Deftones Announce First Album in Five Years & Release New Song

Deftones, the pioneering alternative metal band from Sacramento, is set to release their much-anticipated new album, Private Music, marking their first studio effort since 2020’s Ohms. Slated for an August 22 release, the album introduces listeners to a fresh soundscape with the debut single, “My Mind Is a Mountain.” This track, with its intense guitar riffs and familiar vocals from frontman Chino Moreno, encapsulates the band’s signature fusion of heaviness and melody. Recorded in iconic locations such as Malibu, Joshua Tree, and Nashville, this album is the band’s 10th studio outing, reflecting both nostalgia and modernity, marrying past influences with contemporary sounds to offer a fresh take on their music.

The announcement of the album was strategically teased by the band through mysterious messages and previews during live performances, generating significant buzz in the fans' community. Deftones, consisting of Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Abe Cunningham, Frank Delgado, and new touring bassist Fred Sablan, collaborated with famed producer Nick Raskulinecz, who has previously worked on their notable albums like Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokan. This long-standing creative synergy and the presence of new energy from Sablan contribute to the vibrant texture of Private Music. Each band member brings unique experiences to the project, ensuring the music retains its intense, yet nuanced, sonic palette.

Private Music ventures through varied thematic territories, as witnessed in the track titles such as “Souvenir,” “Cut Hands,” “Metal Dream,” and “Departing the Body.” The album artwork, which features a vivid green background with a slithering white snake, hints at the concept of renewal and transformation—a recurring motif in Deftones' history. This artistic direction aligns perfectly with Chino Moreno's reflections about the new album having an “invigorated kind of sound”. This vigor arises from the band's passionate collaboration, occurring in spontaneous moments of creativity that transform ideas into music that resonates with fans globally.

Accompanying the album's release, Deftones will kick off their North American tour on the same day in Vancouver, with scheduled performances in major cities including New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and their hometown, Sacramento. This tour reflects the band's proactive stance in re-establishing their live presence following the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have promised thrilling live collaborations with bands like Phantogram and Idles, showcasing a diverse musical range that has characterized their live performances over the years.

The group’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of alternative metal is evident in their strategic approach to connecting with fans through immersive tour experiences and a robust online strategy, leveraging platforms like Spotify where they boast over 14 million monthly listeners. Furthermore, the release of “My Mind Is a Mountain” across digital streaming services prior to the album launch ensures that their dedicated fanbase remains engaged and tantalized by their evolving sound.

Deftones continue to be a vital force in the alternative metal genre. Their journey, marked by resilience and innovation, has equipped them to produce Private Music, an album that not only highlights their past triumphs but also sets the stage for future explorations in sound and lyrical depth. This release reaffirms Deftones’ position as enduring legends in the music industry, driven by a fierce commitment to artistic expression and sonic experimentation. As they embark on this tour, with a fresh setlist, the anticipation among fans ensures that both the album and the concerts will be transformative experiences echoing the band's illustrious legacy.