Linkin Park’s new singer: The Emily Armstrong controversy explained

Linkin Park unveiled their new look on Thursday, 5 September, alongside a new single – The Emptiness Machine – and plans for a world tour.

Initial reactions were positive.

“Armstrong certainly has big shoes to fill,” wrote the New York Times’ pop critic Jon Pareles, external. “But, as she proves on this bombastic new track, Armstrong shares Bennington’s facility in pivoting between melodic belting and throat-shredding screams.”

Even the hardcore fans on Linkin Park’s Reddit page largely seemed pleased.

“She brings the energy and presence needed to match the band’s sound without trying to imitate Chester,” wrote one, external.

“Man she already NAILS it,” added another, external. “This is a worthy reboot and the best step they could have taken.”

Others felt the new addition was disrespectful, saying that Bennington’s legacy should be left alone.

Those comments prompted Brent Smith, lead singer of hard rock band Shinedown, to come to Linkin Park’s defence.

“Something to think about… Do you honestly believe that the members of this iconic band truly think that, of all people, Chester Bennington is replaceable?” he wrote on Instagram. , external

“The entire world knows he will never be replaceable because he was one of a kind.

“But with all that being said there is an audience that miss this band, and their presence, and what they represent. So I asked you, ALL of you… Give them the opportunity to not close their chapter. Allow them to celebrate their legacy, and also the opportunity to create a new one.”