Deftones is an American alternative metal band formed in 1988 in Sacramento, California. The band was founded by Chino Moreno (vocals and guitar), Stephen Carpenter (guitar), and Abe Cunningham (drums), later joined by Chi Cheng (bass) and Frank Delgado (keyboards and turntables). They are known for their innovative approach to music, blending elements of nu metal, post-rock, shoegaze, and art rock.
Their debut album Adrenaline was released in 1995, and their follow-up Around the Fur (1997) brought them wider recognition. However, their breakthrough came with White Pony (2000), marking a shift towards a more sophisticated and atmospheric sound. The single "Change (In the House of Flies)" became their most recognized hit, and the track "Elite" won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
Following that, Deftones continued to experiment with their music through albums like Deftones (2003), Saturday Night Wrist (2006), and Diamond Eyes (2010). Tragedy struck in 2013 when bassist Chi Cheng passed away following a severe car accident. The band continued their work, and Koi No Yokan (2012) was praised for its emotional depth and musical maturity.
Subsequently, Deftones released Gore (2016) and Ohms (2020), continuing their trend of innovation and musical evolution. In 2025, the band announced the release of their tenth studio album, Private Music, scheduled for release on August 22, 2025.
Deftones are known for their energetic and emotional live performances, and their influence on alternative and metal music makes them one of the most important bands of their generation.
