After weeks of teasing fans, Linkin Park announced two new members recently—Emily Armstrong on vocals and Colin Brittain on drums. Armstrong has been the vocalist of the band Dead Sara since 2003, while Brittain has played drums and written for bands like Dashboard Confessional, 5 Seconds of Summer, and others. He joined Linkin Park after original drummer Rob Bourdon declined the reunion.
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Armstrong’s appointment as co-lead vocalist has drawn some divided opinions from fans, as many feel that they are attempting to replace the legendary Chester Bennington. However, Linkin Park has declared this less of a replacement and more of a new era for the band. Additionally, many fellow artists in Linkin Park’s genre are singing Armstrong’s praises even while fans are divided.
They shared the announcement today, September 6, with a livestream performance from Emily Armstrong, Colin Brittain, and the rest of the band. They performed a new song, “The Emptiness Machine,” announced a new album, From Zero, and shared that they would embark on a short, six-show world tour.
Fellow Artists Praise Emily Armstrong for Stepping Up Bat for Linkin Park as Co-Lead Singer
Shinedown’s Brent Smith was one such musician who showed support for Linkin Park’s decision. “I know the Internet is ablaze with comments of criticism and also of praise from fans all over the world,” he wrote on Shinedown’s Instagram. “Something to think about … Do you honestly believe that the members of this ICONIC Band truly think that of all people [Chester Bennington] is replaceable??? The entire world knows he will never be replaceable because he was one of a kind.”
Smith continued, urging fans to let Linkin Park explore this new era. “But with all that being said there is an audience that miss this band, and their presence, and what they represent,” he wrote. “So I asked you, ALL of you… Give them the opportunity to not close their chapter. Allow them to celebrate their legacy, and also the opportunity to create a new one.”
There are several layers of controversy and speculation surrounding Emily Armstrong that go beyond critics simply expressing their opinions. However, her supporters are focusing on her artistry as a vocalist instead of negative press.
Cody Perez of Amerakin Overdose praised Armstrong and Linkin Park for this new chapter. He wrote on Twitter, in part, “The truth is it doesn’t matter what you think, it doesn’t matter what I think, love it or hate it the band has decided to continue and there is nothing wrong with that. We all know Chester can’t be replaced but it’s crazy to think that Chester wouldn’t want the band to live on without him.”
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