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Photo: James Minchin III

Everybody loves a comeback story. They represent second chances and inspire hope. On July 20, 2017, musicians and fans worldwide were devastated by the passing of Chester Bennington, lead singer of Linkin Park. The band voiced the angst of a generation, and he was their leader. Chester channeled all his pain, rage, and trauma to give words to those who had none, and in the end, when he lost his battle, hope left the room for many of us. 

Fast forward seven years and the seemingly unfathomable comeback has begun. Led by Mike Shinoda, the creative tour de force behind much of Linkin Park's music, the band has decided to pick up the pieces and carry on, showing their unwavering dedication to their music and fans. This is a testament to their resilience and the power of music to heal. Live in front of devoted fans, they launched their new single, "The Emptiness Machine," and, as much as humanly possible, picked up right where they left off. 

The most significant change is in lead vocals. Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong fits in beautifully with the new track and does justice to the old favorites. "The Emptiness Machine" exudes Linkin Park’s signature sound, something fans have been clamoring for forever. You realize from the song's first note how much you missed those crisp lead guitar lines, poignant piano riffs, and catchy hooks. “The Emptiness Machine” is emotionally charged and succeeds in translating complex feelings into song. Following in a line of generational anthems like “Numb” and “Somewhere I Belong,” the track slides flawlessly into their discography by tackling themes of identity, belonging, and abuse, all while backed by high-energy rock music. 

Linkin Park's return is not just a return; it's a triumphant victory for their fans and a beacon of hope and resilience for all who are fighting their own battles. It’s a significant moment in music and culture, a powerful reminder that we're not alone in our experiences and that there's always hope.

Watch "The Emptiness Machine" video below: