Deftones continue to age disgracefully as they unleash their 8th studio album, and it is a true testament that time can age some bands very well.
After diving into the back catalogue of Deftones during my music college days with White Pony and their self-titled album, it gave me a different perspective on the slightly experimental genre with an alternative metal feel. They’ve worked alongside some very notable members of the metal community including Serj from System of a Down and Maynard from Tool, and in this latest offering they have been able to call upon the services of Alice in Chains‘ Jerry Cantrell, so expect much and listen with open ears.
The first track of the album seems to be the one getting the most media attention, as they have managed to pinch the top spot in Australia’s charts (a position hit for the first time ever in the band’s history across the global charts), an achievement by an American artist last procured by Elvis! Major kudos for that one, guys. Prayers/Triangles is a very impressive piece that blends the scraping sounds of their signature distorted guitars and melancholic echoes they’ve been layering out for years. It sounds almost like a heavy version of a song by Bloc Party, whilst maintaining a certain ethereal feel not out of place from Hole in the Earth. Chino’s vocals are as heartfelt and emotional as ever, and I’m so glad they managed to sort out any differences within the band and hold it together to produce such a well thought out musical experience.
The album quickly changes pace, slowing down to get the energy they thrive on, whilst keeping the core values of Deftones sound; heavy, detuned guitar riffs and chugging key changes. However, upon arriving at Hearts/Wires I was greeted by some very laid back and immersive guitar solos that would not sound out of place on a Pink Floyd intro. The melody drops with great gusto into the deeper and darker chorus parts whilst still feeling quite mellow (for a band renowned for dropping down into the B register) and thanks to some expert fills from drummer Abe Cunningham, you’re never left wanting any more from this superbly produced album.
L(MIRL) has definitely taken some of its ideals from their links to Tool and the intro sounds almost like Parabola, but don’t let that detract from yet another hit in the making.
The thing about Deftones is that they are able to single-handedly take advantage of any mood you are in and enhance it. The heavy riffs take care of the aggressive nature of metal, whilst the higher guitar riffs and electronic blips and lines have a strangely uplifting ability not many other bands have ever managed to encourage, in my opinion. One thing is for certain; Deftones have lost none of their character and are refusing to change their style, and congrats to them for doing so. It is a soaring album that should be given a listen to by any budding rocker or aging metal head. It’s time to don the ¾ length shorts, high white socks and baggy t-shirts again for the garb of a rocker should be worn with pride… I may need to grow my hair out again, a headbang is certainly in order here.
Author: Andrew, Eton Store
