Deftones - Gore (ALBUM REVIEW)

Deftones has been consistent in a strange way, in my opinion, as they always release different albums that feels unique but still has their distinct sound. I have been a fan since their Diamond Eyes release which is my personal favourite and it’s been 4 long years since their release of Koi No Yokan. I was glad and frustrated at the same time because for a fan it’s crucially painful to wait that long, but it was relieving to know that they are taking their time and effort to attempt to surpass their latest work. I spent those times in between to fully appreciate their full discography and it is hard to argue which their best album to date is. Gore made it impossible for me to decide.

When I first heard Prayers/Triangles, it felt like the definitive Deftones track; atmospheric guitars, rhythmic basslines and some dynamic drumming, something they have shown through Saturday Night Wrist and Koi No Yokan, blending the aggression and shoe-gazeness. There are tracks in the album that feels like a trip down to memory lane like Acid Hologram which felt like a sequel for the self-titled album with its slow rhythm guitars and that way it’s mixed. While Gore had that Adrenaline and Around The Fur vibe, it’s punchy and belligerently upbeat. Drummer Abe Cunnigham’s effortlessly shows his dynamics throughout, with Geometric Headdress being his most notable effort.

There are tracks that feel very sporadic on the other hand, like Pittura Infamante and Xenon which seems very out of place for the guitarist Stephen Carpenter. He stretches for this unusual classic metal-style riffs that feels lazy and clichéd. It sounds way too high for a guitarist that is known for his hard-hitting tuned down riffs. It felt that there were clashes through the writing process. But it is interesting to listen to its creative zenith and maybe it’ll feel more appreciative after a few listens.

What shines here however is vocalist Chino Moreno’s expanded range as reaches heights through his screams, which can be heard through Gore, Doomed User, Acid Hologram and Geometric Headdress. Doomed User is aggressive throughout, as the metal hooks from Carpenter complements his out-there high pitched screams. But it still doesn’t further away from the melodic choruses. Geometric Headdress shows this even with its unusual dynamic. You also notice those dream pop-rock styles like (L)Mirl, which felt like a Team Sleep (Moreno's side project) track; it’s dark, moody and hypnotically beautiful. The dream-like quality of Phantom Bride with Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell’s entrancing guitar involvement and Moreno harmonizing the guitars made it the highlight of the entire album. Hearts/Wires, their longest track in the album, starts off with this atmospheric guitars that builds up to a melodic yet explosive chorus where Moreno’s vocal tantrums exudes potency. Listening to the last track Rubicon, you hear them going on a high note but reminding us what was great about them in the first place, they’re intense and blissful.

Few bands accomplish to expand their horizons creatively throughout a 21-year old career and the Sacramento quintet shows their evolution through this album. 7 albums later, they’re still releasing music that is intense and mesmerizing at the same time. They have reached that point of their career where they are not afraid to push their limits and expand their sound, even when it means some clashing ideas.

Overall: Their overdue effort from their creative songwriting and dynamics has paid off as this eight album has acuity and depth that we have not explored before in their past discography. Some tracks may have not worked, but the complete album is the quintessential melody-heavy Deftones sound with lots of very fresh, unique and interesting ideas without being too chaotic.

Check Out: Hearts/Wires, Phantom Bride, (L)Mirl

9/10

Out April 8th