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Somewhere We Belong: Linkin Park In Seattle
If one word defines Linkin Park in Seattle, it’s comeback. The generational band has staged one of the most powerful returns in modern music. Since announcing their reunion a year ago, fans have packed arenas and stadiums worldwide to experience the phenomenon now known as From Zero Mania. We had the rare chance to see this tour not once, but twice, and it’s safe to say it ranks among the most spectacular concerts we’ve ever witnessed. The show feels like a Christopher Nolan film brought to life on stage. Intricate and immersive, with every moment impossible to look away from. The production blends lasers, towering screens, and constant motion in a way that feels effortless while commanding your full attention.
Mike Shinoda (vocals/guitar), Joe Hahn (DJ and programming), and Dave “Phoenix” Farrell (bass) returned in top form, smiling as if they were exactly where they belonged. The newest members, Emily Armstrong (vocals), Colin Britton (drums), and Alex Feder (guitar), fit seamlessly into the lineup and gave the band a renewed energy. With fans roaring from every corner of a sold-out venue, it’s clear that whether it’s 2007, 2017, or 2025, Linkin Park remains an unstoppable live force. Before diving into the full review, we have to start at the beginning.
From Zero
In August 2024, fans were going about their day when a sudden notification from Linkin Park’s social media sent shockwaves through the community. It was a simple countdown, but it immediately sparked speculation. “Is this just a new merch drop?” some wondered. Others guessed it could be an anniversary announcement. The question no one dared to believe started creeping in, “Is Linkin Park coming back?”. As days passed, excitement built to anxious speculations. Then, just as the countdown hit zero, it restarted. Confusion set in. “Is this a joke?” fans asked, frustration mixing with anticipation. A few days later, another update arrived: Be part of something September 5th. When the day finally came, fans tuned into a livestream with nerves running high. The moment the truth became clear, the reaction was instant: “Oh shit, Linkin Park is back!”
After a seven-year hiatus following the passing of lead vocalist Chester Bennington, Linkin Park has made its long-awaited return. The show opened with a brand-new track, Emptiness Machine, a song that has quickly become the anthem of their comeback. On stage, the band addressed one of the biggest questions fans have been asking: “Who’s replacing Chester?”. Mike Shinoda made it clear there is no replacing Chester. His legacy lives on in the hearts of millions of fans, and attempting to fill his role would have been both impossible and disrespectful. Instead, the band introduced a new voice with her own style and presence. In the weeks leading up to the performance, rumors swirled that the new addition might be a female vocalist. Some fans speculated it could be Amy Lee of Evanescence after a cryptic social media post, though many knew that was unlikely given her commitment to her own band.
When It Began
As Emptiness Machine reached its climax, the cameras shifted focus, following the silhouette of a woman walking toward the stage. When the lights came up, the mystery was solved. It was Emily Armstrong of Dead Sara. At first, her nerves showed. With millions watching and so many expectations on her shoulders, the pressure was undeniable. As the performance went on, she settled in and her confidence began to shine. Joining Emily and Mike on stage were longtime members Dave Farrell and Joe Hahn. Alex Feder stepped in for Brad Delson on guitar, while Colin Britton took over drums for Rob Bourdon. It should be noted, Brad is still recording music for the band, but opted from live performances. The hour-long set proved one thing: fans had deeply missed Linkin Park and were ready to embrace the band’s new era. That feeling only grew stronger when the group announced their upcoming album From Zero, officially marking the start of their next chapter.
A New Album Shatters All Expectations
On November 15, 2024, Linkin Park released their eighth full-length album, From Zero, earning both commercial success and critical acclaim. The record delivers exactly what fans hoped to hear from the band in 2024. It blends elements of their past eras while creating a fresh sound that stands entirely on its own. Tracks like Overflow showcase intricate ideas reminiscent of A Thousand Suns, yet layered in ways that feel entirely new and impossible to mistake for their earlier work. Anthems like Heavy Is The Crown feature unforgettable moments, including a jaw-dropping 16-second scream from Emily Armstrong that instantly makes the track a standout.
By the time the record reaches its finale with Good Things Go, or Let You Fade on the deluxe edition. It delivers an emotional punch that leaves listeners stunned and ready to start the album again. That sense of urgency to replay a record is something many fans have deeply missed from Linkin Park’s music. Since its release, the band has taken From Zero on a global tour. I was fortunate enough to experience it twice, and now it’s time to share what it was like to witness Linkin Park in Seattle.
Like They Were Never Gone, The Fans Haven’t Skipped A Beat
This was the first Linkin Park In Seattle performance in 17 years, and expectations were sky-high. From the moment fans arrived in Seattle, the city was anxious. Crowds filled the streets, singing Numb, many wearing merch from past tours or previous dates. It was a night of celebration, and for anyone heading to Climate Pledge Arena, there was no better place to be. Inside the venue, lines stretched for merchandise, while thousands rushed to the floor to get as close to the stage as possible. Even a special guest, Optimus Prime, made an appearance, seemingly eager for a particular song. The sold-out arena thrummed with excitement, hearts racing as a ten-minute countdown played across the jumbo screens. The set hadn’t even started, yet the roar of tens of thousands echoed and shook the arena. In the final moments, the crowd joined together, counting down like a rocket about to launch. When the numbers reached zero, the band kicked off From Zero.
Welcome Back Linkin Park
A laser cut through the center of the stage as a slowed, deep-voiced version of Castle of Glass filled the arena. Fans erupted, screaming and singing along, the anticipation crescendo’d to fever pitch. One by one, the silhouettes of each band member appeared on stage, and as the guitars and drums kicked in, lights exploded across the venue. The excitement reached a peak when Emily Armstrong and Mike Shinoda made their entrance, launching into Somewhere I Belong. Linkin Park in Seattle delivered an unforgettable night, performing a sprawling 27-track set that covered all the hits fans had been waiting for.
Setlist
Crawling, One Step Closer, Lying From You, What I’ve Done, Linkin Park In Seattle had it all. Since the night celebrated From Zero, fans also got eight tracks from the new album, including Two Faced, Up From the Bottom, and Stained. From the first note to the final chord, the performance was a nonstop, high-energy spectacle. With the intricate stage design, there was always a risk the band members could collide with each other or the equipment, but it never happened. Instead, the night showcased constant synergy, with members joking, swapping roles, and even interacting with Joe Hahn’s DJ setup. The energy was contagious, radiating across the crowd and reminding everyone that the band was truly enjoying being on stage.
Highlights
Within the two-hour set, the show was packed with highlights, but a few moments stood out. During When They Come for Me/Remember the Name, Mike jumped into the crowd to select a lucky fan. In Seattle, that fan was a young attendee who received a hat signed by every band member, a moment they would no doubt remember and share at school the next day. Meanwhile, on stage, Joe Hahn could be seen experimenting on Colin’s drum kit before Colin playfully shooed him off and launched into a drum solo, with Hahn taking over the DJ deck. Another standout moment came during In the End, when Emily and Mike performed side by side. The performance evoked flashbacks of Mike and Chester, and fans could feel the same emotions. It was moments like this that made Chester’s presence felt through Emily’s performance. Showing that she was a thoughtful and powerful addition to Linkin Park’s current lineup.
In The End
I’ve seen Linkin Park perform several times in the past. Whether it was the band’s energy or just the thrill of hearing the songs live again, this was easily one of the greatest shows I’ve ever witnessed. The proof came in the night’s grand finale. Linkin Park in Seattle closed with an encore of Papercut, In the End, and capped it all with Faint. Any fan will tell you that sequence delivers more adrenaline than most bands could ever hope for. The final notes left the crowd in stunned silence, and as fans streamed out to Phil Collins’ Take Me Home, smiles were everywhere.
Outside, the streets of downtown Seattle filled with fans singing together, celebrating the music that defined their generation. The night brought everyone together for a moment many thought they would never see. Writing about Linkin Park in Seattle still feels surreal, and the memory of that show will stay with me forever. As the From Zero tour continues next year, I am more than excited to experience a few more dates. Beyond this tour, fans can only hope it won’t be long before another chapter begins. After this performance and the new album, one thing is clear, the future looks bright for our nu-metal titans.
Thank You
I’d like to thank Linkin Park In Seattle and their team for allowing me to witness and capture their incredible return. If you’d like to find out more on the group, please visit here: Linkin Park Website
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