Deftones

About

Fueled by the raw, primal scream of Chino Moreno and the atmospheric soundscapes crafted by Stephen Carpenter, Deftones have spent over three decades defying categorization, existing in a space all their own. Emerging from Sacramento's fertile alternative metal scene in the mid-90s, they quickly transcended nu-metal tropes, forging a sound that blends the aggression of hardcore punk with the dreamy textures of shoegaze and the brooding intensity of alternative rock. Their 1995 debut, *Adrenaline*, laid the groundwork, but it was *Around the Fur* (1997) that catapulted them to prominence, showcasing their dynamic range and Moreno's increasingly enigmatic lyrics. Albums like *White Pony* (2000), a landmark release experimenting with electronic elements and darker themes, solidified their status as innovators. The band has weathered personal tragedy, notably the coma and subsequent death of bassist Chi Cheng, yet persevered, consistently pushing boundaries. Collaborations with artists like Maynard James Keenan of Tool and the evolution of their sound across albums like *Diamond Eyes* (2010), *Koi No Yokan* (2012), and *Ohms* (2020) demonstrates their unwavering commitment to artistic exploration. Deftones remain a vital force, their music resonating with a generation drawn to their blend of beauty and brutality, a sonic fingerprint uniquely their own.