New Release: Linkin Park Drops Powerful Single ‘Heavy is the Crown’
The collaboration between Linkin Park and League of Legends for the 2024 Worlds Anthem, Heavy Is the Crown, marks a monumental moment in both gaming and music. Linkin Park, with its signature blend of rock, rap, and electronic elements, brings a unique sound to the League of Legends community. The anthem follows a tradition of iconic Worlds songs that have built immense hype for the esports scene, such as Imagine Dragons’ Warriors and Lil Nas X’s Star Walkin’. For 2024, Heavy Is the Crown carries the responsibility of capturing the intensity and spirit of one of the biggest gaming events globally.
The song is the second single from Linkin Park’s upcoming album, From Zero, scheduled for release in November 2024. The band’s involvement in League of Legends is seen as part of their larger comeback after a hiatus that followed the tragic passing of their lead vocalist, Chester Bennington, in 2017. With the addition of Emily Armstrong, known for leading the rock band Dead Sara, Linkin Park now embarks on a new chapter in its history, with Heavy Is the Crown acting as a beacon of their rebirth.
Musically, Heavy Is the Crown features the classic Linkin Park elements that fans adore. The track is filled with hard-hitting guitar riffs, electronic production, and Mike Shinoda’s rap flow, all elements that have defined the band’s sound for years. The song also introduces fresh energy through Armstrong’s powerful vocals, creating a dynamic soundscape that aligns with the competitive and thrilling atmosphere of the League of Legends World Championship.
The collaboration with Riot Games allows Linkin Park to tap into a new generation of fans, particularly those in the gaming community, while still honoring their roots. The lyrics of Heavy Is the Crown are crafted to resonate deeply with both players and spectators of the competition, reflecting themes of struggle, ambition, and triumph. These themes are a natural fit for the Worlds Championship, where teams from around the globe battle to claim the prestigious crown of League of Legends supremacy.
The partnership between Linkin Park and League of Legends is also symbolic in many ways. The anthem signals not just the resurgence of the band but also an intersection of gaming culture and mainstream music. It is a continuation of Riot Games’ trend of partnering with high-profile artists to elevate their event soundtracks, much like their collaborations with other major artists like NewJeans and Against the Current in previous years.
For the live debut of Heavy Is the Crown, Linkin Park is expected to perform at the League of Legends Worlds Finals in London on November 2, 2024. This performance will be part of the band’s ongoing world tour, which has reignited fan excitement globally. The tour, their first major one since 2017, is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and ability to adapt and evolve through challenging times.
Mike Shinoda has expressed immense pride in the song, emphasizing that it represents a significant milestone for Linkin Park’s new era. He noted that the song “harnesses their signature sound while infusing it with fresh energy,” reflecting their commitment to innovation while staying true to their musical identity. For Riot Games, this collaboration is another achievement in their efforts to make Worlds an unforgettable experience, both for esports fans and music lovers alike.
Heavy Is the Crown is poised to become one of the standout anthems in League of Legends history, further cementing the symbiotic relationship between gaming and music that Riot Games has fostered over the years. For both Linkin Park and the League of Legends community, this anthem marks the dawn of a new chapter filled with ambition, resilience, and the quest for greatness.
