Emily Armstrong takes the microphone for the band in the new formation, but was questioned about her alleged involvement with controversial religion and rape case
After seven years without new releases, the rock band from the United States Linkin Park has finally announced that it is back. And the return also marks a new formation for the group.
Emily Armstrongwho was already known for her performance in the band Dead Saratakes on vocals alongside MikeShinoda. The other new feature is the battery, which is now the responsibility of Colin Brittain. He has worked with artists such as Illenium and G Flip.
The announcements excited fans, who had not heard any major news since 2017 following the singer’s death. Chester Bennington. However, the name of Emily Armstrong also generated negative reactions on the internet.
Controversies
One of the main issues raised against the new vocalist of Linkin Park is its supposed relationship with the Scientologya controversial religion that is the target of allegations of physical and psychological abuse.
The Los Angeles-born singer was one of the celebrities who attended a religious gala in 2013 (via Mirror). In addition to her, the former model Leilani Dowding and the Hollywood icon John Travolta were also at the event.
On that occasion, Emily was seen posing for a photo next to the musician Cedric Bixler-Zavalalead singer of The Mars Volta and former supporter of Scientology.
Another point that was raised by fans is the alleged support of Emily Armstrong the Danny Mastersonan actor sentenced to prison for rape in 2022. He was a follower of the religion and was accused by women who were part of the cult.
Emily Armstrong would have participated in a preliminary session during the trial of Masterson. However, as the case occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic and access was restricted, she did not enter the hearing.
It is worth noting that Cedric Bixler-Zavalawith whom Emily Armstrong took a photo in 2013 at the ceremony of Church of Scientologyhas been married since 2009 to Christina Carnell Bixler. She is one of the women who accused Masterson of having committed sexual abuse.
In 2023, Bixler-Zavala made posts contrary to Emily on her social media: “Do your fans know about your friend Danny Masterson? Your rapist friend,” she wrote (via Rolling Stone USA).
Comparisons with Chester
Fans of Linkin Park also reacted to Emily on vocals. Although some comments questioned the singer’s qualities, most people showed support for the band’s new member.
Many messages praised the vocalist’s skill and the fact that a woman took over the group’s microphone. Other fans stressed that she is not a replacement for Chester Bennington and therefore should not be compared with it.
Emily Armstrong, Colin Brittain and the other members of Linkin Park prepare the release of the new album, From Zeroscheduled for November 15. They also announced a world tour that will visit six cities: Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul and Bogotá.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
