Is Deftones a good place to start with Deftones?

Yes, Deftones is recommended as a starting point for new Deftones listeners. A swirling blend of atmospheric soundscapes and powerful metal riffs that defines a moment of evolution in the nu metal genre. Released in January 2003, Deftones marked the band's self-titled fifth studio album during a period of both critical acclaim and commercial success following their breakthrough record, White Pony. The band continued to explore deeper emotional and sonic complexities, showcasing their growth as artists while maintaining their signature heavy sound.

Deftones works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing and flow.

How many songs are on Deftones?

Deftones has 11 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Deftones

Deftones · 2003

47 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal

A swirling blend of atmospheric soundscapes and powerful metal riffs that defines a moment of evolution in the nu metal genre.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Hexagram Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its aggressive instrumentation and haunting melodies, immediately drawing listeners into the album's emotional depth.
→
Minerva — As one of the standout singles, this track showcases the band's ability to meld melodic elements with heavy riffs, exemplifying their signature sound.
→
Bloody Cape — This track features expansive soundscapes and introspective lyrics, capturing the duality of beauty and darkness that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album blends heavy riffs with atmospheric elements, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy track, 'Hexagram', that sets a dark tone, followed by a shift to more melodic elements in 'Minerva'.
Several tracks feature dynamic shifts between quiet, atmospheric sections and intense, heavy riffs, creating a sense of tension and release.
The last three tracks include a gradual build-up in 'Bloody Cape' leading to an expansive soundscape, which contrasts with the earlier aggression.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing and flow
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — This album represents a significant artistic evolution and critical acclaim for the band.
Themes: atmospheric soundscapes· melodic heavy riffs· emotional turbulence
Career context: Released in January 2003, Deftones marked the band's self-titled fifth studio album during a period of both critical acclaim and commercial success following their breakthrough record, White Pony. The band continued to explore deeper emotional and sonic complexities, showcasing their growth as artists while maintaining their signature heavy sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Glassjaw· System of a Down· A Perfect Circle