Deftones have released new song; Rocket Skates for Internet download prior to their album launch on May 18th 2010.
The sixth full length album from the Deftones boys and the first in four years, Diamond Eyes has been tipped by UK media to be the best album to date from the Californian lads.
The dawn of Deftones
Formed way back in 1989, the five members; vocalist and guitarist, Chino Moreno, guitarist Stephen Carpenter, bassist Chi Cheng, drummer Abe Cunningham and turntable and keyboard master, Frank Delgado joined forces to create one of the biggest, modern Metal bands of the generation.
Debut album Adrenaline hit the UK shores in 1994 and tracks like Bored and 7 Words quickly became staple hits for the band. It was their second release of 1997’s Around The Fur that included the hit My Own Summer (Shove It) that really launched the band with the popular song still being played at Alternative clubs up and down the country.
The band try not to focus around one specific genre in the industry and this maybe what puts them apart from other Metal acts out there. This is also referenced in the meaning of the band's name which is meant to appear vague which reflects the music of the Deftones which doesn’t stick to one style. This is clearly evident in well known track My Own Summer which has a superb contrast of ferocious aggression and laid back melodies.
Band in turmoil - 2008
In November 2008, Chi Cheng was involved in a serious car accident in California and fell into a coma which shook not only the rest of the band, Cheng's family and friends but also the whole Metal circuit. Cheng's condition remained the same come January 2009 so it was detailed on Deftone's blog that a friend of the group, Sergio Vega would stand in place of Cheng and the band played their first show since the accident in April of 2009.
Fortunately, Cheng was moved from Intensive care a month later and a tribute instrumental song was recorded by Fieldy, bassist of Korn and former Korn guitarist, Head but also includes bands Sevendust and Slipknot and was titled A Song For Chi. All proceeds were donated to Cheng's family.
Diamond Eyes - 2010
The album due for release around the time of the accident, Eros was held off and has still been held off for the time being but Diamond Eyes, recorded with Vega is set for release this May and Rocket Skates can be downloaded from the band's website.
Frontman Chino spoke to Spin Magazine about the album:
“The dynamics Deftones are known for — aggressive overtones and lush openness. They’re on opposite sides of the spectrum, but we meld them together without sounding contrived. There are a few heavy songs, too, like our first couple records, and there are also experimental tunes — but there’s not a minute on this record that feels like it doesn’t need to be there. Each sound complements the other. I’ll straight-up say it: it’s definitely one of our best albums.”
With so many "joke" metal bands out there, artists who try not to take themselves too seriously, Alestorm, Arsonists Get All The Girls and Steel Panther to name three, Deftones stand proud alongside more serious acts like Slayer, who demand, and whom have course earned, the respect of their peers and fans.
Set to play UK festival Download in June 2010.
