Linkin Park, The Emptiness Machine | Song Review 🎵

Linkin Park makes its comeback with a new co-vocalist and drummer on “The Emptiness Machine,” the promo single from their eighth LP, From Zero. 

They’re back! Who? Linkin Park, that’s who! However, a lot has changed since their last studio album, One More Light, released in 2017.  First and foremost, lead vocalist Chester Bennington tragically committed suicide. The reunited band has a new co-vocalist, Emily Armstrong. Armstrong has received backlash because of past support for Danny Masterson. Also, the band has a new drummer, Colin Brittain, who replaced longtime drummer Rob Bourdon. Also, Alex Feder is filling in for guitarist Brad Delson on the band’s reunion tour. Ch-ch-ch-changes! “The Emptiness Machine” marks the promo single from their highly anticipated comeback LP, From Zero (arrives November 15, 2024).

There’s lots to ‘heart’ about “The Emptiness Machine.” It begins with the driving guitar and pummeling drums – always a recipe for success! The chemistry and contrast between Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong is another selling point. Shinoda sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, with a cleaner, mellower approach. The melody is memorable, particularly in the chorus:

“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 hopin’ for what I won’t receive

Fallin’ for the promise of the emptiness machine

The emptiness machine.”

After the mellower first chorus, Emily Armstrong sings most of the second verse. She bring assertive, powerful, and impressive pipes. Shinoda joins her in the pre-chorus, bringing an appealing chemistry. Armstrong is electrifying when the second chorus comes around, showing just how dynamic she is.  Once more, we get a lovely contrast between Shinoda and Armstrong during the bridge.  Emily is locked-in on the final chorus, including a well-placed f-bomb (“Don’t know why I’m hopin’, so fuckin’ naïve / Fallin’ for the promise of the emptiness machine”). The outro is sweet too, with mellow Mike once more contrasting assertive Emily.  All in all, the return of Linkin Park, with all its changes, turns out to be a welcome one. “The Emptiness Machine” rocks!

Linkin Park // From Zero // Linkin Park, LLC // 11.15.24

Linkin Park, The Emptiness Machine [📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Linkin Park, LLC; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]