Watch Linkin Park Debut New Lineup on ‘Tonight Show’ with “The Emptiness Machine” Performance

On September 17, Linkin Park returned to late-night TV with their lineup debut on The Tonight Show. The band recently brought on Emily Armstrong as vocalist and Collin Brittain on drums. They played their new song, “The Emptiness Machine,” which had its debut during Linkin Park’s lineup reveal livestream.

“The Emptiness Machine” will be part of the band’s new album, From Zero, their first in seven years since the death of co-frontman Chester Bennington. The band brought in a new vocalist to start a new chapter for Linkin Park, but there has been no shortage of criticism, both for the decision and for Armstrong herself.

However, the band performed well on The Tonight Show, surrounded by draped sheets of thin plastic, creating a moody, meat locker-esque backdrop. Co-frontman Mike Shinoda pleaded through the chorus, I let you cut me open / Just to watch me bleed / Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be / Don’t know why I’m holding what I won’t receive / Falling for the promise of the emptiness machine.

Overall, the song is similar to older Linkin Park fare, but some may argue it also keeps the spirit of the original lineup alive. Armstrong took the lead alongside Shinoda during the song, unleashing her powerful vocals on the live audience.

[RELATED: Chester Bennington’s Widow Seemingly Backs Linkin Park’s Decision to Add New Vocalist Emily Armstrong]

Linkin Park Scores Highest-Charting Song in Years Even Amid Criticism

“The Emptiness Machine” scored Linkin Park their highest chart position on the Hot 100 in 15 years. The last time they were this high on the charts was in 2009 with the Transformers track “New Divide,” which peaked at No. 9. “The Emptiness Machine” debuted at No. 21 on the September 21-dated Hot 100.

During The Tonight Show, Mike Shinoda sat down with Jimmy Fallon to discuss this new chapter for Linkin Park. “To be this many years in and to feel, like that genuine adrenaline and excitement and happiness was… there’s nothing like it, man,” said Shinoda of the band’s L.A. performance on September 11. The lineup reveal served as the first show of their new tour, which will run for six shows so far. They are expected to embark on a much larger tour next year.

Featured Image by Todd Owyoung/NBC