Deftones redefine private music

Deftones present a mature, controlled sound on their tenth album, private music, signaling a late-career peak built on a signature blend of heaviness and beauty.

Deftones redefine private music

Deftones release their tenth studio album, private music, marking a continued rise in critical regard for a band long associated with the 1990s nu metal scene. Their work, following the 2020 release Ohms, shows a band that has forged a distinct, enduring identity and remains in demand on large stages. Live performances have included collaborations with Hayley Williams, such as a guest appearance on Minerva, underscoring the group’s openness to cross-genre dialogue. Critics note that Deftones have shifted from niche status to a defining influence in heavy music as audiences reframe what “heavy” can express.

Musically, private music stays true to the band’s core of tension between heaviness and melodic beauty. Tracks hinge on careful dynamics and a purposeful use of rhythm and texture, such as a midtempo drive on cXz driven by Abe Cunningham’s drum work. The album is described as a refined statement rather than a bold reinvention, signaling maturity in craft while preserving their instantly recognizable voice. The project invites comparisons to landmark late-career statements by artists like Radiohead and Bjork, even as Deftones maintain a distinct, guitar-centered vocabulary.

Deftones have forged a career by refining a core language rather than chasing every new trend. This approach has yielded longevity where many bands fade after a moment in the spotlight. Their ability to balance heaviness with beauty creates a listening experience that rewards attentive listening, not just loudness. The collaboration with Williams and the band’s continued touring signal a widening audience and a willingness to bend genre boundaries without softening their edge.

The risk for Deftones now is sustaining novelty within a language that fans expect to remain true to its roots. As younger listeners discover their work, the question becomes whether private music can recruit new fans while preserving the emotional core that has long defined them. If they navigate this balance, the album could redefine what a late-era peak looks like in contemporary rock.

Highlights

The music landscape will watch closely to see how this veteran act shapes the conversation about staying vital over decades.