Single Review: Linkin Park - “The Emptiness Machine”

JAMES MINCHIN III

Once I saw the announcement that Linkin Park had recruited a new singer and drummer, a lot of thoughts came to mind, especially about the new singer.
The first question I had was, "How do you fill shoes as big as Chester Bennington's?" How can anyone be expected to take on that role and step into the legacy Linkin Park created with Chester? I wrote down my thoughts as I tuned into their live concert stream, and after a while, the answer came to me: you don’t.

With a band like Linkin Park, Chester’s voice is ingrained in the DNA of all that great music. Continuing the band without him isn’t about replacing him, but about paying tribute to his legacy and the band’s while forging ahead and writing a new chapter.
​
The new single, "The Emptiness Machine," gave me chills and continues to do so after multiple listens. Seeing a band I grew up with—whose music I’ve leaned on at various points in life—emerge from tragedy stronger than ever is truly inspiring.
The song itself is super catchy. It retains many elements of Linkin Park’s signature sound while still feeling modern and fresh.

Songwriting
The chorus of this song absolutely grabbed me. While the progression mainly consists of chords from the key of D minor, it starts with the I major chord—a technique Linkin Park has perfected (see: "Crawling"). I'm a total sucker for this songwriting move.

Production
The production is amazing, as always, from the LP crew. There are so many fine details and sound effects for your ears to latch onto. Also, the decision to delay the heavy chorus until Emily’s part is brilliant.
​
Conclusion
The combination of Linkin Park’s classic sound with Emily Armstrong’s powerful vocals ushers in a new era for the band, and I’m excited to hear the new album From Zero.