It's important to note that Emily isn’t a replacement for Chester – nobody is going to replace the voice and soul of a band – but as a way of extending Linkin Park’s lifespan and bringing their magic to the masses, her vocal power and dexterity is sensational. This comes into sharp focus in the one-two of the soaring Over Each Other, in which Emily laments a doomed relationship, and the rampaging, fist-swinging Casualty, where she gnashes ‘I won’t be your casualty!’ against one of the hardest songs LP have put their name to. They take further steps beyond their comfort zone too with the dubbier, groovier Overflow, pushing against what people think they want from the nu-metal-turned-stadium-rock titans.
Despite exploring all these new sonic horizons, however, From Zero never forgets who Linkin Park are and what made them so special in the first place. The dual vocal interplay of Mike and a more guttural counterpart, embellishments both mechanical and mercurial from Mr Hahn, being a vehicle for venting and channelling all your pain and negativity, all wrapped up in pristine production.
Sure, not every song is something to write home about, and not everyone is going to be on board with a new singer, but as a piece of work, it’s a clear reminder of why Linkin Park reached the heights they did and continue to influence multiple generations of artists. Welcome back.
Verdict: 4/5
For fans of: Bring Me The Horizon, Bad Omens, Spiritbox
READ THIS: The secret history of Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory: In their own words