In September, Linkin Park's return single The Emptiness Machine debuted at No. 4 on the UK singles chart. This is a remarkable achievement: a legendary metal band, whose lead singer passed away seven years ago and was recently replaced by the largely unknown Emily Armstrong, breaking into a Top 5 dominated by younger pop and pop-dance artists who were too young to remember Linkin Park's debut album Hybrid Theory from 2000.
Yet, this comeback might not be as surprising as it seems. The nu-metal genre, which gave rise to Linkin Park, has seen renewed interest. In addition to a surge in early 2000s nostalgia, there's a notable connection between the genre's angst and the emotional tone of modern pop. Furthermore, Linkin Park has always had a distinct identity within the nu-metal scene. The band has often been compared to Def Leppard in their approach to the genre—not only because of their immense commercial success but also due to the mainstream, pop-influenced sheen of Hybrid Theory.
Linkin Park's songs, such as Numb and Shadow of the Day, could easily be imagined as tracks by pop artists like Chris Martin. Even their last album, One More Light, featured contributions from high-profile songwriters and pop vocalist Kiiara. Similarly, just as Def Leppard's influence transcended metal, Linkin Park's impact is also widespread, inspiring artists like Billie Eilish, Halsey, The Weeknd, and the Chainsmokers.
With Emily Armstrong in the lineup, Linkin Park's sound feels even more contemporary. On tracks like Over Each Other and Overflow, the band's edgy pop influence is evident, with melodies front and center and experimental, dub-influenced echoes that recall Linkin Park's diverse musical tastes.
That said, From Zero retains the heavy, distorted guitars that defined their earlier work, unlike the more experimental sound of Minutes to Midnight. The track Heavy Is the Crown, though produced by the same person behind Ed Sheeran's Galway Girl, fits comfortably alongside Meteora's harder, more aggressive sound. At times, the album's poppiest moments are immediately followed by its rawest, such as the dramatic shift from the catchy Stained to the intense IGYEIH, with Armstrong's guttural vocals and sharp guitar riffs. Casualty, with its fast punk pace, features a studio interaction where a voice encourages Armstrong to "get your screaming pants on," emphasizing the band's collaborative spirit rather than simply bringing in a new frontwoman.
Linkin Park has managed to balance both innovation and homage to their iconic past. From Zero delivers catchy melodies, dynamic soundscapes, and moments of sheer intensity that will resonate with long-time fans. The album succeeds in sounding both fresh and authentic without relying on nostalgia alone. One such moment occurs in Cut the Bridge, where the music halts and Armstrong's voice, amplified by psychedelic effects, creates an unforgettable, air-punch-inducing experience.
Achieving a sound that is current while staying true to their roots is no small feat. However, Linkin Park had already laid the groundwork for this kind of sound evolution long before Chester Bennington's death. Their broad range of collaborators—like Pusha T, Rakim, the Dust Brothers, and Owen Pallett—demonstrated their willingness to push boundaries. This spirit of experimentation is exactly what has allowed their comeback to succeed so brilliantly.