Many fans assumed Linkin Park would call it quits following the suicide death of lead singer Chester Bennington in July 2017. The band has made headlines in recent weeks, however, announcing a new lineup. Recently, they released a new single serving as the anthem for the 2024 League of Legends World Championships. Heavy is the Crown kicked off on September 25 in a LoL animated video, proving very popular with fans.
New Faces in the Mix
Linkin Park has not released any new music since Bennington’s death seven years ago but stunned many last week when they announced a new album was on the way with a new singer. Joining co-founders singer/rapper Mike Shinoda, guitarist Brad Delson, turntablist Joe Hahn, and bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell are former Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong and new drummer Colin Brittain.
When the new album titled From Zero was announced, Linkin Park gave fans a taste of what was to come with the release of the single The Emptiness Machine. The new League of Legends single, Heavy is the Crown, will also appear on From Zero.
In a statement released when the album was first announced, Shinoda said, “This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking. Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future—embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We are proud of what Linkin Park has become over the years, and excited about the journey ahead.”
Fans Welcome Linkin Park Back
Not everyone has been happy with the announcement of the reformed Linkin Park. Bennington’s widow and son have both spoken publicly expressing disappointment with the band’s decision to replace the late singer with Armstrong.
However, fan reaction to the Heavy is the Crown’s music video has been strong and mostly positive. In the 48 hours since its release on YouTube, the video has already racked up nearly 12.5 million views and at the time of this writing was seated at #15 on the trending list. The song also charted on the iTunes music charts.
A Unique Visual Experience
Heavy is the Crown marks the first time Linkin Park has collaborated with Riot Games, the studio behind League of Legends. In addition to serving as the anthem of the 2024 Worlds, the song also has a music video that features footage designed to capture the spirit of League of Legends.
For the video, created at Brunch Studio, members of Linkin Park as well as esports competitors for the 2024 Worlds appear as animated characters. They are battling for an actual crown around a fantasy castle setting.
Rising From the Ashes
As for the song itself, Heavy is the Crown harkens back to the style and sounds of Linkin Park’s heyday. Armstrong, while tonally different than Bennington, gives the song her all, yowling through lyrics like: “This is what you asked for, heavy is the crown/ Fire in the sunrise, ashes rainin’ down. Try to hold it in, but it keeps bleeding out.”
The band seems keen on bridging the gap between its first version and the new incarnation. Sharp-eared fans will recognize that those last lyrics appear to be an homage to the track “Bleed it Out” from the 2007 Linkin Park album Minutes to Midnight.
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