by Matt Karpe
– Senior Columnist —
Deftones have always made consistent albums throughout their career.
From the early days where they were labeled amongst the front-runners of the Nu-Metal genre, to the utter genius of White Pony where experimental-ism showed that the Sacramento quintet was not afraid to try new things, Deftones have never been a band to repeat a formula. Their self-titled record and Saturday Night Wrist found certain band members suffering from inner turmoil but when they returned with 2010’s Diamond Eyes, things were rosy again in the camp and this came close to toppling the great White Pony. Of course, it has been well documented how hard they were hit when original member Chi Cheng passed away a few years after a road accident, but they kept going ‘for him.’
Koi No Yokan was a fascinating swerve once again, with some dazzling progressive elements that underlined that Deftones were truly one of the best bands of the last two decades.
Gore, the bands eighth studio release, finds more experimentation and maturity which means you need to listen to the whole album a few times before making your mind up about it.
If you are expecting crisp and concise hard rockers like “Rocket Skates” or “Change (In The House Of Flies)” then you will be disappointed, but don’t doubt it just yet.
The opening “Prayers/Triangles” is evidently Deftones from the off, with sumptuous ambient melodies and vocalist Chino Moreno’s hypnotic swirling ranges dominating the whole affair. Another strong track to fit into a Deftones best of; this is a promising start.
“Acid Hologram” has some doom encompassed amongst a sauntering chugging riff. Vocal distortion works well and the guitar effects that come from Stephen Carpenter are exquisite.
Surprisingly, during the promotion of Gore, no secret was made of Carpenter’s distaste for the record, claiming he didn’t want to be part of the album due to the direction the songs were taking, however, he’s certainly masked his emotions well because his guitar work excels throughout.
The excellent “Doomed User” is a track that would have fitted perfectly into the Diamond Eyes track list, with its anthemic chorus and heavy verses which feature a highly charged Moreno performing one of his best vocal displays on the whole album.
“Hearts/Wires” starts off with a delicate melody that soothes the soul before Abe Cunningham’s soft drumming adds to the atmospherics and “Xenon” is a haunting alt. metal highlight made by Chino’s poetic and crushing lyricism.
It is, however, “Phantom Bride” which steals the show. Again, softer picked guitar tones dominate the verses before a stunning chorus crashes in and refuses to remove itself. Arty and gloriously epic, it also features Alice In Chains’ axeman Jerry Cantrell (what is there not to like?). This is easily one of the best songs Deftones have ever produced, so why would Carpenter not be happy playing on this!!??
Deftones have evolved once more, and there must be some kind of irony in the album title because this is alternative metal at its most beautiful, not violent as the word gore would suggest.
Some fans may feel the classic days are long gone, but listen to Gore a few times and you will see the real picture. You will hear all the layers and textures that lurk underneath and you will see that this is as good as Koi No Yokan, which means Deftones are still on form, and still one of the best in the business.
Genre: Alternative Metal, Experimental Metal
Band:
Chino Moreno- Vocals, Guitar
Stephen Carpenter- Lead Guitar
Sergio Vega- Bass
Abe Cunningham- Drums
Frank Delgado- Samples, Keyboards
Track Listing:
1. Prayers/Triangles
2. Acid Hologram
3. Doomed User
4. Geometric Headdress
5. Hearts/Wires
6. Pittura Infamante
7. Xenon
8. (L)MIRL
9. Gore
10. Phantom Bride
11. Rubicon
Record Label: Reprise
Website: www.deftones.com
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8.5/10
