Linkin Park’s long-awaited return has come with excitement, nostalgia, and a wave of controversy. Seven years after the tragic passing of frontman Chester Bennington, the band has made their comeback, bringing in a fresh face—rock veteran Emily Armstrong—as their new co-lead vocalist. However, the excitement surrounding the announcement was quickly met with backlash due to Armstrong's alleged ties to the Church of Scientology and past support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
Meet Emily Armstrong: Linkin Park's New Voice
Emily Armstrong is no stranger to the LA rock scene. Born in 1986, Armstrong has spent over two decades making a name for herself as the lead singer of the hard rock band Dead Sara. With a raspy, powerful voice and electrifying stage presence, she quickly caught the attention of rock legends. Courtney Love invited her to collaborate on Hole’s Nobody’s Daughter album, and Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl famously proclaimed, "Dead Sara should be the next biggest rock band in the world."
Though Dead Sara never quite hit mainstream superstardom, Armstrong’s talent and perseverance kept her at the forefront of rock music. In 2021, the band released their latest album, Ain’t It Tragic, and in 2022, they toured with pop sensation Demi Lovato, who was embracing her own rock roots at the time.
Why Linkin Park Added a New Singer
Linkin Park's journey since Bennington’s death has been a reflective one. The band went on hiatus, leaving their future uncertain. Mike Shinoda, the band’s other lead vocalist and driving force, spent years questioning how Linkin Park could move forward. Should he carry the full weight of the vocals? Should they introduce another voice to the lineup?
After auditioning several potential singers, the band invited Armstrong for a tryout in 2019. The chemistry was immediate, and by 2023, they began recording new material with her. Armstrong’s dynamic range—shifting between melodic belting and throat-shredding screams—reminded Shinoda of what made Linkin Park's music so powerful.
“When I heard Emily’s voice on our tracks, it was the first time I could accept these as true Linkin Park songs,” Shinoda said. For the band’s DJ, Joe Hahn, Armstrong’s ability to scream with raw emotion sealed the deal: “For me, that did it.”
Fan Reactions: Praise and Criticism
When Linkin Park announced Armstrong as the new co-lead vocalist alongside Shinoda, fans reacted with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The band’s new single, The Emptiness Machine, received rave reviews. Critics praised Armstrong’s ability to honor Bennington’s legacy while also carving out her own space within the band’s iconic sound. The New York Times hailed her performance, stating, “Armstrong shares Bennington’s ability to pivot between heartfelt melodies and gut-wrenching screams.”
Even the often-critical Linkin Park fanbase on Reddit responded positively. “She brings the energy needed to match the band's sound without trying to imitate Chester,” wrote one user. Another added, “This is a worthy reboot and the best step they could have taken.”
However, not all reactions were positive. Chester Bennington’s son, Jaime, publicly expressed disappointment, accusing the band of erasing his father’s legacy. He called the move a “betrayal of trust” and questioned why Armstrong, with her controversial past, had been allowed to join the band.
The Controversy: Scientology and Danny Masterson
Armstrong's appointment wasn’t just met with musical criticism—she faced backlash over her connections to the Church of Scientology and her previous support of actor Danny Masterson. Masterson, known for his role in That ‘70s Show, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in 2023 for rape charges. Armstrong had once supported him during court proceedings.
Following the announcement of her role in Linkin Park, Armstrong was called out by Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala and his wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, both of whom are former Scientologists and had accused Masterson of sexual assault. The controversy erupted, with many fans questioning Armstrong’s stance.
In response, Armstrong released a statement clarifying her actions. “Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance. Soon after, I realized I misjudged him. I do not condone abuse or violence against women, and I empathize with the victims of these crimes,” she said.
However, Armstrong did not address her ties to Scientology, leaving many fans wondering about her current involvement with the controversial church. While she has never publicly commented on her affiliation, her lyrics in Dead Sara’s 2018 track Heaven’s Got A Back Door hinted at a possible break from the church’s teachings, especially concerning her identity as queer—something historically condemned by Scientology’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
Moving Forward: A New Chapter for Linkin Park
Despite the criticism, Armstrong’s addition marks a new chapter for Linkin Park. As they embark on a world tour and continue to release new music, the band hopes to celebrate both their legacy and future. Brent Smith, lead singer of Shinedown, summed it up best in his defense of the band: “The entire world knows Chester Bennington is irreplaceable. But there’s an audience that misses this band and what they represent. Allow them the opportunity to create a new chapter.”
With The Emptiness Machine leading the charge, Linkin Park looks poised to reintroduce themselves to the world—honoring the past while embracing the future.
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