Is this site starting to look like a Linkin Park stan page?
Probably – but you can’t really blame me for it.
I’ve said it enough in the past couple of months, but their coming back has been nothing but flawless so far – and honestly the best example I’ve seen in ages of how you can escape the darkest places and bring back the light. Forget about tearing down corners, the whole thing is a freaking supernova cleansing any former slate. From Zero indeed.
A lot has happened since the countdown, and when I say a lot, I mean a LOT – enough actually to drag me out of my own lurking shadows and reconsider my plea to stay out of fandoms on socials. Guys, I swear to the rock n roll gods, I’ve had so much fun and felt so much joy pouring through EVERYTHING they put out, I’m back being my excited golden retriever puppy self on main. Who thought that could happen? That’s the kind of light you can’t fight, nor want to.
A rebirth for them, a rebirth for me – music will always find you when you need it right?
Speaking of music, yesterday was a bit of a special day. One of those full circle moments you never saw coming. 24 years ago on that day, my 15yo sorry arse was putting her shaking hands on a brand new CD called ‘Hybrid Theory’ at last.
If you ever were a Linkin Park fan, or a 15 years old in the 00s really, you know how that album redefined everything. Opening the gates to a whole new musical genre for many, and giving the opportunity to all high school angsty introverts to find their tribe at last. I know it’s not a special story because I saw it happen with my own eyes. If you wore dark clothing, if you skipped class to go to the record store, if you shared a haircut with Mike – I’m blaming him for my never ending obsession with red dyed hair – or just simply, if you felt like you didn’t belong anywhere – you were a Linkin Park fan.
Good times. Not really, but a good soundtrack to get through it all at least.
And there I was reminiscing about those days in my just-a-shade lighter clothes, fresh dyed hair (you owe me 24 years worth of manic panic man) and comfortably snuggled in the fact I still don’t belong thank fuck – waiting for a new Linkin Park song.
Full circle? Not yet. It gets worse.
Waiting for a new Linkin Park song next to my kid sitting on the edge of the couch, legs restless with excitement and eyes sparkling at the countdown going down. Damn. We old. But the new gen just embarking on their own musical journey is there too, to carry on the torch that band entrusted us with. What a sight to witness. Yeah babe, I’m crying because
Joe killed off Emily* instead of letting her enjoy the rest of her life with her wifey you’re right. Right. (*But for real, don’t kill off Emily three singles in man, we’re all desperately in love with her already, not cool.)
Enough ramblings already, and let’s talk about the actual subject here – you know me, I love a detour (Google Maps hates me).
If you ever wondered if Linkin Park was a band for you or if you ever wondered if Linkin Park was STILL a band for you – I am urging you to go listen to their latest single Over Each Other, that perfectly encapsulates everything this band can bring and definitely hints at their new direction.
Not gonna lie, it is a pretty sad song. One of those songs that hit you like a bus for being oh-so-relatable and will probably awaken a few traumatic memories. And if you watch the video, Joe who directed it, summed up that feeling all TOO well (still mad at ya man – which in all fairness, is a sign of a job well done so congrats).
The melody, the lyrics, the aesthetics of it all will definitely feel like a punch in the guts. But the sensitivity and emotions surging through – and Emily’s raspy voice really enhanced those for me, what an amazing singer gosh – will probably bring a few tears long locked in your own history.
I don’t know shit about music but for this conviction – a great song is a song you can make your own, and this one is an instant GREAT song. The universality of those feelings we all had once seals for good the connection one can feel with a bunch of complete strangers singing your own sorrows away.
It’s one of those songs guys. One of those therapeutic songs. Those which help you process situations and hell, heal from them.. Just because somewhere, at some point, someone you never knew got it right and gave you some words to hold onto and ease the pain til you figure it out yourself.
One that brings understanding.
One that brings that helping hand.
One that brings a place where you finally belong – because you’re suddenly not alone.
A great song. A great light. A great full circle moment.
From Zero is out November 15 and screamy pants on or off, I am so here for it. Like I haven’t been in way too long.
Ha. Music.
What a blessing.
