Deftones- private music

From the moment the first drum beat hits, Deftones’s newest album Private Music feels like a dreamy, nu-metal atmosphere unfolding in real time. This record pushes the band’s discography even further while enrapturing the sounds that built their legacy. Deftones have always found ways to evolve their sound without abandoning their roots, and this August 2025 release is a perfect example of that balance. Chino Moreno’s iconic, breathy vocals intertwine with Abe Cunningham’s heavy drum work to create something that feels familiar yet refreshing. What makes this album captivating isn’t just its sound, but the emotional landscape it paints of romance and freedom that drifts in and out of each track.

Songs like “My Mind Is a Mountain” and “I Think About You All the Time” carry the quiet intensity and beauty found in much of Deftones’s earlier work. They echo power and quality of Koi No Yokan while still tapping into the hazy, dreamy sound that defined albums like Diamond Eyes. Both those albums were shaped by producer Nick Raskulinecz, and it’s no surprise that Private Music carries his imprint as well.

For my 18th birthday, I was given Deftones concert tickets, and that experience deepened the meaning their music holds for me. Listening to Private Music now feels like returning to a familiar place that’s grown with me.

One song that pulled on a heartstring was “Infinite Source.” To me, the lyrics in this track hint at a quiet goodbye. There’s a tone of reflection and finality that suggests the band could be signaling a step back from touring or even the early stages of retirement. It’s subtle, but the emotional weight is hard to ignore. Could this be a farewell wrapped in poetry and distortion?

What makes Private Music stand out is the cohesion. Every track feels like a necessary piece of a larger puzzle. Whether you’re listening through headphones late at night or blasting it in the car with the windows down, the album pulls you in with its raw energy and keeps you hooked with its layers of detail.

Overall, Private Music proves that Deftones still know how to create something that feels both intimate and explosive. As someone who has followed their music for years, this album definitely met my expectations. It deepened my appreciation for how the band continues to evolve without losing themselves. Whether this marks a new chapter or the beginning of their goodbye, it’s a powerful addition to their legacy.