Linkin Park’s “The Emptiness Machine” Is Far From Empty

Linkin Park. A band that invigorates a lot of emotions for a generation of people that have grown up in the 2000s and 2010s. When the 100-hour countdown was announced on their socials, the internet and fans alike speculated something big would happen. When the countdown was over, there was a brief image, a short snippet of sound, then another announcement about how a real announcement of something big was actually coming. So in the end, the announcement of the announcement didn’t even matter…ironic, eh?

But then! The official declaration of a new singer: Emily Armstrong, previously of the band Dead Sara, and NOT Bonnie Fraser of Stand Atlantic, whom Mike Shinoda had done a version of “Bleed It Out with where Fraser’s vocals were praised, leading to a viral internet clip that sparked hypothesizing that she would be Linkin Park’s new frontwoman. Selfishly, I enjoy Stand Atlantic more than Dead Sara, so I’m glad Fraser is sticking with them. 

Before we dive into the controversy surrounding the appointment of Armstrong, I’d like to get into the musical side of things. I like Armstrong’s vocals a lot. I think her voice works with many different sounds (“Jump Sit Stand March” by AWOLNATION featuring Armstrong being another example) and styles of music. So to me, I get excited at the thought of her joining Linkin Park’s nu metal, rap rock, experimental, post-grunge, alternative sound. Plus, I like seeing misogynists out themselves on the internet without realizing they’re outing themselves. Truly, I saw a comment online saying, “I’m not a fan of gals singing metal.” Oof, man. Big time oof. 

The new single with both Shinoda and Armstrong splitting vocal duties on “The Emptiness Machine” has me excited to see where this new chapter of Linkin Park goes as we turn the page one song and album at a time. The well placed F-bomb towards the end of the song is solid, and I think it builds to that moment expertly. I will admit, there’s part of me that longed for Chester Bennington’s vocals on this song, but I still enjoyed listening. 

Don’t forget that music is subjective, and whoever Linkin Park chose as a new vocalist was always going to divide the fanbase. What’s not subjective, however, is Emily Armstrong’s ties to Scientology. She was born into the religion where her parents are still members, and it’s unclear whether or not Armstrong has severed ties or not. Some Dead Sara lyrics suggest criticism of Scientology’s teachings. The most damning thing is, however, that she went to a hearing during the Danny Masterson rape trial in support of him.

She addressed this on her social media—allow me to paraphrase. Years ago, she was asked to support someone she considered a friend and she realized shortly after supporting them that she was wrong to do so. She tries to see the good in people, she misjudged him and she hasn’t spoken to him since. Is that good enough for the masses? That she has admitted she shouldn’t have supported Masterson and is moving on? Only time will tell. Though, I think a lot of people in this state can relate to breaking away from growing up in a religion that you were born into and trying to navigate the mental gymnastics one goes through to fully disconnect and recover from the religious trauma, no?

The Linkin Park brass and Armstrong knew they would have to deal with the controversy, and I think they’re going about it fine. I could be wrong, it’s just my opinion, because maybe they could be doing more. What I hope comes from all of this is that we give Linkin Park the time to see what they create with a new singer. Whether you’re a casual fan, or a die hard Linkin Park-er, the new album titled From Zero is one that is sure to be a continued topic of discussion when it is released this year on November 15. 

Read more national reviews:
Review: MJ Lenderman – Manning Fireworks
Review: Sabrina Carpenter – Short N’ Sweet