Hexagram cover

Hexagram

Deftones · 2003

11 min · 3 tracks · alternative metal

A moody exploration of atmospheric soundscapes layered with heavy riffs and haunting melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hexagram — As the title track, 'Hexagram' encapsulates the album's themes of existential dread and emotional turmoil, blending heavy instrumentation with ethereal vocals.
  • →
    Bloody Cape — 'Bloody Cape' showcases a more atmospheric side of Deftones, with its lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics reflecting on loss and longing.
  • →
    Lovers — 'Lovers' stands out for its delicate balance of heaviness and vulnerability, featuring a poignant narrative that deepens the album's emotional impact.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and production, blending heavy and atmospheric elements effectively.

What we noticed

  • The title track 'Hexagram' features a slow build-up with layered guitars that create a dense atmosphere before erupting into heavy riffs.
  • The second track, 'Bloody Cape', shifts to a more melodic approach, incorporating ethereal vocals and a softer instrumental backdrop.
  • The final track, 'Lovers', contrasts the previous songs with a more subdued tempo and introspective lyrics, creating a reflective close to the single.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Deftones' presence in alternative music after 'White Pony'.
Themes
atmospheric longing· emotional turbulence· haunting love stories
Career context
When Deftones released 'Hexagram' in December 2003, they were transitioning from the success of their critically acclaimed album 'White Pony'. This track marked a return to their heavier sound while still incorporating experimental elements, showcasing their evolution as artists amidst a changing music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Glassjaw· System of a Down· A Perfect Circle

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Hexagram 4:10
  • 2 Bloody Cape 3:35
  • 3 Lovers 4:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata