Linkin Park Move Closer to Classic Sound on ‘Heavy is the Crown’
Linkin Park has released a new song, “The Emptiness Machine.” – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo via James Minchin III
As soon as the revamped Linkin Park lineup was announced, it was pretty obvious they were moving away from the classic Linkin Park sound, at least judging by the sound of their debut single, “The Emptiness Machine.” Now, however, the group is moving a bit closer to that traditional Linkin Park sound with a new song, “Heavy is the Crown.” While the song doesn’t sound exactly like classic Linkin Park, it has more of that Chester Bennington-influenced vibe than “The Emptiness Machine,” which was more alt-rock in nature.
‘Heavy Is the Crown’ is a Raging Rap-Rock Anthem
“Heavy Is the Crown” kicks off with some light synths before crashing into a raging rap-rock anthem. The beginning isn’t too different from something you’d hear on Linkin Park’s 2003 release, “Meteora,” with dynamics and synths much like “Faint” or “Somewhere I Belong.” For the verses, Mike Shinoda contributes his familiar rapping, and on the choruses, new singer Emily Armstrong screams in a high-pitched sound. The entire vibe of the song recalls early Linkin Park, but it’s of course very different without the late, great Bennington.
Before releasing the studio version, Linkin Park debuted the track at their gig in Hamburg, Germany, this past Sunday (September 22). On top of the release of the new track, the band has announced that the song will be the official 2024 League of Legends World Championship Anthem.
Linkin Park’s new lineup includes Shinoda, Armstrong and new drummer Colin Brittain. Guitarist Brad Delson is still technically a member of Linkin Park and performed on the record, but he decided not to tour with the band. Alex Feder is on the road with Linkin Park serving as their touring guitarist.
New Linkin Park Tour Dates
The new lineup has also announced a few new dates for their “From Zero” world tour. The newly added shows are set for Paris on November 3, Dallas on November 8 and São Paulo on November 15. Those dates are in addition to the previously announced dates that were announced earlier this month, including gigs the group has already performed in Inglewood, California; Brooklyn, New York; and Hamburg, Germany.
Watch the music video for “Heavy Is the Crown” and view the latest tally of Linkin Park tour dates below.
Earlier this month, Bennington’s son Jaime took to social media to say that he doesn’t approve of the new Linkin Park and that some fans have been giving him a hard time for his beliefs. He said on his Instagram story, “There are a lot of people who do not like me. There are a lot of people saying some really awful [expletive] right now to me. To be honest, I don’t think I feel safe going to the show under general admission because I don’t know who I’m around. I don’t know who would recognize me or take it upon themselves to respond to me in an aggressive manner when I’m just there to see the show. But I do need to see it.”
Linkin Park 2024 Tour Dates:
09/24 – London, UK @ The O2
09/28 – Seoul, South Korea @ INSPIRE Arena
11/03 – Paris, France @ La Defense Arena
11/08 – Dallas, TX @ Globe Life Field
11/11 – Bogota, Colombia @ Coliseo Medplus
11/15 – São Paulo, Brazil @ Allianz Park
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