Date: February 6th, 2025
Written by: Justin Fisher
Minibites is my way of collectively putting together three or four albums or EPs that I enjoyed and wanted to highlight but couldn't find time to write a full review of. I will post minibites every few months, varying in length and genre.
Linkin Park has made a notable return with their latest album, From Zero, marking their first release since the passing of lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017. The band has introduced new members: vocalist Emily Armstrong, formerly of Dead Sara, and drummer Collin Brittain, who also co-produced the album.
The album features tracks like "Two Faced," "Over Each Other," "Heavy Is the Crown," and "The Emptiness Machine." Critics have noted that Armstrong's vocal dynamics complement co-vocalist Mike Shinoda, bringing a fresh energy to the band's signature nu-metal sound.
However, Armstrong's addition has sparked controversy due to her past support for Scientology and associations with convicted rapist Danny Masterson. Despite addressing these concerns, debates continue among fans and the public.
From Zero is now available on major streaming platforms, and Linkin Park has announced a world tour to promote the album.
With From Zero, Linkin Park moves away from the electropop sound of One More Light—their final release before an indefinite hiatus—and returns to their industrial metal-influenced alternative rock roots. Emily Armstrong pays tribute to Chester Bennington with her soulful, raspy vocals while seamlessly complementing the band's signature style through her songwriting.
If you’re a fan of Minutes to Midnight-era Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, early Thirty Seconds to Mars, or Emily's band Dead Sara, this album is a must-listen.
Following the release of their debut EP, Or Something, in 2023, Winnipeg’s Leon's Getting Larger wasted no time crafting a new collection of vulnerable, Midwest emo-inspired tracks. Produced and recorded by Jordan Voth at Ricochet Recordings, You Be Good Now showcases Luke, Noah, and Niko at their best.
The EP features fresh material alongside a reworked version of their older track, 'Antoinette.' Songs like 'Miko? No, No, Niko' channel influences from The Hotelier and Death Cab for Cutie while maintaining a distinct sound, blending post-rock and emo with dual vocals and shimmering, jangly guitars.
Catch Leon's Getting Larger's album release party on February 8th at the Handsome Daughter with Locater, Guilty Sleep and Kennedy Gilbertson.
In November, San Antonio-based post-hardcore newcomers Kill Lonely released their second EP, Temptation. While it serves as a follow-up to 2022's BLXZY, the new release marks a dramatic shift in both style and sound. Whereas BLXZY leaned heavily into pop-punk influences, Temptation embraces a bolder identity, staying true to the band's hip-hop roots while incorporating heavier elements of metalcore and hardcore.
Hard-hitting tracks like "NUMB" and "EMANCIPATE" showcase Kill Lonely's ability to craft emotional, melodic hooks with soaring clean vocals while fearlessly pushing the boundaries of modern post-hardcore. "GONE" nods to their pop-punk roots, blending trap hi-hats in the verses with a roaring, sing-along chorus. Meanwhile, the EP’s title track, "Temptation," delivers a heavy, Falling In Reverse-esque banger that cements their evolving sound.
Kill Lonely employs huge riffs and impactful breakdowns for fans of bands such as Bad Omens, ERRA, The Devil Wears Prada and The Word Alive.
All releases mentioned above can be found on streaming platforms, and respective storefronts such as Bandcamp.
Shows to see in Winnipeg if you are a fan of these releases:
Saturday, February 8th: Leon's Getting Larger with Locater, Guilty Sleep and Kennedy Gilbertson @ The Handsome Daughter - emo/shoegaze
Monday, March 24th: Killswitch Engage with Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King and Frozen Soul @ The Burton Cummings Theatre - metalcore
Sunday, April 20th: The Devil Wears Prada with ERRA, Kingdom Of Giants and Acres @ The Park Theatre - metalcore
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