'Lost' is a fitting farewell to the iconic Linkin Park and its frontman Chester Bennington

The band was an integral part of many teenage years. The previously unreleased single gives us a chance to say a proper goodbye

For many teenagers in the early 00s, Linkin Park's albums Hybrid Theory and Meteora were defining pop culture moments. The band's crunchy nu-metal and hip-hop verses, elevated by the raw and emotional vocals and lyrics of lead singer Chester Bennington, spoke to the hurt, anger, and pain of a generation of young people.

With Chester's suicide in 2017, many thought the band's legacy would end on that final, tragic note. Then, on Feb 6, Linkin Park put out a previously unreleased single from Meteora to mark its 20th anniversary.

'Lost' is a time capsule of pure nostalgia, featuring all the elements fans came to love and expect from the band. The song has Meteora's more polished and deliberate sound, drawing more heavily from their hip-hop influences. But Chester's passionate delivery and powerful lyrics still hit hard, bringing the track to life with raw energy. It's a true representation of the band's iconic style.

The single also showcases the band's dynamics, blending Chester's distinctive voice with Mike Shinoda's powerful chorus. The chemistry between the two was always the central engine of the band, and it powers 'Lost', just as it characterised iconic tracks like 'In the End', 'Numb', and 'New Divide'.

The music video combines animation with rotoscoping, allowing fans to see Chester perform one last time. But the video's narrative – following a protagonist trapped in memories and illusions, grappling with the aftermath of heartbreak – also resonates with a similar mixture of nostalgia. The dream-like visuals bring to mind the tone and colours of the late 90s and early 00s anime such as Perfect Blue and Serial Experiments Lain while incorporating the slick production quality of modern anime like Your Name or Weathering with You. The images bring to life the exploration of losing our dignity while in the throes of dashed hopes and confusion.

As I listened to 'Lost', I was struck by my immediate emotional connection with the song. The words brought tears to my eyes as I was reminded of my struggles. It was cathartic and nostalgic like being reunited with a long-lost friend. 

Linkin Park has had a profound impact on my life. When I was younger, I was drawn to their music for the energy and emotion of their instrumentals and Chester's raspy voice. However, as I grew up, I realised the depth of the lyrics and their messages. During difficult times, I found comfort in Chester's voice, which always seemed to bring a glimmer of hope. In their music, I recognised others were experiencing the same things I was. The music of Linkin Park has been a constant source of inspiration and comfort for me, and I was not alone in feeling that way.

Chester's performance in 'Lost' proves he will never be forgotten. He was a true musical icon whose passion and dedication to his craft were evident in every single he recorded. Through his music, Chester continues to move fans all over the world. This single serves as a fitting tribute to the impact he had on our lives and the lasting legacy he has left behind.

The release of 'Lost' also highlights the enduring power of music. Listening to it, I genuinely felt the truth in the old cliché that music is a universal language transcending borders and time, building connections between people of all colours, castes and creeds. 

'Lost' gave fans a moment to relive and reconnect to their past. And it allowed us to say a more fitting goodbye to Chester. One that genuinely conveyed all that he and his work meant to us. 

This article is part of Stripe, bdnews24.com's special publication focusing on culture and society from a youth perspective.