Since their inception, Deftones have consistently pushed the creative boundaries of the alt-metal genre combining lush and vivid soundscapes with vicious metal riffs. Their 8th album “Gore” is the first since the death of friend and bassist Chi Cheng in 2013 and is full of all the angst and emotion one would expect.
Frontman Chino Moreno has some of the most fluid vocals in the metal world. From the opening song “Prayers/Triangles” his sultry voice flows beautifully across the music and simply envelops the listener. In sharp contrast to the dreamlike state of Moreno’s voice is the punishing attack from guitarist Stephen Carpenter as he provides a brutal metal onslaught on tracks like “Doomed User” and “Rubicon” with absolutely out of this world leads on “Pittura Infamante.” Tying the whole mood together and really filling in the sound are the lavish keyboards of Frank Delgado. Another standout track is “Phantom Bride” which features a guest appearance by Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell adding to the gloom and doom vibe with a real sludgy feel.
Instead of resting on their laurels, Deftones continue to push the envelope with sound experimentation and the result is an amazing new album. “Gore” is yet another example of why Deftones are clearly in a league of their own.
