As a fan of both Linkin Park and Stone Temple Pilots, Chester Bennington, frontman for Linkin Park, has made a witty decision to join STP. From a Linkin Park fan standpoint, it’s something new to listen to coming from Chester. On the other hand, from an STP fan standpoint, it’s not the same and will never be the same. Gone is former STP frontman Scott Weiland’s voice and hip swaying on stage.
Weiland had a rather strong statement saying, “I don’t give a f**k what they call themselves, but it’s not Stone Temple Pilots.” He seems to be angry, but the situation had more of a emotional impact as well. He then claims, “To tell you the truth, it took me by surprise. And it hurt.” This statement took me by surprise considering the fact that Weiland’s former bandmates sued him for using their name and songs. Bennington’s take and Weiland’s take are complete opposites. Personally, I was worried about the way Chester is going to sing until I heard him on stage. I think he fits in pretty good with STP.
Although he is still in Linkin Park, Bennington doesn’t seem to be giving up as the frontman for STP anytime soon. That’s something I feel he can handle and still be enthusiastic about. What I think shows his dedication towards their upcoming projects is the fact that they’re back in the studio making more music. As I listened to the single “Out of Time,” I felt as if you still have that feel of the Stone Temple Pilots just with Chester’s spin on it. So it’s not Linkin Park, but then again it’s not Stone Temple Pilots either; it’s something I feel is better as long as you have an open mind and enjoy good rock music.
– Joe Serna