Linkin Park review – monster hits perfectly reshaped for a fresh chapter
Linkin Park set the stage for contemporary metal with their groundbreaking album, *Hybrid Theory*, released in 2000. While they weren’t the first group to blend rock, hip-hop, electronic sounds, and emotional intensity, they certainly achieved the greatest level of success. Throughout the 2000s and beyond, the band experimented with different musical styles and filled large venues, but their true strength lay in combining polished production with deeply personal elements. Much of this emotional depth stemmed from lead singer Chester Bennington, whose ability to express both vulnerability and raw power gave Linkin Park a distinctive edge. His passing in 2017 was a tremendous loss for both fans and the music community at large.
For many years, the remaining members of the band steered clear of discussions about what was next, but they kept the spirit of Linkin Park alive through anniversary events celebrating both Hybrid Theory and its even more successful successor, Meteora. Recently, however, they surprised everyone with an announcement of their return. Instead of relying on nostalgia, this California band has come back with fresh music and a new vocalist. There’s been a lot of buzz online regarding Emily Armstrong, including her connections to Scientology, her now-retracted defense of actor Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape, and whether she can measure up to the high standards set by the late Chester Bennington. Nevertheless, on stage, she seems to be an excellent match for what the band refers to as their “new chapter.”
Mike Shinoda, acting as the spokesperson for the group, expresses to the audience at London's O2, “It really means a lot that you’ve supported us with the new material.” This is the sole moment during their two-hour performance where they mention the changes they’ve experienced. While they don't pay tribute to Bennington, the song "Leave Out All the Rest" takes on a particularly emotional tone. Instead, Linkin Park is focused on honoring a legacy that continues to evolve.
Taking the spotlight on a specially designed stage at the center of the venue, the entire performance is exceptionally refined and tailored for large spaces. Yet, the intense emotion that drives the music remains unaltered. Armstrong puts her unique spin on each Linkin Park classic while preserving their original essence, whether it's the powerful intensity of "Given Up" with its explosive breakdown or the soulful simplicity of "Breaking the Habit."
Even with the pressure of high expectations, there's a genuine sense of fun in the air. Armstrong joins the audience during "In the End," while the band's DJ and creative director, Joe Hahn, happily captures candid moments with a handheld camera, focusing on his bandmates throughout the evening. Shinoda engages the crowd by sharing inside jokes from the group's Discord chat with a massive audience of 20,000. This vibrant energy is further amplified by a wave of new, younger fans who have recently discovered the band after their seven-year hiatus. Linkin Park boasts a rich legacy, but for the first time in quite a while, the future seems promising.
