Deftones - Diamond Eyes
 

Deftones - Diamond Eyes (2010)
 

Out of all the bands lumped in with the "nu metal" tag, Deftones are the guys I am still fiercely loyal to. They were always the most creative, and unafraid to try different things with their music. So, of course when their new album came out, I had to give it a listen.

Their music becomes more and more polished (that doesn't mean less heavy) with every release. Their last album, "Saturday Night Wrist", had some moments, but was generally a weak album compared to their others (namely "Around the Fur" and "White Pony"). I was expecting a return to form with this album, and though I find it to be stronger than the last, I'm feeling like there is something missing. Just something. And then I remember. Poor old Chi Cheng is in a coma! That guy adds more to the music than I previously gave him credit for. Instead we are left with some guy named Sergio Vega from some band called Quicksand.

They are definitely mining a refined "Around the Fur" vibe here. The hope that they can top "White Pony" at this point seems futile. But, it is still enjoyable. All of the songs are pretty solid, decently heavy, and subtly addictive. For some reason, I find "You've Seen the Butcher" really really addictive. I just wish Stephen Carpenter would move past his chugging power chord riffs. I know the guy can get creative when he tries, but he just refuses to develop. His riffs aren't bad, it's just I'm left feeling that I've heard this riff before.

For the sake of discussion, I'm not going to give this album a score. Just know that if you've heard their single "Rocket Skates", I actually find it to be one of the weakest tracks on the album. My favorites are the previously mentioned "You've Seen the Butcher", "Sextape" (nice and chill...something the Deftones should think about exploring more), and the title track. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

Actually, now that I think about it...when a mod sees this can we get a poll for Excellent/Good/Average/Poor/Stay the hell away? Thanks!

omg... I didn't even know it was out.
And I'm a Deftones fan. *cries*

What the hell.. I feel estranged from humanity.
I'll get it asap.

Oh god damn it....I posted in the wrong damn section.

http://www.musicbanter.com/album-rev...es-2010-a.html

I had that up a few days ago and was a little bit sad no one commented on it.

After having listened to Diamond Eyes today I must say... I'm very impressed. This album beats the hell out of Saturday Night Wrist in so many ways and I'm sure the more I listen to it, Diamond Eyes is going to edge near the top of my favorite Deftones albums.

There's literally only one song I didn't like right off the bat, and I only gave the album a once-through... After I give it a couple more listens, I'll have a more definite opinion but as it stands, this album both surprised and amazed me and although I don't know what Eros sounded like, it's obvious that their decision to rewrite the 6th album was a good one.

I'm definitely going out and buying the physical album.

I gotta pick this up! Been anxiously awaiting it but haven't decided whether I want to buy it or download it first. Can't do the later till my computer's back in order...but I can't wait to hear this. Might just go buy the CD this weekend, I own all the others why stop now?

That's good to hear. I like the song alright but it's not amazing or anything, so I look forward to hearing better tracks on this album.


I didn't know he was the temporary (or permanent?) replacement. I like Quicksand.

I assume you're heard Team Sleep?

Dude... just go and buy it.
I own all the others as well and I tell you what, you're going to do it anyway. Might as well smell that nice new album smell when you open the packaging and read the jacket with total anticipation.
I sorta wish I did that now. :(
I still need to pick up the physical album. I had to burn a RW in the interim so I could listen in my car without having to use my USB drive.

I have and I really enjoy Team Sleep. If they could add more of those elements while keeping a hard edge, they could have another White Pony on their hands.

As far as Sergio Vega, he's been a friend of Deftones for a while and has filled in as bassist for them before, so there's a history. It's not just a random dude from a random band.

And yea, I actually didn't like Rocket Skates as much as the rest either. Although I think the last track is the weakest (This Place Is Death).
Those are probably the only two songs I don't really "look forward to hearing" if you know what I mean. The rest of the album, I find myself loving the song that's on, and simultaneously wanting to skip it just to hear the other songs I love.
It's, for me, a very rewarding listening experience.
The last album, Saturday Night Wrist, was totally the opposite and, in my opinion, their worst album.
I'm so glad this album is good enough to be a redeemer.