Although it seemed that, after even seven years, it was impossible to overshadow the euphoria caused by the return of the favorite band, the comments under the new songs Link’s Parka have turned into fertile ground for the most heated discussions in the last few months. Reactions to the arrival of a new vocalist Emily Armstrong and a drummer Colina Brittaina especially regarding the first one, they didn’t stop at just musical arguments. The nature of the relationship of the new singer – also in charge of vocals in the band Dead Sara – with the controversial cult of Scientology, as well as the case of supporting a future convict for sexual violence, met with severe criticism from the public, to which she responded only with a rather lukewarm statement.
In addition, on a purely musical level, a contingent of fans is not litter the fact that in place of the legendary – and for some, completely irreplaceable – Chestera Bennington a new, different voice is coming. Thus, the new album “From Zero”which we had the opportunity to listen to at a special party in the organization the day before its official release Mascom Records and the Serbian branch of the publishing house Warner opens the next stage in the band’s career from a very unenviable starting position – somewhere between the uncertain future and the unbearable pressure of the existing legacy, there is a starting point from which everything is rebuilt. Practically, from scratch.
In a comfortable atmosphere You begwho tonight warmly received representatives of the media and a dozen of the most ardent fans chosen through a draw, the excitement was palpable. Listeners of different generations, who were united by their love for the most favorite nu metal band in the world, eagerly sipped a specially smoked cocktail during an announcement by a Warner representative, ending with an exclusive address by the band, recorded exclusively for visitors. pre-listen events.
Organizing a party like this one day before the official release, especially if the album was recently leaked, is somewhat pointless – primarily because it doesn’t leave enough time for the media, critics and others to add fuel to the existing hype. However, on this occasion, one can turn a blind eye to these omissions – to the delight of Linkin Park fans, the new album is an octane ride through the band’s proven sound, with a few important footnotes.
As nu metal in today’s constellation is practically an ancient relic, the not-so-easy task of adapting the old sensibilities and sounds to the new generation was done without compromise – the drums still sound crystal clear. loopguitars and electronics are adapted to modern standards, Mike Shinoda has, in addition to his singing skills, honed his half Eurodance, half Caucasian hip hop flowa Mr. Hahn looks forward to fresh digs in the form of great string samples. To top it all off, Emily’s vocals are – and don’t let them convince you otherwise – one of the best aspects of the new Linkin Park.
Although, as is the case with any prematurely retired frontman, fans will always look for the outline of Chester in her, Emily carries the load with ease, without cheap imitation, whether she is depressed in the stanzas, opens on explosive choruses, or roars from her fifth veins. What immediately jumps out is that the girl really believes in what she said – even when it’s the weakest’s turn.Good Things Go” i „Over Each Other”, the sand in her voice, stripped emotion, and minimal but characteristic decorations support simple melodic lines, giving naturalness to somewhat sterile production solutions. Every crown is difficult, says the title of the lead single, but her dedication shows that she is well-deserved on this occasion.
“IGYEIH”, as well as “Overflow”, which successfully struggles to adapt alt-pop to analog sound, are excellent, but based on the first impression, one thing in particular stood out from the second half. If there is a question of bringing back the spirit of that old Linkin Park, “Two Faced” is the best answer the band has in their repertoire – after a nu metal play with Shinoda’s rap, there follows a singing chorus, perfect for headbanging in the front rows, while the whole impression is rounded off by a crazy bridge with a bunch of scratches, filtered drums and agonizing screams.
Of course, playing the safe nostalgia card has its price. As “The Emptiness Machine” already indicated, a good part of the album works as a clean one fan service – yes, even for a couple of you freaks who like “One More Light” period. Except for a couple of experiments, more precisely, hardcore “Casualty” i „Cut the Bridge” which sounds like it was plucked from a Paramore rehearsal, most of the material relies on the same tropes as twenty years ago. Scratches, drop #C tuning, powerful chanting choruses and electronic spice are present on each of the songs, this time deliberately adapted to the radio format, so that the entire release fits into a compact 30 minutes. Everything is the same as before, so whoever likes it, go for it.
The album flies by in the blink of an eye. While the fans were sharing their impressions as loudly as possible, it became increasingly clear that no one would leave indifferent – and not empty-handed either. As a souvenir, all visitors received a Linkin Park badge with a poster and a badge. However, the most important thing is what money can’t buy – the generational anger and anxiety that millions of former teenagers identified with has regained its true voice. Listen on your favorite streaming service or physical carrier.
Source: balkanrock.com
