Linkin Park Side Project, Dead by Sunrise, Prepare Debut Album

Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington’s new side band, Dead by Sunrise, gave one of their first live performances July 4 in Las Vegas, and now comes word that their in-the-works debut album is ready to go. Warner Bros. will be releasing Out of Ashes, which was produced by Howard Benson, some time in the fall.

In a press release, Bennington described the songs on Out of Ashes, which were written before the recording of Linkin Park’s Minutes to Midnight, as “darker and moodier than anything I’d come up with for [Linkin Park].” Dead by Sunrise features Bennington on vocals, Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh on guitar, Brandon Belsky on bass, Elias Anda on drums, and Anthony Valcic on keyboards. Because some of Bennington’s new bandmates also play in Orgy and Julien-K, there’s speculation that Dead by Sunrise might emphasize industrial-edged electronic rock. For his part, Bennington did say, “there are no hip-hop influences at all on this record” and that “the amount of vocal layering and use of harmony really showcase my voice in a new way.”

Side projects often allow established artists to branch out into musical territory that would feel weird coming from their primary band, and Bennington’s comments about Dead by Sunrise definitely lean that direction. “I was involved in the entire process of making the record, including the programming and the production, which was not only a great educational experience, it was very empowering,” he said. “I’m really excited that the album is finally going to see the light of day!”

Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images.