Warner Records 2025
Deftones’ anticipated studio album, “private music,” released on Aug. 22, delivered their recognizable post-hardcore and shoegaze sound, while reiterating their nu-metal roots.
Nu metal is a popular sub-genre of rock and metal, utilizing hip-hop drums, aggressive guitars, and yelling vocals, with rap lyricism, according to Britannica.
There was speculation about new music prior to the album’s release. The band mysteriously announced the project after a performance on June 29 at Crystal Palace Park in London, England, according to music site Lambgoat.
The release was revealed with cryptic Roman numerals displayed on a giant screen after their performance.
The numerals translated to July 10, 2025, followed by displayed text, “private music distributed by Deftones, all rights reserved,” a part of marketing, according to the same source.
On the same day, Deftones announced and released their first promotional singles, “my mind is a mountain.” Later on August 7 they released a second single, “milk of the madonna.”
Both singles offer listeners a recognizable shoegaze sound, a hallmark of Deftones’ discography, and of frontman Chino Moreno’s previous early 2000s band, Team Sleep.
Shoegaze uses lots of guitar pedals, distortion, and a variety of melancholic thematics, according to Gibson. This style is prominent in Moreno’s various musical projects.
The new album grows upon an alternative-metal sound that Deftones is well-regarded for, featuring heavy drumming, expressive guitar riffs and a much more melancholic sound.
Throughout “private music,” the band experiments with equipment like synthesizers, as well as Moreno’s deeper vocals to exaggerate lyrics and emotion.
Tracks such as “infinite source” and “departing the body” give lyrics about love, loss and growth – a timeless theme throughout Deftones’ discography.
Lyrics in “infinite source” talk about sobriety and change from the past to the present. Lyrics say, “Last time adorning the stage / With love we’ve chased and found / The last ride we’re gonna take / Our final wave and bow.”
In “departing the body,” the lyrics talk more about growth, saying, “Today, we’re gonna taste beyond / Enchanted by what lies / What awaits our future.”
Despite Deftones having perfected a unique sound true to themselves, some aspects of the new album didn’t quite hit the mark as others may have.
The song “i think about you all the time,” compared to these tracks, takes folk elements by utilizing acoustic guitar in the background.
The track feels weaker amongst the album’s stronger shoegaze tones, for which Deftones is recognized.
The song acts as an addition to other tracks with themes about love, a great comparison being “Sextape” from the album “Diamond Eyes.”
Another weakness comes in with “ecdysis” with the use of synthesizers, which distorts and has a pixelated sound that doesn’t fit amongst other tracks across the album.
The experimentation is appreciated, but it clashes with other parts of the album, making it feel unnecessary.
However, these minor cons are preferences and don’t outweigh this well produced and thoughtful release.
It’s clear with this album that Deftones has evolved immensely from their original nu-metal sound.
Albums like the 1995 release “Adrenaline” share a heavier aggressive tone using hip-hop elements in their drumming and guitar styles, similar to Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park.
The tracks’ “infinite source” and “cut hands” instantly became personal favorites over how well they combined groovy drumming and soft distortion guitars. It reminds me of tracks like “Root” from “Adrenaline.”
Deftones may not be making 90s-style nu and alternative metal, but they know when to reminisce and include the genre sound.
Throughout the album, a trail of what Deftones once was in the nu-metal scene can be heard as the band continues to grow from their more popular songs, lyrics and themes.
The album sits with me just as much as previous works have and I am delighted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed what sounds like another classic despite its rigid moments.