KARACHI — July 20, 2025: Nearly six years after the tragic death of lead vocalist Chester Bennington, iconic US rock band Linkin Park is ready to make a comeback. In a recent interview with The Guardian, founding member Mike Shinoda and new co-lead vocalist Emily Armstrong opened up about the band’s rebirth and the challenges they have faced along the way.

Formed 25 years ago, Linkin Park rose to global fame with their 2001 debut Hybrid Theory, becoming one of the defining rock bands of this millennium. Hits like Numb and In the End solidified their massive worldwide fanbase. However, Bennington’s death in 2017 left the band at a crossroads, uncertain about its future direction.

After much experimentation, Linkin Park expanded from six to eight members, welcoming Armstrong as co-lead vocalist and Colin Brittain on drums. This lineup change came amid mixed fan reactions, with some backlash rooted in Armstrong being a woman.

“There were people who lashed out at Emily because she wasn’t a guy,” Shinoda explained. “Fans were used to six guys and a male voice leading the songs. They were uncomfortable and found many reasons to complain.”

Despite the criticism, Shinoda stood firmly behind Armstrong’s talent and energy. “She had a sassy little sister vibe around me — she just seemed like a natural fit,” he said. Armstrong, previously frontwoman of the bluesy LA punk band Dead Sara, described her surprise at joining such a legendary band. “I could only dream of this kind of success,” she said. She also admitted feeling pressure stepping into Bennington’s shoes, worried about living up to the band’s legacy.

The audition process for Armstrong was informal and uncertain. Shinoda revealed, “I didn’t tell them this was for a Linkin Park comeback. Sometimes even we didn’t know where we were headed.” But Armstrong’s enthusiasm to write and perform with Shinoda stood out.

In 2018, Shinoda released his emotional solo album Post Traumatic, chronicling his grief and healing after Bennington’s passing. While touring to support the album, Shinoda admitted the emotional toll, comparing it to therapists needing therapy themselves.

With healing underway, the band regrouped and released their eighth studio album, FROM ZERO, on November 15, 2024, through Warner Records. The album revisits the band’s signature fusion of rock and rap, featuring catchy melodies, powerful guitar, and raw lyrics.

Linkin Park is set to tour the US starting July 29. Shinoda expressed astonishment at the strong response, calling it “one of our most successful tours of all time,” exceeding all expectations.

Though fans continue to search for traces of Bennington’s spirit, the band’s renewed energy and fresh sound have sparked excitement for the future.