Joe Hahn explains that Linkin Park had to heal and not be afraid to show their scars as they work on the forthcoming documentary Unshatter.
The person steering the turntables and the director of the film has opened up about the emotional approach that shaped the project and the mindset the band adopted as they rebuilt themselves after frontman Chester Bennington’s passing in 2017.
In a chat with BBC News, he noted that the core idea was not to pretend everything is flawless, but to permit a form of repair and to avoid concealing their scars. He added that this line of thinking developed during the process, and since Unshatter is also the title of one of their songs, naming the film after it felt like a natural extension of their ethos while making the music.
Hahn also spoke about how the lineup—which includes Mike Shinoda, Dave “Phoenix” Farrell and Brad Delson—rediscovered a fresh spark with singer Emily Armstrong, whose arrival helped define their From Zero era.
He remarked: “There’s a certain energy we share, and hers is more dynamic in a way that’s reminiscent of Chester. They’re two different people. Once we saw that spark, we were drawn to it… And then we realized this was a real missing ingredient in what we were doing.”
They also welcomed a new drummer in Colin Brittain after Rob Bourdon stepped back from the band following Chester’s death and the group’s hiatus.
The musician also addressed criticisms of the rock band’s evolution, noting that fans frequently project their own expectations onto Linkin Park’s identity.
He told the outlet: “I think the criticisms come from different places… Given the history and the great things we’ve accomplished, people take that as their own. It’s easy for listeners to form a fixed idea of what the band is, what it should be and what it’s allowed to do. But at the end of the day, you have to let things unfold, and something great will emerge from it.”
Unshatter is slated for worldwide cinema release on September 30, tracing Linkin Park’s path from early 2022 sessions through the creation of From Zero and their dramatic return to the stage in São Paulo, Brazil. The film blends rare archival footage, studio clips, behind-the-scenes moments and live performances, and will be shown in standard theatres as well as SCREENX, 4DX and Ultra4DX formats.
A companion live album, Unshatter (Live in São Paulo), will arrive on September 25, with Somewhere I Belong (Live in São Paulo) available now.
Hahn says the documentary captures “a very particular moment in Linkin Park’s history” and hopes viewers connect with its themes of friendship, resilience and moving forward.
