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Deftones

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Band Timeline

1988

Formation of Deftones in Sacramento, California

Deftones was formed in 1988 by childhood friends Stephen Carpenter, Chino Moreno, and Abe Cunningham in Sacramento. The band started playing in Carpenter's garage, with early influences from metal, punk, and new wave. Initially, the lineup included Dominic Garcia on bass and Cunningham on drums, though early changes saw Garcia switch to drums and Chi Cheng join on bass. This period laid the foundation for the band's unique fusion of alternative metal sound.
1995

Debut Album 'Adrenaline' Released

After securing a recording contract with Maverick Records in the early 1990s, Deftones released their debut album 'Adrenaline' in 1995. The album gained attention through extensive touring and word-of-mouth promotion, helping the band to develop a dedicated fan base. The raw energy and aggressive style of 'Adrenaline' introduced Deftones to the alternative metal scene and marked the beginning of their ascent in the music industry.
1997

Release of 'Around the Fur' and Growing Fame

Deftones released their second album, 'Around the Fur', in 1997 which brought them more widespread fame. The album featured hit singles that achieved chart success and was their first to receive certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This work solidified their presence in the alternative metal scene and showcased a maturing sound that balanced aggression and melody.
2000

Breakthrough with 'White Pony' and Critical Acclaim

The third album, 'White Pony', released in 2000, marked a significant transition towards a more experimental sound for Deftones. It included the lead single 'Change (In the House of Flies)', which became their most commercially successful song to date. Notably, the track 'Elite' earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. The album also achieved platinum certification, underscoring its commercial and critical success, and remains a landmark in the band's career.
2003

Self-titled Fourth Album Released

In 2003, Deftones released their self-titled fourth album. Although it continued the band's tradition of critical acclaim, the album's sales did not quite match the commercial success of 'White Pony'. This release maintained the band's experimentation and alternative metal style, further developing their sound and artistic identity amidst a changing musical landscape.
2006

'Saturday Night Wrist' and Internal Challenges

The band's fifth studio album, 'Saturday Night Wrist', came out in 2006. While it received praise from critics, the production was troubled by interpersonal tensions and personal issues within the group. These conflicts influenced the album's material, reflecting a period of struggle and transition. Despite these challenges, the album contributed to the band's evolving sound and sustained their relevance in the metal scene.
2008

Bass Player Chi Cheng's Accident and Impact on Band

In 2008, while working on a new album tentatively titled 'Eros', bassist Chi Cheng suffered a severe traffic collision that left him in a minimally conscious state. This tragic event led the band to halt production on the album. Cheng's condition profoundly affected the band members personally and professionally, marking a somber chapter in Deftones' history. Cheng remained in this state until his passing in 2013 due to cardiac arrest.
2010

'Diamond Eyes' Released Amidst Lineup Change

Following Chi Cheng's accident, Deftones recruited Sergio Vega, formerly of Quicksand, to play bass and resumed recording. The band released 'Diamond Eyes' in 2010, an album that was critically acclaimed and marked a strong comeback. The band also embarked on a significant North American tour alongside Alice in Chains and Mastodon, reaffirming their status in the alternative metal community and showcasing resilience and evolution in their music.
2012

'Koi No Yokan' Further Explores Experimental Sound

Deftones released their seventh album, 'Koi No Yokan', in 2012. The album continued the band's exploration of diverse sonic textures and experimental approaches within their alternative metal framework. 'Koi No Yokan' was well-received by fans and critics, further cementing Deftones' reputation as innovators willing to push musical boundaries while maintaining their distinctive sound.
2016

'Gore' Maintains Experimental Momentum

In 2016, Deftones released 'Gore', their eighth studio album. The album preserved their commitment to blending heavy metal with atmospheric and experimental elements. 'Gore' was praised for its artistic depth and complexity, highlighting the band's continued evolution and ability to innovate within the genre. It demonstrated Deftones' endurance and relevance in the modern metal scene nearly three decades after their formation.
2020

'Ohms' Marks Return to Heavier Sound

Deftones' ninth album, 'Ohms', released in 2020, marked a return to a heavier and more aggressive sound reminiscent of their earlier work. The album was well-received by both critics and longtime fans, balancing the band's experimental tendencies with their metal roots. 'Ohms' exemplified Deftones' ability to adapt and revitalize their music while maintaining a core identity over their extensive career.
2025

Upcoming Release of 'Private Music' Scheduled

Deftones are set to release their tenth studio album, 'Private Music', on August 22, 2025. This upcoming release is highly anticipated, promising to continue the band's trajectory of innovation and musical exploration. As a band with a history spanning over three decades, 'Private Music' represents both a continuation and a new chapter in Deftones' rich discography and enduring influence on alternative metal.

Albums

deftones_1st_album
Adrenaline
11 tracks
1995
deftones_2nd_album
Around the Fur
10 tracks
1997
deftones_3rd_album
White Pony
12 tracks
2000
deftones_4th_album
Deftones
11 tracks
2003
deftones_5th_album
Saturday Night Wrist
12 tracks
2005
deftones_6th_album
Diamond Eyes
11 tracks
2010
deftones_7th_album
Koi no Yokan
11 tracks
2012
deftones_8th_album
Gore
11 tracks
2016
deftones_9th_album
Ohms
10 tracks
2020
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Abe Cunningham

1988

Drums (drum set)

Chino Moreno

1988

Guitar

Lead vocals

Stephen Carpenter

1988

Guitar

Frank Delgado

1999

Sampler

Turntable

Keyboard

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Sergio Vega

2009
2021

Electric bass guitar

Additional

Background vocals

Chi Cheng

1988
2008

Background vocals

Electric bass guitar

Story of Deftones

Deftones, the Sacramento, California quintet formed in 1988, are pioneers of alternative metal. Founded by Chino Moreno (vocals), Stephen Carpenter (guitar), and Abe Cunningham (drums), the lineup solidified in 1993 with the addition of Chi Cheng (bass) and, later in 1999, Frank Delgado (keyboards/turntable). Their experimental sound, often compared to a "Radiohead of metal," has consistently defied easy categorization.

Signed to Maverick Records, their 1995 debut Adrenaline built a devoted fanbase through relentless touring and word-of-mouth. The follow-up, 1997`s Around the Fur, catapulted them into the alternative metal stratosphere, achieving chart success and earning the band their first RIAA certification.

White Pony (2000) marked a pivotal shift, showcasing a more experimental, nuanced sound while maintaining their raw power. The albums lead single, "Change (In the House of Flies)," became their biggest commercial hit, and "Elite" garnered a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. *White Pony* achieved platinum status in the US, the first of three Deftones albums to reach this milestone. Their self-titled fourth album, released in 2003, continued to garner critical acclaim, though commercial success didnt quite match the heights of White Pony. Despite this, Deftones` enduring influence on the genre remains undeniable.

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