park tracks from albums like Living Things and The Hunting Party. In what could be a song directed to Fairweather fans - or personally, an anthem for taking back your life following a fiery fallout - it'll no doubt be a new fav at upcoming shows on their World Tour in 2025 with plenty of sing-a-long sections and a thumping Dave 'Phoenix' Farrell x Colin Brittain beat. Plus, there's a nice little mainstream rock band breakdown at the climax that'll could serve as a bridge into heavier territory - much like LP did back in the day with many of their millennial fanbase.

Closing the album is 'Good Things Go' which according to my notes is the 'PERFECT Closer' for From Zero. With plenty of emotion from start to finish, soaring highs and gut-wrenching lows, I have a feeling this will become a new go-to anthem for those struggling with their emotions in a love fleeting relationship. As Mike Shinoda steps the fuck up with his delivery (especially that fast spitting verse before the final act) we're reminded of the sheer talent the man has for both performing and song writing; and with Emily now as his co-singer, a blossoming partnership is emerging and we're witnessing it flourishing before our eyes.

In closing, whether you love it or not, Linkin Park have returned with a new phase, a new era, and a chance to keep Chester's legacy (and their past) alive, while honing in on the professional musicianship and comradery of its surviving members. It's not going to be the same as it was before yes, but from rebirth comes a chance to fall in love with a new approach to their music making and presence,. Had they altered their name back to Xero (the OG name from their first shows as a band before Bennington's joining) would it have made a difference to this release? I highly doubt it. But if you take away the connection to the past and embrace it for what it is, chances are you may like this collection of songs more than you know.

I remember someone online saying that Linkin Park fans don't know what they want (when it comes to music) and that comment has stuck with me since. I recall tearing apart albums following Meteora because they were too different from the heavy nu-metal origins... but then when the band released heavier tracks on The Hunting Party, I ripped into it for not being nu-metal. There was always a catalyst for approaching an album with a negative mind frame and that has been something that's plagued LP fans for decades.

From Zero is a decent album to reintroduce Linkin Park to the world and for new vocalist Emily to flourish in the precarious position she's been given. If it's not for you, then at least you have the back catalogue to play; but for a new generation of LP fans, this could be the album that sparks an interest in harder rock/metal than your average radio stations allows... unlike the golden era of the mid-2000s when we had it all.