Linkin Park Closes HellFest 2025 with Electrifying Brilliance

When you’re closing out a festival as monumental as HellFest, you need more than a headliner — you need a band that can shake the ground and stir the soul. Last night, Linkin Park did exactly that, delivering a set that was nothing short of pure brilliance. The band took the main stage and held the attention of tens of thousands like only legends can, proving once again that their legacy is alive and more powerful than ever.

The standout of the night? Without a doubt, Emily — the band’s newest vocal powerhouse. Her presence was magnetic, her vocals sharp and soaring. From the first note, her voice wove its way through the sea of fans, rising over the pit like a battle cry. There’s a weight to her tone that resonates deeply, and while comparisons to the late Chester Bennington are inevitable, Emily brings something distinct — not the aching sadness Chester so famously carried, but a fierce, defiant anger that feels just as cathartic and honest. It’s not imitation; it’s evolution. And it works.

The setlist was a masterclass in pacing: a mix of thunderous new material, classic anthems, and a few emotional rock ballads that gave the crowd a moment to breathe — and feel. “Numb” and “In the End” hit hard as ever, while newer tracks hinted at a future sound that’s raw, modern, and unmistakably Linkin Park.

The visuals were massive. Pyro, LED backdrops, and synchronized lighting elevated every riff and scream, but the band never relied on spectacle alone. The instruments were tight, precise — Brad’s guitars cut clean, Rob’s drums thundered, and Phoenix’s bass lines grounded the chaos in rhythm. Mike Shinoda moved with veteran ease, switching from rapping to keys to vocals without missing a beat.

As the final notes rang out, there was a moment of collective awe. This wasn’t just a performance — it was a statement. Linkin Park has always thrived on emotional connection, and with Emily fronting a new chapter, they’ve managed to both honor their past and power into the future.

Ending HellFest 2025 with Linkin Park wasn’t just fitting — it was perfect. A band reborn, still ferocious, still vital, and still capable of owning the stage like few others can.

Set Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Sian Edwards