“The Emptiness Machine”: Linkin Park’s New Era Begins
Linkin Park, one of most iconic rock bands of 21st century,
has launched a new chapter in their musical journey
with release of their latest single, “The Emptiness Machine“ part of From Zero Album.
The track, released on September 5, 2024, serves as lead single
for their upcoming eighth studio album.
The Emptiness Machine Lyrics By Linkin Park
Your blades are sharpened with precision
Flashing your favorite point of view
I know you’re waiting in the distance
Just like you always do
Just like you always do
Already pulling me in
Already under my skin
And I know exactly how this ends, I
Let you cut me open
Just to watch me bleed
Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be
Don’t know why I’m hoping
For what I won’t receive
Falling for the promise of
The emptiness machine
The emptiness machine
Going around like a revolver
It’s been decided how we lose
‘Cause there’s a fire under the altar
I keep on lying to
I keep on lying to
Already pulling me in
Already under my skin
And I know exactly how this ends, I
Let you cut me open
Just to watch me bleed
Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be
Don’t know why I’m hoping
For what I won’t receive
Falling for the promise of
The emptiness machine
The emptiness machine
I only wanted to be part of something
I only wanted to be part of, part of
I only wanted to be part of something
I only wanted to be part of, part of
I only wanted to be part of something
I only wanted to be part
I let you cut me open
Just to watch me bleed
Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be
Don’t know why I’m hoping
So fucking naive
Falling for the promise of
The emptiness machine
The emptiness machine
[I only wanted to be part of something]
The emptiness machine
[I only wanted to be part of]
The emptiness machine
The Emptiness Machine A New Sound with Familiar Elements
“The Emptiness Machine” is a testament to Linkin Park’s ability to adapt while maintaining the core elements that made them a global success.
Described by Revolver as “a supercharged rock anthem in the tried-and-true LP tradition,” the song blends the signature Linkin Park fusion of electronic elements with heavy rock riffs, layered vocals, and introspective lyrics.
Fans will notice a fresh twist—Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara takes on lead vocals, becoming the first female vocalist to ever front a Linkin Park song. Her raw, powerful voice adds a new dynamic to the band’s sound,
complementing the distinct style that Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and the rest of the group bring to the table.
The Emptiness Machine New Faces on Horizon
“The Emptiness Machine” introduces two new key members: Emily Armstrong on vocals and Colin Brittain on drums. Armstrong, known for her work with Dead Sara, injects a new energy into Linkin Park’s sound.
Colin Brittain, an accomplished producer and musician, steps in to replace founding drummer Rob Bourdon, who departed from the band. This change marks the first single in band’s catalog that doesn’t feature both Chester Bennington and Rob Bourdon, a poignant reminder of the evolution the band has undergone since Chester’s tragic passing in 2017.
Despite these changes, Brad Delson (guitar), Dave “Phoenix” Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (samples, programming), and Mike Shinoda (keyboards, backing vocals, and production) remain foundational, ensuring that band retains its essence while embracing a bold new sound.
Production Behind “The Emptiness Machine” Linkin Park
Music video for “The Emptiness Machine”, directed by Joe Hahn, is a visual spectacle, reflecting song’s themes of isolation and transformation. Produced by W.L. Boyd under Swartz/Boyd Productions, the video’s production is a massive collaborative effort, featuring cutting-edge CGI and VFX work.
- Lead VFX and design were handled by cntrl.studio under the direction of Jeff Lichtfuss.
- Markerless motion capture technology was implemented by Wonder Studio (part of Autodesk), giving the video an ethereal, futuristic feel.
- The team worked on stunning CGI effects with Bleed VFX, under the direction of Paolo Cavalieri.
Detailed production credits show amount of work involved in making video an unforgettable visual experience. From art direction to wardrobe styling, the collaborative process mirrors the teamwork that goes into producing a Linkin Park song.
Behind Scenes: Production and Personnel The Emptiness Machine
“The Emptiness Machine” represents a technical and artistic achievement as well. Co-produced by Mike Shinoda and Colin Brittain, song was mixed by the acclaimed Neal Avron, with mastering done by Emerson Mancini. Ethan Mates, a long-time collaborator of Linkin Park, returned for recording engineering, ensuring the track’s sonic quality met the band’s high standards.
Linkin Park has always been a band that relies heavily on collaboration, and this song is no different. Alongside Armstrong and Brittain, the entire band—Shinoda, Delson, Farrell, and Hahn—had a hand in the song’s composition, creating a seamless blend of old and new.