‘From Zero’ is Linkin Park’s first work since the death of Chester Bennington, which left a void that was not easy to fill. Although at first she was the subject of controversy, Emily Armstrong has ended up proving that she is worthy of the position based on some progress and quite round performances, but it has been difficult. Therefore, as its title indicates, on this album Linkin Park starts “from scratch.”
Given the unfathomable shadow of the original Linkin Park, one of the most successful bands of the 21st century, it was important to face this new stage with all its might. And so they have done it. Mike Shinoda’s words when introducing the album are confirmed as true: “Sonically and emotionally, it deals with the past, present and future, embracing our signature sound, but filled with new life.”
There are very heavy songs, like ‘Casualty’ (“Put on your screaming pants,” Shinoda jokes just before) or ‘Two Faced’, while in others Emily’s melodic voice shines. It’s safe to say that the new vocalist will please both long-time fans and a new audience. In fact, international critics have already described Armstrong as one of the album’s greatest strengths.
The reviews are being positive and practically all of them point out the band’s revitalized energy, despite the fact that the material is not the most surprising. ‘Stained’ (reminiscent of Twenty One Pilots) and ‘Overflow’, the most electronic and calm of the LP, are the biggest surprises on the tracklist. In the latter, Armstrong sings about going “from a white sky to a black hole.”
The lyrics all go in this direction, typical of the genre. However, ‘Casualty’ draws special attention for its apparent relationship with the Danny Masterson controversy, in which the singer was involved. In the past, Armstrong maintained a friendship with the actor, convicted last year of drugging and raping three women: “I misjudged him,” the vocalist declared at one point. “I know all the secrets you keep / I won’t be your victim,” he sings in the song.
‘From Zero’ is a fluid and varied album in styles, although they have already been seen in previous projects. There is much more presence of guitars and nu-metal than in the band’s latest albums, such as ‘One More Light’ (2017). They have done what they do best and that is why the album is far from being a disappointment, without revolutionizing anything. Anyone who enjoyed the singles (‘The Emptiness Machine’, ‘Heavy Is The Crown’, ‘Over Each Other’) will surely enjoy the complete work.
