Vale, Chester Bennington

Linkin Park vocalist and clearly beloved human, Chester Bennington has died, leaving behind a legacy. The band’s take on nü-metal-influenced rock, in their debut Hybrid Theory was grand and dynamic—with excellent, crisp production. (That record garnered them the best-selling album of 2001.) Bennington’s showmanship was theatrical and powerful, and as Stereogum’s Tom Breihan eloquently puts it, “His fiery wail has never been a cool thing, …

Nine Inch Nails: This Isn’t The Place

Hot off a riveting “Twin Peaks” cameo performance, Nine Inch Nails have released a second track, “This Isn’t The Place,” from tomorrow’s forthcoming EP Add Violence. As the song’s atmosphere thickens on piano progressions, an emotional climax (one of many) arises almost mid-track, with the introduction of lead singer Trent Reznor’s vocals. As dark and challenging as it can be at times, the song leaves …

Samantha Urbani: Hints And Implications

From her highly anticipated debut solo EP Policies Of Power, Samantha Urbani’s ’80s-inspired jam “Hints And Implications” is utterly addictive. With plenty of retro touches (including power riffs and that drum machine), it’s a punchy track that manages to steer clear of sounding like a throwback. Along with her breathy vocals, Urbani has crafted a piece of power-pop that is wildly catchy—and includes one glorious …