What is the best Deftones album to start with?

The best album to start with is "White Pony" (2000). It's the most representative of what makes Deftones worth hearing.

What are the best Deftones albums?

The essential Deftones albums include "Eros", "Adrenaline" (1995), "Around the Fur" (1997), "My Own Summer (Shove It)" (1997) and "Be Quiet and Drive" (1998).

How many albums does Deftones have?

Deftones has 45 releases in their discography, including 11 albums and 2 EPs.

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Deftones

Q: Who is Deftones for?

If you're into alternative metal and nu metal, Deftones is worth your time. With weighty grooves punctuated by haunting melodies and sudden shifts in intensity, their music creates an immersive experience that is both cathartic and contemplative.

With weighty grooves punctuated by haunting melodies and sudden shifts in intensity, their music creates an immersive experience that is both cathartic and contemplative.

alternative metal · nu metal

United States Est. 1988

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Start here

The album

White Pony (2000)

Captures their signature sound with a blend of heavy grooves and melodic elements, offering a cohesive listening experience for newcomers.

The song

“Be Quiet and Drive” from Around the Fur

Immediate hook that introduces their style, showcasing both intensity and melody in a compact format that's accessible to new listeners.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Prayers/Triangles" — from Gore (2016)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Swerve City" — from Koi No Yokan (2012)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Drive" — from Covers (2011)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Brief Exchange" — from Eros

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"My Own Summer (Shove It)" — from Around the Fur (1997)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"my mind is a mountain" — from Private Music (2025)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Deftones

Deftones matter for their ability to redefine the boundaries of heaviness and beauty within alternative music, creating a soundscape that resonates deeply with both angst and introspection.

Their work has crafted a sonic space where aggression and melody coexist, serving as an emotional refuge for listeners navigating the complexities of identity, love, and existential dread. Their innovative approach lies in a masterful blend of ethereal atmospherics and crushing guitars, often layering textures that shift from serene to chaotic. This dynamic interplay invites listeners not just to hear but to feel each moment, showcasing a commitment to pushing sonic limits while maintaining melodic sensibilities that capture the essence of human emotion. Lyrically, Deftones often explore themes of longing, alienation, and personal struggle through a lens that balances raw sincerity with impressionistic imagery. Their writing features a haunting tone and evocative storytelling that can evoke visceral reactions while leaving space for personal interpretation, allowing listeners to connect on individual levels.

11 studio albums· 45 total releases· 3 decades· United States