The multi-award-winning band Linkin Park has dropped the previously unreleased single “Friendly Fire” from their upcoming compilation album “Papercuts (Singles Collection 2000-2023)”. Originally meant for the 2017 album “One More Light”, this track was a favourite of guitarist Brad Delson during the recording process.
If you want to go and see live music click the Ticketmaster logo below to buy your tickets!
The song is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Chester Bennington’s softer vocal side, reminiscent of “Powerless” from “Living Things” and “Shadow of the Day” from “Minutes to Midnight”. While leaning more towards pop than rock, I’ll be generous and call it a pop-rock song. It surpasses half the tracks on its intended album in my opinion, making me wish it had made the cut.
The song’s strong musical accompaniment compliments the vocals, building with intensity as the song progresses, ensuring the lyrics resonate with listeners. The track focuses on the turmoil in relationships with lines such as “We’re pulling apart for no reason” and “Somehow forgot when they told me we hurt the ones we loved”. Every single word of this song holds weight and meaning and Bennington’s delivery is heartfelt making you truly feel the emotions behind the words. This I feel is his best feature and is a unique quality many other singers lack.
Despite my preference for their earlier alt-rock-rap style from albums such as “Hybrid Theory” and “Meteora” this song still captivates me. Whilst the music video, which features previously unreleased footage of the band with Chester, adds a special touch to the overall experience of the song. The band’s other previously unreleased songs “Lost”, “Fighting Myself” and “More the Victim” are more to my taste, but at this point I feel like any new Linkin Park song is a blessing.
Linkin Park fans as well as fans of Bennington’s other bands, “Grey Daze” and “Dead by Sunrise”, are in for a treat with this song. While it’s not my favourite style from the band I still admire the effort and craft put into it. However, I can’t help but long for more presence of Mike Shinoda as I’ve always found the dynamic between the two vocalists to be the highlight of this band.
5/10
Got something to say ? Leave it as a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in this review belong to their respective owners and I or this website does not claim any right over them.
Review written by Fox Reviews Rock
Review edited by Cozzer
As always the song(s) in my reviews are added to my Spotify Playlist find out more about that here as well as on my Spotify Podcast find out more about that here .
Albums Of The Year 2025 – 20 – Fomies – Liminality
In 2025, Fox Reviews Rock celebrates the Swiss band Fomies, known for their captivating fuzz-infused psych rock. Their latest album pushes musical boundaries, mixing elements of psych, shoegaze, and punk. Notable tracks include the instrumental “Colossus II,” which showcases heavy psych energy, drawing listeners back for more.
Battle Of The Bands – Megadeth vs Audioslave
This series encourages fans to support their favorite bands by participating in discussions between two competing groups. Users are invited to share opinions, experiences, and facts in the comments section, highlighting their preferences for either Megadeth or Audioslave. Enthusiasm and engagement are highly welcomed.
A-Z Of Rock: O Part 1
This week’s rock-themed post highlights a letter of the alphabet by featuring a Swedish death metal and progressive rock band, Opeth, alongside Metallica’s emotional song “One.” It also pays tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, celebrating his influence on heavy metal. Enjoy the accompanying Spotify playlist!
Fox Reviews Rock 
Let Fox Reviews Rock know what you think!