Deftones ‘Private Music’ Review: Another Career High from Rock’s Most Reliable Band

Experience the dynamic evolution of Deftones in their 10th album ‘Private Music’, blending metal, emotion, and genre-defying sounds with breathtaking precision.

Waiting in the Wings: The Long-Anticipated Return of Deftones

“We’ve been waiting here patiently locked in this state, clocking our time,” Chino Moreno, the iconic frontman of Deftones, bellows on ‘My Mind Is A Mountain,’ the thunderous opener and lead single from their latest album Private Music. If you’re like me, those words hit home after a five-year gap since the raw power of 2020's Ohms.

So much has happened during that wait. The band said goodbye to bassist Sergio Vega, Chino dived deep into his industrial synth side project Crosses, and Deftones hit massive stages worldwide, even turning into a TikTok sensation—yes, that viral spark gave their sound a new lease on life with younger audiences. It may seem surprising, but it’s exactly the kind of genre-blurring magic Deftones have mastered for decades.

More Than Legacy: Deftones’ 21st Century Soundscape

Deftones could easily rest on the laurels of classics like Around The Fur and White Pony, but that’s never been their style. Instead, they’ve churned out hit after hit, becoming arguably rock's most dependable band.

What sets them apart? It’s the way they effortlessly blend styles. Moreno’s soulful, sometimes downright sexy vocals wrap around vividly poetic lyrics, while the band spices things up with hip-hop and trip-hop rhythms, danceable drums, and riffs thick with atmosphere. Metal colors the canvas but never dominates it—making their sound perfectly suited to our tribal, genre-fluid times.

Rekindling the Flame: Nick Raskulinecz Returns on ‘Private Music’

The tenth studio album reunites Deftones with producer Nick Raskulinecz, who steered their mid-career masterpieces Diamond Eyes (2010) and Koi No Yokan (2012). The magic is palpable here, with Private Music picking up right where they left off.

Take ‘Locked Club,’ bursting with the swagger of ‘Swerve City’ and ‘Goon Squad,’ as Moreno coolly commands: “Cruise out in style, well it’s safe, come stepping out proud from the gates.” Then ‘Ecdysis’ melds Deftones’ doom-laden vibes with eerie synths reminiscent of Depeche Mode’s Violator, painting apocalyptic visions with lines like “rivers rising, swollen streams dividing.”

It’s not all doom, though. The chugging riffs of ‘Infinite Source’ and the soaring mini-epic ‘Souvenir’ hit a perfect balance before the savage energy of ‘cXz’ rips open a circle pit of pure adrenaline.

A Tender Touch: The Return of Deftones’ Gothic Romance

Fans who melted over the viral ‘Sextape’ will find a kindred spirit in ‘I Think About You All The Time.’ This track feels like a spiritual sequel to Diamond Eyes’ heartfelt moments, with Stephen Carpenter’s delicate guitar work weaving a fragile web for Moreno’s gothic, Robert Smith-inspired croon: “As we sink inside of your warship, lay next to me, our theme plays and we’re out of our minds…”

Phwoar indeed. It’s moments like these that remind you Deftones aren’t just metal— they’re masters of mood, weaving beauty and brutality into something uniquely their own.

Storming the Horizon: Power and Poise Through the Album

From the defiantly Deftones-flavored ‘Milk Of The Madonna’ to the relentless machine-gun intensity of ‘Cut Hands’ and ‘Metal Dream,’ and finally to the cinematic, escapist closer ‘Departing The Body,’ Private Music is a sweeping journey. It’s an expansive fever dream — spiritual, intimate, direct — that showcases why Deftones remain untouchable veterans of their craft.

Batten down your hatches and raise your horns: this album is a force of nature you don’t want to miss.

Album Details

• Record label: Reprise/Warner
• Release date: August 22, 2025

Final Thoughts: Deftones’ Enduring Magic

Private Music isn’t just another album. It’s a testament to Deftones’ ability to evolve while staying true to their core. With moments that punch like metal and others that caress like a dream, they’ve crafted their most dynamic and emotionally resonant work yet. Whether you're a longtime fan or just tuning in, this record cements their place as rock’s most reliable band — still pushing boundaries and still connecting on a profound level.

FAQs

• How does ‘Private Music’ compare to previous Deftones albums?
  It feels like a powerful continuation of their mid-career peaks, especially recalling the energy and craftsmanship of Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokan.
• Is ‘Private Music’ more metal or experimental?
  While metal is present, the album blends many genres including synth, trip-hop, and shoegaze, making it a rich, genre-fluid experience.
• What themes does Chino Moreno explore in the new album?
  The lyrics dive into introspection, emotional intimacy, and apocalyptic imagery, wrapped in Moreno’s soulful and sometimes haunting vocal style.
• Who produced ‘Private Music’ and why is that significant?
  Nick Raskulinecz returned as producer, bringing the same magic that helped craft some of their best-loved albums.
• Are there standout tracks for new listeners?
  Definitely check out ‘My Mind Is A Mountain’ for the opener’s punch, ‘I Think About You All The Time’ for a gothic love ballad, and ‘cXz’ for a wild burst of energy.

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