Know the band #14 | Deftones

Deftones: A Journey Through the Evolution of a Groundbreaking Band

Deftones is a trailblazer in the alternative metal genre, and their music continues to captivate fans around the world, even after more than 25 years since the release of their first album. With a sound that seamlessly blends heavy guitar riffs, atmospheric interludes, and ethereal vocals, Deftones have carved out a unique place for themselves in the world of music.

Fact 1 - The name "Deftones" was inspired by a typo: The band members were originally searching for a name for their group and came across the word "deftones" in a magazine. They thought it was a cool-sounding word and decided to adopt it as their band name, only later realizing that it was a typo of the word "def tones."

The band was formed in 1988 in Sacramento, California, by Chino Moreno (vocals), Stephen Carpenter (guitar), Abe Cunningham (drums), and Chi Cheng (bass). They released their debut album, "Adrenaline," in 1995 and quickly gained a following due to their aggressive yet introspective sound. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, and Deftones soon became one of the most recognizable bands in the alternative metal genre.

Fact 2 - Chino Moreno is a fan of classic rock: Despite being known for his aggressive and intense vocal style, Moreno has a love for classic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles. He has stated that these bands have been a major influence on his musical style and the sound of Deftones.

In 2000, Deftones released "White Pony," an album that marked a departure from their earlier sound. "White Pony" incorporated elements of trip-hop, dream pop, and shoegaze, and saw Moreno exploring more introspective and introverted themes in his lyrics. The album was a commercial and critical success, and many fans consider it to be the band's masterpiece.

Fact 3 - The band has a strong connection to rap music: Deftones have collaborated with several prominent rappers over the years, including Max Cavalera of Sepultura and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah. They have also been influenced by rap music and have incorporated elements of it into their own music.

After "White Pony," Deftones continued to evolve and experiment with their sound. They released "Deftones" in 2003, which was a more straightforward rock album, and "Saturday Night Wrist" in 2006, which saw the band incorporating more electronic elements into their sound. Throughout their career, Deftones have been praised for their ability to evolve and grow as artists while still maintaining their unique style and identity.

Fact 4 - Deftones have a strong connection to the skateboarding community: Many members of the band are avid skateboarders, and they have used their music to pay homage to the skateboarding community. The music video for their song "Back to School (Mini Maggit)" was shot at a skate park, and they have also collaborated with skateboard companies such as Element Skateboards.

Tragically, in 2008, bassist Chi Cheng was involved in a car accident that left him in a coma for several years before he passed away. Despite this loss, Deftones continued to make music, with Sergio Vega stepping in as their bassist. They released "Diamond Eyes" in 2010, which was well-received by fans and critics, and marked a return to a more aggressive and energetic sound.

Deftones have continued to release new music, and their latest album, "Ohms," was released in 2020 to critical acclaim. The album sees the band incorporating more electronic elements into their sound and exploring more introspective themes in their lyrics.

In conclusion, Deftones are a pioneering band in the alternative metal genre, and their journey through the evolution of their sound is a testament to their ability to constantly evolve and push the boundaries of what is possible in heavy music. They have captivated fans for over 25 years, and their music continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians. Whether you're a fan of heavy metal, alternative rock, or just great music, Deftones are a band that is well worth checking out.