Deftones Endure and Inspire a New Wave of Fans with Their Evolving Sound

On a warm August afternoon inside Atomic Records, a straightforward music shop nestled in a Burbank, California shopping center, the five members of Deftones carried stacks of vinyl records to the checkout counter.

Drummer Abe Cunningham sifted through a hefty pile featuring artists like The Residents, Prince, and The Pretenders. Frank Delgado, the band’s keyboardist and turntablist, left the store with Kraftwerk’s “Neon Lights” and an album by Alice Coltrane. Frontman Chino Moreno picked up a record he was unfamiliar with, attracted by the image of a fierce Roman soldier on the cover, and listed some of his favorites spanning various eras: Danzig’s self-titled debut, Morrissey’s “Viva Hate,” and anything by Cocteau Twins.

Though often recognized as pioneers of the late ’90s nu metal scene, Deftones have consistently defied genre boundaries. Unlike contemporaries who leaned heavily into rap-rock fusion and aggressive rhythms, Deftones have incorporated influences from shoegaze, post-punk, and new wave, all built on a foundation of dynamic alternative metal.

"We’ve always aimed to avoid confining ourselves to a single sound," Moreno, 52, explained. "Our music reflects the diverse influences we enjoy, and those inspirations are wide-ranging."

The band’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including struggles with addiction, creative blocks, and the loss of a member — encompassing what Moreno described as "every cliché you can imagine." Yet, despite these obstacles, Deftones have persevered and continue to thrive.

Their upcoming 10th album, "Private Music," set for release this Friday, showcases shimmering melodies, glitch-inspired synthesizers, and Moreno’s soaring vocals intertwined with Stephen Carpenter’s powerful, down-tuned guitar riffs.