Linkin Park announce new singer, new album, new London gig date

In what's proving to be a banner year for unexpected band reunions, the nu-metal pioneers turned household rock stars have announced they're back in action.

Linkin Park, the nu-metal flagbearers that not only managed to survive the genre's decline but transcend to even bigger stardom, have been on hiatus since the tragic passing of their beloved lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017. Now, after months of rumours and a countdown that had fans around the world eagerly awaiting a major announcement 5 September, the big news has arrived.

In a livestreamed concert for members of its fan club, one of the biggest rock bands in the world revealed who'll be taking over vocal duties for Bennington – Emily Armstrong of American rockers Dead Sara. As was on ample display throughout the livestreamed show, Armstrong is more than up to the task of matching Bennington's intensity both when it comes to vocal performance and on-stage energy. In addition to Armstrong, the band line-up features a new drummer, Colin Brittain, in place of founding member Rob Bourdon, who distanced himself from the band following Bennington's death.

In addition to running through a bunch of their older hits, the newly assembled Linkin Park announced a new album, “From Zero”, to be released in November this year. The band previewed the record with a new track, “The Emptiness Machine”, the first one to feature both new band members – listen to it below.

Linkin Park will also be touring in support of the new album, with a handful of dates in major cities around the world announced already – including London in just a few weeks' time! The band is coming to The O2 on 24 September, with tickets going on sale at 10am on 13 September via, sigh, Ticketmaster.