Is Diamond Eyes a good place to start with Deftones?

Yes, Diamond Eyes is recommended as a starting point for new Deftones listeners. A powerful blend of atmospheric soundscapes and aggressive instrumentation that captures a sense of urgency and introspection. Released on May 4, 2010, Diamond Eyes marked Deftones' sixth studio album and was their first release after the tragic accident involving bassist Chi Cheng. At this point in their career, the band was navigating both personal and creative turmoil, striving to redefine their sound while remaining true to their roots.

Who is Diamond Eyes for?

Diamond Eyes works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, atmospheric background focus and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Diamond Eyes?

Diamond Eyes has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Diamond Eyes

Deftones · 2010

41 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal

A powerful blend of atmospheric soundscapes and aggressive instrumentation that captures a sense of urgency and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Diamond Eyes Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and hope with its infectious hooks and driving rhythms, establishing a powerful opener.
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Rocket Skates — With its relentless energy and dynamic shifts, this track exemplifies Deftones' signature blend of heavy riffs and melodic interludes, making it a standout highlight.
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Sextape — This track showcases a more intimate side of the band with lush melodies and atmospheric production, contrasting beautifully with the heavier elements present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track combines heavy riffs with atmospheric elements, showcasing strong vocal dynamics and solid production.

What we noticed

The track features a dynamic interplay between heavy guitar riffs and ethereal, atmospheric sections that create a sense of tension and release.
Vocals alternate between melodic singing and aggressive shouting, emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The song builds gradually, layering instrumentation before reaching a climactic peak, then receding into a more subdued conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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
atmospheric background focus
gradual builds and payoffs
immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic achievement and solidifies their sound post-tragedy.
Themes: grief and memory· post-tragedy resilience
Career context: Released on May 4, 2010, Diamond Eyes marked Deftones' sixth studio album and was their first release after the tragic accident involving bassist Chi Cheng. At this point in their career, the band was navigating both personal and creative turmoil, striving to redefine their sound while remaining true to their roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Glassjaw· System of a Down· A Perfect Circle