Linkin Park’s lead singer lives a difficult life. He battled depression, anxiety and substance abuse. As a child, he was sexually abused by a man for many years and only opened up about it as an adult.

These days, social media is filled with words of encouragement for those battling mental issues. In the US, people have built regular support hotlines for people with depression, suicidal thoughts or similar problems.

However, the biggest problem is always how to talk about those difficulties. Linkin Park is one of the most famous rock groups of this generation, the group has used its influence to encourage those in difficulty to speak up.

Bennington, with his microphone and Linkin Park tunes, has spent more than two decades conveying such spiritual messages.

In 2017, Linkin Park’s latest song Heavy did not receive high praise from critics. The song even offended many longtime fans because of the way the band changed their musical style.

But beneath the commercial surface, Heavy retains a Linkin Park-esque story of vulnerable soul, still a Hybrid Theory-era manifesto with a recurring chorus: “Why does everything happen? that heavy?”

Chester Bennington bravely spoke about his own wounds, deadly endings, and profound conflicts in his mind in this song. He mentioned the paranoia and conflict of wanting to be released in the absurd: “I want to let go but still need the comfort of panic.”

Depression, loss, and pain are real things in the male singer’s life. Chester Bennington chose to free himself so he wouldn’t have to endure any more heavy pressure. Before letting go, he sent back a Heavy to the survivors as a message full of strength.

Regardless, Linkin Park and Chester Bennington deserve praise for their contributions to music.