Friendly Fire: Unheard Track By Linkin Park

The unexpected release of Linkin Park‘s previously unreleased track “Friendly Fire” featuring the late vocalist Chester Bennington has left fans both surprised and emotional. The track, which surfaced overnight, is a poignant reminder of Bennington’s enduring legacy and his irreplaceable presence in the music industry.

The decision to unveil this new-to-us track coincides with the announcement of the band’s upcoming greatest hits album titled “Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000-2023)”, set to be released via Warner on April 12th. According to guitarist Brad Delson, “Friendly Fire” was recorded during the One More Light sessions back in 2017 and was an instant favorite among the band members. However, it didn’t make the final cut for the album. Despite this, the song is now out in the world, and its emotional depth and sonic richness make it clear why it resonated so deeply with the band.

Friendly Fire:

• Specialty of the Track: “Friendly Fire” stands out as a rare gem in the Linkin Park catalog, featuring vocals by the late Chester Bennington. Recorded during the band’s prolific era, the track showcases Bennington’s raw emotion and powerful vocal delivery, making it a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy.

• Recording Date: “Friendly Fire” was recorded during Linkin Park‘s sessions for their acclaimed album, “Meteora”, in the early 2000s. Despite its age, the track has remained unreleased until now, offering fans a glimpse into the band’s creative process during that period.

• Track Theme: Lyrically, “Friendly Fire” explores themes of inner conflict and emotional turmoil, with Bennington’s haunting vocals painting a vivid picture of struggle and resilience. The track’s intensity and raw emotion serve as a testament to Linkin Park‘s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.

Describing the track as a “beautiful, compelling, heartbreaking, hopeful story,” Delson expresses his excitement for fans to experience it. “Friendly Fire” joins a collection of 20 tracks spanning Linkin Park‘s illustrious career, including hits like “One Step Closer” and “Breaking The Habit”, as well as rare gems like “QWERTY”.

Co-founder and vocalist Mike Shinoda reflects on the process of curating the tracks for “Papercuts”, describing each song as a “singular moment on our timeline” and a shared story between the band and its fans. While the band remains on hiatus following Bennington’s passing in 2017, the release of “Friendly Fire” serves as a powerful reminder of Linkin Park‘s enduring impact on the music world.

“Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000-2023)” promises to be a nostalgic journey through Linkin Park‘s evolution as a band, offering fans a chance to relive their favorite moments and discover hidden treasures along the way. As we eagerly await its release on April 12th, let us cherish the music that continues to keep Chester Bennington’s spirit alive.