DEFTONES — Diamond Eyes (review)

Album · 2010 · Alternative Metal

4/5 · 2013-08-17
arcane-beautiful

Deftones are a band from my childhood. In fact, they are band that kind of got me into heavier music. Whenever nu metal was all the rage, MTV would play Deftones videos like “Back To School” and “My Own Summer (Shove It)”. In all fairness, these guys really where a breath of fresh air, especially whenever most of the music out at that point was very similar and almost copycatish. I have always gotten into these guys, then slowly gotten off them. It depends on my mood really, but because of this album, I have started to take an even more firm interest in this band.

The history behind this album is a rather odd one. After the release of Saturday Night Wrist, the band decided to enter the studio again and record an album with the title “Eros.” Sadly before the album was released, bassist Chi Cheng was involved in a car crash which left him in a coma (before his death earlier this year). Because of Chi's accident, the band have decided to shelve the “Eros” album (which should be released in the next few years due to Chi's death) and opted to make a different and more positive album.

One of the most obvious changes in these guys sound now is the use of 8 string guitars, which realy does add to the heaviness of the album. I meant it, the guitar sound really does blow you away, and I don't just mean by impression. If you lived near a snowy mountain, I recommend not playing this album, in case of an avalanche. Chino's vocals are just as good as always, with his vocals being put through so many effects that you start to wonder that maybe he is a robot. Chino's lyrics are more playful, with the songs painting pictures rather than telling actual stories. The beautiful word play does work with the rather calming yet ecstatic tone of the album.

The opening title track is one of the bands best in years. With a riff that sounds like planets colliding and with beautiful vocals from Chino. One of the Deftones most heartfelt and poignant moments in the bands career. A definite must hear for anybody who hasn't heard any material from this band before.

“Royal” is a more of a harkening back to their early days. Chino's vocals come staggering in like a drunk man telling you the news. Brilliant track with a rather hypnotic feel behind it.

One of the most heaviest and craziest songs has to be “CMND/CTRL.” A mental song with some insane vocals from Chino. Definitly one of the heaviest and greatest moments on this album.

“You've Seen The Butcher” is a track which was an obvious choice for a single. One of the more catchier and more easily listenable tracks, but still as good. Another obvious but rather odd song that was released as a single was “Rocket Skates.” Rather odd lyrics and some absolutely mental screams from Chino, it definitely is a song that you won't forget.

The album's more softer moments like “Sextape” and “Beauty School” are brilliant compositions and show a very different side to the band. Chino's softer vocals do suit these songs very well and make lovely little interludes from the more heavy material on the album.

In conclusion, this is my first full length Deftones album that I have heard fully, and yea, this is one brilliant album. Can't think of a bad song on it. As a comeback, this is a total rebirth and really put these guys on the map again. I would recommend this album to anyone who...likes music in general. In many ways I would say this album is the perfect album for a Deftones beginner, because it sums up everything that is great about the band and each song has its own unique personality of the bands sound.

RIP Chi Cheng

8.4/10