Above image via Instagram: @linkinpark
Giovanni Mori | Posted: December 4th, 2024
2024 saw new high streaming releases in the rock and metal world from many established bands and artists including Jack White, Breaking Benjamin, and The Cure, as well as a number of obscure artists with well deserved recognition such as The Warning, House of Protection, and Benson Boone. Some of these exciting tunes turned out to be an artist’s first release in many years, but all throughout 2024, there was one song in particular that absolutely dominated the rock community, and for a moment, the entire music world. This song was the fourth single released from none other than Linkin Park’s highly anticipated comeback album, From Zero, fans and listeners know this song best by its title, “Two Faced.”
“Two Faced” was a surprise release that was given to listeners just days before From Zero was set to come out. Die hard fans including myself were already very excited to hear the album when it was announced in September, and enjoyed the album’s previously released singles, “The Emptiness Machine,” “Heavy Is the Crown,” and “Over Each Other,” all of which on the other hand, seemed to divide fans as to whether or not the band should move forward after the passing of former co-vocalist, Chester Bennington. The band ultimately put out “Two Faced” as one final taste of what listeners can expect to hear from the new eleven track album, and it became clear there was a reason Linkin Park wanted us to hear that song next.
The song opens with an ominous synth track, and a quiet but energizing palm muted guitar riff in the background. Before the listener can even think twice, they’re hit full force as the now distorted guitar jams on a dark riff in its signature tuning, along with the bass guitar’s low notes giving you that kick in your chest, the full drum kit with deafening crash cymbals, and an ear piercing scream to hook you in. From there, you’ll hear co-vocalist Mike Shinoda’s rap verses build the song up, and eventually be treated with another big release of energy as Shinoda and new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong harmonize in the song’s powerful chorus.
If that isn’t enough to throw you out of your chair, check out the fun music video below!
Youtube: Linkin Park
“Two Faced” turned out to be the perfect tune for fans who miss the sound of old school Linkin Park, and anyone who’s looking for nostalgia to bring them back to a classic nu metal sound from the early 2000s. The song’s meaning, while simply being about dealing with toxicity from the people around you, is also a nice throwback to a common theme from Linkin Park’s two popular albums, Hybrid Theory and Meteora.
The track became a fan favorite overnight, and is considered by listeners to be the best song from the new album, one could argue the reason for the song’s success is because the track is reminiscent of one of the bands older and most popular songs of all time, “One Step Closer.” Number one fans will notice how nearly every layer of “Two Faced” seems to be a direct parallel to “One Step Closer” when looking at the guitar riff’s low notes and octave chords, the simple but effective hip hop style on the drums, and who could forget the breakdown callouts before being slapped in the face with the heaviest part of the song? For generations, fans have and will continuously scream Bennington’s iconic line “Shut up when I’m talking to you” (2:06 – 2:10), from “One Step Closer,” and now the new era of Linkin Park is treated with Emily Armstrong’s “Stop yelling at me, I can’t hear myself think” (2:06 – 2:14), which is perfect for new and old fans to forget everything simply lose their minds in the music.
Listen and watch the video to “One Step Closer” below.
Youtube: Linkin Park
As much as fans love the angst that comes with a Linkin Park song, what sticks out to others is the band going back to their basics. Obviously, they haven’t forgotten the songwriting or the type of music that put them on the map, and it feels like they wanted to give some of that magic back to fans as they approach their new era with Armstrong as their new co-vocalist. It’s no secret Linkin Park has succeeded in no matter what genre of music they fall into, thinking back to their previous album, “One More Light,” which was more of a focus in the pop and EDM genre. The eighth track from their new album makes it clear for fans wanting the heavier stuff that they can go back anytime they want and still be at the top of their game, which is why “Two Faced” has become For The Music Man’s Song of the Year.
Listen to From Zero in full below!
Youtube: Linkin Park
Sources
“From Zero” Youtube, uploaded by Linkin Park, 14 Nov. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y26UaUlvBws&list=OLAK5uy_llu148Ny0qF6bSApqzcVOQ9MaiCYySEG8
Linkin Park [@linkinpark]. Album cover. Instagram, 5 Sept. 2024, https://www.instagram.com/p/C_jiJ1Cyl1y/
“One Step Closer (Official HD Music Video) – Linkin Park” Youtube, uploaded by Linkin Park, 5 March 2007, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qlCC1GOwFw
“Two Faced (Official Music Video) – Linkin Park” Youtube, uploaded by Linkin Park, 13 Nov. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kivUsDGWojU
