It’s been a long time since Linkin Park have been at Download, and it’s almost as if the universe itself knew they were coming. The sky above hangs in hues of dusty lilac and pink, mimicking the swirling colours found in the cover art of their 2024 album, From Zero. It was 2014 when they were last here, and a short teaser trailer for their forthcoming film Unshatter plays out before they arrive, with Mike Shinoda confessing within it, “the hardest part of ending is starting up again.”
Their comeback single The Emptiness Machine is the only fitting way to make their return, the song that cracked open the new era, one that would be different, difficult, but ultimately rewarding, as proved by the generous turnout across the field. As Emily Armstrong tackles the chorus, she sounds brilliant. Like or lump their current form, there’s no denying how striking her vocals are.
What’s more is that she’s making history in the process of turning up today, as the first woman to headline Download. Mike beams widely as he shares the news, suppressing a little laugh. “She hates this kind of attention,” he shares, “despite what goes on up here.” But it’s certainly something to celebrate. For Two Faced, Mike asks for women to conquer the mosh-pits, this time as a way to honour their low-key singer.