The global music scene just got its much-needed boost as Linkin Park released their new album From Zero on November 15. The 11-track album, which includes the #1 singles “The Emptiness Machine” and “Heavy is the Crown”, goes down to the roots of Linkin Park’s nu-metal origins fused with a rejuvenated take on electronic rock and progressive pop-esque threads, making it one of the most compelling rock albums released in recent time. 

To say that it is one of the most anticipated albums in 2024 is an understatement. LP is, after all, one of the biggest and most influential rock bands of the 21st century. Chester Bennington’s untimely passing in 2017 left a huge void in the music industry and a bigger one in the band’s future. After a lot of push and pull, it took 7 years for the band to reconstruct its pieces, and decide to release new music. Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, Joe Hahn with the addition of Emily Armstrong on vocals and Colin Brittain on drums have now rebuilt Linkin Park with From Zero, and we are grateful for it.

Listening to From Zero for the first time felt like traversing different LP timelines while staying grounded in the present. There was a moment when “Two Faced” felt like a massive shoutback to Hybrid Theory with the pointed guitar riffs and unrelenting turntable scratches. “Cut the Bridge” harkens back to “Bleed It Out” with the rhythmic rap, propelled by sharp drum beats that lead to an anthemic chorus. The League of Legends Worlds 2024 soundtrack “Heavy is the Crown” was reminiscent of Meteora’s “Faint”, mashed with Minute to Midnight’s “Given Up”. Of course, the comeback track “The Emptiness Machine” felt like a walk between The Hunting Party and Living Things, an easy ear-friendly track for old and new fans alike. From Zero pulled from the intricate working of the old LP sound, with its edges refined and melodies fine-tuned to a more sophisticated body of music.

While a lot of people were skeptical of Emily’s vocal prowess, this album proved that she can stand her own ground proudly. Her vocals carried through the emotionally-charged crooning for “Over Each Other” and “Good Things Go” while also harnessing the rage-filled screaming for “Casualty” and “IGYEIH” (short for “I Gave You Everything I Have”). An interesting upgrade to LP’s repertoire is “Overflow” which builds an atmospherically haunting sound with the reverberating synth and the echoes of the vocals. 

With From Zero, we can definitely say that Linkin Park is back! While nothing can ever replace Chester Bennington, the band has successfully managed to carve a new beginning for themselves by integrating the core of LP’s music and reconstructing it to fit the present. More exciting things ahead as Linkin Park is all set to embark on the 2nd leg of their From Zero World Tour in 2025 which includes more than 50 shows all over the globe. Hopefully, a Philippine stop will be included in the future as well!

Special thanks to Warner Music Philippines for inviting us to the Exclusive Listening Party for Linkin Park’s Brand New Album ‘From Zero’ held at 12 Monkeys Music Hall with live performances by Chicosci and Typecast.

Chicosci performed a cover of Linkin Park's "Faint" here at the #FromZero Listening Party at 12 Monkeys. @WarnerMusicPH pic.twitter.com/0ZPfUccQCJ

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) November 11, 2024

Typecast covered Linkin Park's"One Step Closer". Steve Badiola said that LP was instrumental in forming their band. #FromZero@WarnerMusicPH pic.twitter.com/IXHf4P1lCG

— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) November 11, 2024

by Sandra Mae Laureano

Linkin Park From Zero Tracklist

1. From Zero (Intro)
2. The Emptiness Machine
3. Cut The Bridge
4. Heavy Is The Crown
5. Over Each Other
6. Casualty
7. Overflow
8. Two Faced
9. Stained
10. IGYEIH
11. Good Things Go