Evgenii "Gufis" Kondratev There are still a few weeks left until the 2024 League of Legends Worlds. The Play-in stage will start on September 25, and a day before that, Riot Games will unveil the official song for the World Championship. However, several hints suggest that we might already know the song. Fans are convinced that the next LoL Worlds anthem will be from the newly reformed Linkin Park, with the song "Heavy is the Crown".
Mike Shinoda and his bandmates announced their return to music last week. Linkin Park introduced a new vocalist, Emily Armstrong, known for her work with the grunge band Dead Sara, and announced a new album, From Zero, set to release on November 15.
The official LoL Esports account responded to this news with a crown emoji. Additionally, the future album's tracklist is already available on Spotify, although only one song, The Emptiness Machine, can be streamed. Ashley Kang was one of the first to notice the title Heavy is the Crown.
Furthermore, when Riot Games announced that the anthem reveal would take place on September 24, they once again featured a crown. On the same day, they showcased a tournament skin for Viego, with a crown being a central element. While not definitive proof, it's an interesting connection.
Image: Riot Games
On September 24, Linkin Park will perform at London’s O2 Arena, the very same venue where the Worlds finals will take place on November 2. If fans were simply excited about the band's return, it's unlikely they would express it from the official esports account.
Another point to consider is the band’s lineup change. While much of the attention has been on the new vocalist, Emily Armstrong, drummer Rob Bourdon has been replaced by Colin Brittain. Though Brittain is primarily known for his work as a producer, having collaborated with Japanese artists like One OK Rock and Aimer, he has one particularly notable credit: he was the vocal producer for Legends Never Die, the anthem of Worlds 2017!
The timing seems perfect for Linkin Park to promote their new album, especially given how many gamers have historically listened to the band. It's entirely possible that Riot Games reached out to the new drummer and offered a unique promotional opportunity. Moreover, Linkin Park has a break in their tour schedule in October and early November, leaving room for potential surprise appearances.
Riot Games has a history of generating hype, and considering their past collaborations with bands like Imagine Dragons, it's not far-fetched for them to team up with Linkin Park. Given how legendary the band is and the buzz surrounding their comeback, this would be a win-win situation. In any case, we’ll find out if this theory holds true in just two weeks.
Main image: x.com
0 comments