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Linkin Park Returns to Late Night with New Single
On September 17, Linkin Park made a striking return to late-night television with the premiere of their latest single, “The Emptiness Machine,” on the Tonight Show. This marked a significant moment for the band as it featured their new vocalist, Emily Armstrong. The song is part of their upcoming album, From Zero, set to release on November 15. The performance was visually captivating, set against a backdrop that resembled an ice station on a distant frozen world, with moodily lit plastic drapery accentuating the cold atmosphere.
With Colin Brittain on drums providing a solid rhythm, Mike Shinoda delivered an urgent vocal performance, passionately singing the song’s poignant chorus: “I let you cut me open/ Just to watch me bleed/ Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be/ Don’t know why I’m holding what I won’t receive/ Falling for the promise of the emptiness machine.”
The intensity escalated as the band transitioned into a driving, dual-guitar accompaniment, with Armstrong stepping into the spotlight to showcase her powerful vocals. Amidst a dazzling light show, she passionately traded verses with Shinoda, capturing the audience’s attention as she belted out the chorus with fervor.
This week, “The Emptiness Machine” debuted at No. 21 on the Hot 100 chart, marking Linkin Park’s highest entry in 15 years. The band’s previous top-charting hit was “New Divide” from the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen soundtrack, which peaked at No. 9 back in 2009.
In a conversation with host Jimmy Fallon following their performance, Shinoda expressed the exhilarating emotions that were felt during their debut performance with the new lineup at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 11. This concert signified the beginning of their first tour since the loss of singer Chester Bennington in 2017. “To be this many years in and to feel that genuine adrenaline, excitement, and happiness—there’s nothing like it,” he remarked, reflecting on the six-show arena tour that is expected to culminate in a larger national tour in 2025.
Shinoda also shared a light-hearted moment when Fallon played an awkward clip from the recent concert, where he accidentally hit his head on the mic stand right after delivering a line from his side project, Fort Minor. It showcased the unpredictable and often amusing side of live performances.
Addressing the emotional journey of reuniting the band without Bennington, Shinoda explained, “We never set out to, like, ‘Let’s bring the band back’ or ‘Let’s find a singer.’ That was never our intention… The new record was created as we were developing this new iteration of the band.” He emphasized the organic nature of the band’s reunion, which evolved alongside the music they were creating.
To catch Linkin Park’s electrifying performance, watch their appearance on the Tonight Show below.
Source
www.billboard.com