In a new episode of the Broken Record podcast, Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda opened up about the band’s emotional and creative journey since the 2017 suicide of vocalist Chester Bennington. Seven years later, the group has reemerged with a bold new direction — now fronted by Emily Armstrong, co-founder of the alt-rock band Dead Sara.
Shinoda explained the motivation behind moving forward with a new chapter for the band:
“I think one of the things that really drove us was the idea that if we had just hung it up and said, ‘Okay, that was a good run,’ and called it quits — that’s such a shitty way for the band to end. That is an awful story. No one wants to read that book.”
Instead, he said, the band made a conscious choice to rise again:
“To be able to say, ‘And then the guys dusted themselves off and got up again’ — that’s the story I want to read. That’s the one that’s the hardest to do, the most intimidating, the riskiest. But for ourselves, for our kids, and for our fans, it was worth it.”
Mike Shinoda Didn’t Want LINKIN PARK’s Story To End With CHESTER BENNINGTON’s Suicide
Facing Criticism, Embracing Change
Shinoda acknowledged the criticism Linkin Park anticipated — and is still receiving — over the new lineup and sound:
“Before anybody even knew anything, we made a list of everything people were going to hate. And, sure enough, it happened. But we live and breathe this band. We thought about it all. And we decided it was okay.”
He didn’t mince words about some of the backlash:
“The open-mouthed, neckbeard misogynist metal fan who loved our first two records and hasn’t listened since — that guy’s going to hate this and be vocal. And that’s fine, because he’s getting replaced by a 15-year-old girl who’s like, ‘I’ve never liked loud music before, and now I want to learn guitar.’ I love that.”
Why Therapy Didn’t Work for the Band
When asked if the band ever tried therapy to deal with grief or internal tensions, Shinoda was candid:
“We’ve brushed up against it, but it didn’t work well for us. A mediator doesn’t know us like we know each other. We know all the buttons, all the history. So it’s not really about needing a therapist — it’s about caring deeply and understanding that if you hurt your bandmate, you’re hurting yourself.”
He added that the band functions well because of a high level of emotional intelligence and mutual respect:
“We’ve been able to self-regulate because we love the band. If someone’s uncomfortable, we address it. We don’t always need an outsider to tell us that.”
New Era, New Album: From Zero
In 2024, Linkin Park roared back with their first album in seven years, From Zero. Featuring the No. 1 hit “The Emptiness Machine,” the record topped charts globally and became the only rock album of 2024 to surpass two billion streams.
The band — now made up of Mike Shinoda, Armstrong, DJ Joe Hahn, bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell, drummer Colin Brittain, and live guitarist Alex Feder — is currently on a world tour in support of the album.
Although founding guitarist Brad Delson contributed to the studio version of From Zero, he has not joined the band on tour. Feder is currently handling live guitar duties.
Last September, Linkin Park debuted Armstrong and Brittain during a livestream performance, marking the official start of their next era.
From Zero (Deluxe Edition) and Beyond
On May 16, the band released From Zero (Deluxe Edition) — a limited 2-CD softpak that includes three unreleased songs, five live tracks, and a 16-page booklet with expanded artwork and liner notes.
In late January, they also released an a cappella version of the album titled From Zero – A Cappellas, showcasing the new vocal direction with Armstrong front and center.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a daring evolution in sound, Linkin Park is proving that their story didn’t end with tragedy — it’s entering an entirely new chapter.
