Review | Deftones – Private Music

Reprise

‘Private Music’ is Deftones 10^th studio album, their first in five years’ time and it also marks thirty years since the release of their debut album. Deftones are certainly among the most respected and influential bands of the nineties and also a massive deal in the world of metal music for sure.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ALBUM

‘Private Music’ features eleven tracks all filled with those whispers, wails and screams of frontman Chino Moreno, who is in top form throughout the entire album by the way, and the hooky, catchy, heavy riffs of guitar picker Stephen Carpenter. Just check out the amazing opening track ,,My Mind is a Mountain,” play it f…. LOUD and you will be sold and addicted to this Deftones album for sure!!

Other highlights on this album are: ,,Cut Hands” (with an impressive groovy guitar riff), ,,I Think About You All The Time” (featuring very emotional, heartfelt vocals) and ,,Souvenir”. The latter is an absolute six-minute metal gem, featuring dark, winding riffs from Carpenter, a very melodic hook, and a long synth-dominated musical outro. Closing track ,,Departing the Body” begins very slowly before it evolves into a groundbreaking musical explosion in the true classic Deftones fashion as we know it from their other albums.

DEFTONES – THE CONCLUSION

‘Private Music’ definitely is Deftones’ best album since 2000’s career-defining ‘White Pony’, featuring a raw energy I have not heard from this band for an exceptionally long time indeed. The production of Nick Raskulinecz (Mastodon, Foo Fighters, Korn, Alice In Chains) is flawless, making this record perfect for a listening session with headphones!

Deftones prove with this amazing album that they are still one of the most dynamic and engaging bands on this planet; so, check it out, play it LOUD and enjoy!!

Release date: 22 August 2025