Is Ohms a good place to start with Deftones?

Yes, Ohms is recommended as a starting point for new Deftones listeners. A swirling blend of heavy riffs and atmospheric textures, Ohms captures the essence of Deftones' signature sound while exploring new sonic landscapes. Ohms is Deftones' ninth studio album, released in 2020 following their critically acclaimed 2016 album Gore. By this time, the band had solidified their legacy within alternative metal and nu metal, continually evolving their sound while maintaining a devoted fanbase. The album marks a return to form for the band, showcasing a more aggressive style reminiscent of their earlier works.

Ohms works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, atmospheric background focus and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Ohms?

Ohms has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Ohms

Deftones · 2020

46 min · 10 tracks · alternative metal

A swirling blend of heavy riffs and atmospheric textures, Ohms captures the essence of Deftones' signature sound while exploring new sonic landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Genesis Start here — Opening with ethereal melodies that build into crushing riffs, 'Genesis' sets the tone for the entire album, blending heaviness with atmospheric elements.
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Ceremony — 'Ceremony' features haunting vocals paired with dynamic instrumentation, reflecting themes of existential introspection which resonate throughout the album.
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Ohms — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes through its layered soundscapes and powerful crescendos, making it a standout representation of Deftones' artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Ohms showcases Deftones' signature blend of heaviness and atmosphere while maintaining strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that builds gradually, layering atmospheric sounds before introducing heavy guitar riffs.
Several tracks feature dynamic shifts between soft, melodic sections and intense, aggressive passages, creating a push-and-pull effect.
The final track concludes with an extended instrumental outro that fades out, leaving a lingering sense of atmosphere.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
atmospheric background focus
dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Ohms showcases Deftones' continued evolution and relevance in their later career.
Themes: personal struggle· atmospheric intensity· sonic evolution
Career context: Ohms is Deftones' ninth studio album, released in 2020 following their critically acclaimed 2016 album Gore. By this time, the band had solidified their legacy within alternative metal and nu metal, continually evolving their sound while maintaining a devoted fanbase. The album marks a return to form for the band, showcasing a more aggressive style reminiscent of their earlier works.
Stylistic neighbors: Glassjaw· System of a Down· A Perfect Circle