Deftones’ explosive new album ‘Private Music’ meets their renaissance moment head on

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With close to four decades under our belt, Deftones, hailing from Sacramento, is far more than a heritage act. Evidence of this can be seen in the intense devotion of legions of fans, many younger than us, who mosh with fervor during our performances. We remain as dynamic and explosive today as we were when we dominated the Warped Tour in the late ’90s.

The unexpected resurgence in the band’s popularity among younger fans who didn’t witness their initial performances leaves both the group and their audience in awe.

Chino Moreno finds it quite reflective when he ponders about Deftones’ enduring success. Relaxed backstage during a break from rehearsals before their tour kick-off in Vancouver on Friday, Moreno (age 52) shares his thoughts on their standing within the hard rock genre.

Beginning around 2022, the singer has observed an increasing number of younger fans at some of the band’s meet and greets. In certain instances, teenagers and young adults have been introducing their parents to the band’s discography, even going as far back as their millennial classic, “White Pony.

As a dedicated follower, I’ve noticed my appreciation for Deftones has escalated significantly over time. Their unique blend of amorphously aggressive sounds, encompassing post-hardcore, trip hop, and particularly shoegaze – which played a key role in their recent resurgence – seems to have drawn in a younger audience. They’ve transcended their cult and critical fame within the nü-metal scene, now recognized as one of the most significant and influential bands of that era, appreciated by many.

Moreno admits he’s not very active on social media,” he says, “but he acknowledges its benefits, such as the ability to spread music amidst all the commotion. He finds it intriguing how everyone can easily connect and share music through this platform.

Despite the fact that the renewed popularity of Deftones online doesn’t necessitate a new album, his awareness of this resurgence and the growing interest from a younger audience has, in fact, sparked motivation within the band. This surge of new fans has inspired them not only on stage but also in their studio work.

He expresses that with this fresh wave of interest in us, unprecedented since decades ago, why not take advantage of it? He’s thrilled about encountering numerous parents and their children, families bonding over our show and sharing a common appreciation for some form of art. It’s truly fascinating.

The band also knew that if they were going to write and record, it had to be for the right reasons.

Moreno clarifies that recording can’t be where the label requires [the album] or they need money. He states, “We’ve created records under such circumstances in the past, and it takes away the joy of the process. We’re a bit spoiled in that sense; we only want to engage in something if it’s something we genuinely desire. Once someone tells us we must do it, then we resist.

Since their band members are spread out throughout the U.S., Deftones were eager to reunite in the studio, much like they did as teenagers when they had a space that felt more like a hangout spot. As Moreno puts it, they were thrilled at the prospect of “tinkering and spending time together.” Spending six hours daily, five days a week confined within a room was enjoyable for them, reminiscent of returning to their beloved clubhouse once again.

In “Private Music,” Deftones collaborated with Nick Raskulinecz yet again, who had previously produced their albums “Diamond Eyes” and “Koi No Yokan.” Moreno often joked to Raskulinecz that they needed to complete a trilogy. Over the past year and a half, the band worked closely with him across several sessions before settling on the 11 songs for the album. Unlike their previous releases, there was no strict deadline for their tenth studio album, creating a more laid-back and enjoyable environment during production. Notably, the gap between “Private Music” and the preceding “Ohms” marked the longest break between Deftones albums.

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He mentions that currently they feel free from the pressure of producing a new album. This freedom actually motivated them. The notion of others expecting them to maintain a specific level of quality and push themselves even further made them want to excel. So instead of just releasing an album, they decided to make it exceptional.

A band at this stage in their career often enters a phase known as the ‘final tour’ or ‘victory lap’, where they typically release an album, embark on a tour, perform popular songs along with a few new ones, and then repeat this cycle. However, Deftones have taken a different approach with this latest album, which represents yet another impressive addition to their discography. They skillfully blend melancholic and melodic tunes to produce an album that defies genre norms, filled with intensity and passion.

For instance, the tracks “My Mind Is a Mountain” and “Locked Club” exhibit immense power, while “Ecdysis” carries a sinister undertone. The captivating “I Think About You All the Time”, led by Moreno’s powerful vocals, soars to new heights. Lastly, the dynamic interplay between the slow-building and explosive nature of “cxz” adds another layer to the album’s appeal.

During the recording sessions for this album, Deftones wrote and recorded songs in various locations, which allowed each track to develop its unique sonic character based on its specific environment. In addition to the completed songs, there were three more left in various stages of completion.

He mentions that ‘I Think About You All the Time’ was composed at 8 in the morning in Malibu, and it has a quick tempo. After dinner, they took a break, made some coffee, and completed it later on. Conversely, ‘Ecdysis’ was the final song written, during studio sessions. They evaluated their existing collection of songs, seeking a place for it that would offer a rough edge, a touch of peculiarity, and an experimental yet aggressive style.

With their performances growing in scale, external circumstances have instilled a fresh sense of accomplishment in the band regarding their sustained triumph. At their 2024 Coachella performance, guitarist Stephen Carpenter admitted his performance didn’t meet his expectations, confessing to Zane Lowe of Apple Radio that he was “totally out of it for both shows. I barely had the strength to stay upright. All I could focus on during those shows was, ‘Please, don’t trip on stage.'” Later, he discovered that he suffered from Type II diabetes.

Before my friend Carpenter’s health challenges came to light, Moreno had already embarked on a journey towards sobriety. This transformation brought us even closer, contrary to any misperception that we might have been at odds. Although Carpenter can’t join Deftones globally due to his condition, during our recent U.S. tour this year, he and Moreno shared the bus. They inspired each other to stay committed to our life-transforming paths.

Moreno expresses that they both take great pride in each other’s transformations. He’s particularly focused, showing an intense interest in many things, now extending to managing his blood sugar and health. This dedication mirrors Moreno’s own journey towards sobriety. After a performance, they all hop on the bus, focusing on their diets. With Moreno’s improved self through sobriety, he perceives him as a better version of himself.

The album titled “Private Music” is not only a solid collection of riff-heavy tracks with an unyielding energy, marking a dynamic evolution in Deftones’ discography, but it’s also a well-harmonized piece. This album represents a logical progression within the Deftones musical realm. The band has been growing its annual Dia de Los Deftones festival as well, with the sixth edition scheduled for November in San Diego. The lineup features diverse artists such as hip-hop stars Clipse, metal band Deafheaven, Rico Nasty, 2hollis, and others. Curating this festival can be seen as akin to creating a mixtape, with Deftones serving as the common bond between these varying artists, which Moreno refers to as an “interesting exploration.

After many years, it’s not just Deftones’ music but also their daring musical exploration that continues to draw crowds eagerly waiting for their next step. This has enabled them to grow steadily without being burdened by their past achievements. Now, their rapid and explosive progress has been so swift that they barely have a moment to catch their breath – with more arena performances and a pair of shared stadium shows with System of a Down scheduled ahead.

Moreno expresses enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled to be kept occupied.” He further elaborates that he’s a person who has been fortunate enough to maintain a similar pace throughout his adult life. Unfortunately, they couldn’t tour ‘Ohms’ after its release, and this period is distinct. He deeply appreciates the current set of songs, so he’s eagerly anticipating performing them for the next couple of years, keeping himself busy in the process.

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2025-08-22 22:31