Deftones have always been the critics' pick for the nu-metal wave of the late 90s. Their contemporaries, Limp Bizkit, Korn and Slipknot, all lacked the depth and taste to truly experiment with sounds and genres to the extent Deftones did, and the proof is in the legacy at play.
We've written about 'White Pony' before, and how it's both criminally underrated and the best nu-metal record, period. But their discography is incredibly consistent from start to finish, which leads us to 'private music'.
Deftones aren't reinventing anything on this one, but they manage to update their sound with a clear sound and revised sonic palette. The result has spoken for itself as they have delivered their best record in years and garnered adoration from fans old and new alike.
The record is rich in texture and volume that delivers that signature sonic bath that the band pulled from Shoegaze, but with a crisp 2025 level of production. Tracks like 'Infinite Source' and lead single 'Milk of the Madonna' show off Chino Moreno's iconic vocals, but with that wave of sound that still works a charm. This isn't to take away from the aggression, however, as the record never pulls punches.
From 'Around the Fur' to now, Deftones have carved a path for themselves like no other. Their influence spans wide and far, and it's truly inspiring to see them get their flowers whilst they're still putting out incredible material.
By far one of the best metal records of the year.
Available in the Store now alongside other key Deftones releases.