Linkin Park comes roaring back with more than an echo of its past with new singer at Kia Forum
As someone who has followed Linkin Park since their early days, I must say, it was a bittersweet moment to witness their return at the Kia Forum. The absence of Chester Bennington left a void that seemed unfillable, but the band bravely chose a fresh direction with Emily Armstrong.
7 years following the devastating incident that brought the chart-topping rock band Linkin Park to a halt, they made a significant comeback move during their performance at the Kia Forum on Wednesday, marking the start of their tour with the addition of a new vocalist, Emily Armstrong.
After 17 years of chart-topping radio songs and extensive touring, the band’s initial phase came to an unexpected halt with the 2017 suicide of vocalist Chester Bennington, who often provided a powerful contrast to Mike Shinoda’s rapped verses.
Instead of a new singer imitating Bennington too closely, which could intensify the longing among fans, it was bolder and more engaging to choose someone outside the norm, effectively revitalizing Linkin Park into something beyond a mere replica of its history. Armstrong, known for his work with the Los Angeles rock band Dead Sara, demonstrated that capability.
At the Forum, the band performed in a circular setup, with a stage resembling an airplane carrier that was predominantly vacant and equipped with modern technology. This arrangement allowed better viewing angles for many attendees, but it resulted in slightly muddied audio quality.
Disregarding any other factors, the band performed for a span of two hours, playing 27 songs as powerfully as ever. They kicked off their set with two of their early hits, “Somewhere I Belong” and “Crawling.” Much like many Linkin Park songs, Bennington’s voice was prominent in the original versions. However, Armstrong stepped up with conviction and fitting intensity, often leaning over his mic, belting out at the stage’s edge.
On “Crawling,” she roared: “I’ve felt this way before/So insecure!” as the crowd shouted along.
Regardless of gender, there are striking resemblances between the present and past vocalists. Much like Bennington, Armstrong possesses the ability to deliver both melodious harmonies and powerful growls, making him a perfect fit for the familiar Linkin Park style.
During the breaks between their songs, Shinoda was primarily speaking, sharing with the audience, “It’s fantastic to be back out here! We’re not trying to wipe away the past; we’re embarking on a fresh page in our future.
Apart from these alterations, some band members have decided to sit out the reunion. Specifically, Rob Bourdon opted not to join and was replaced by Colin Brittain. Interestingly, Brad Delson remains a permanent member but will no longer hit the road with Linkin Park; instead, Alex Feder will take his place during tours.
The crowd had been eagerly waiting and erupted in cheers at this moment. Spontaneous shouts of “Linkin Park! Linkin Park!” filled the air. Although Chester Bennington was irreplaceable, Armstrong demonstrated that she too possessed unique talents to help the established group forge something fresh.
Before our band’s upcoming album, “From Zero,” drops in November, our performances will primarily feature songs from our past catalog. However, taking on the challenge of singing “Given Up,” a track originally known for Chester Bennington’s extraordinary vocals, I strutted across the expansive stage, my fist pumping rhythmically, molding the melody to suit my voice.
After years of silence, Linkin Park once again seems to have a future ahead.
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2024-09-12 13:34