Deftones - Diamond Eyes

duga · 05-04-2010, 03:04 PM

Deftones - Diamond Eyes (2010)

Out of all the bands lumped in with the "nu metal" tag, Deftones are the guys I am still fiercely loyal to. They were always the most creative, and unafraid to try different things with their music. So, of course when their new album came out, I had to give it a listen.

Their music becomes more and more polished (that doesn't mean less heavy) with every release. Their last album, "Saturday Night Wrist", had some moments, but was generally a weak album compared to their others (namely "Around the Fur" and "White Pony"). I was expecting a return to form with this album, and though I find it to be stronger than the last, I'm feeling like there is something missing. Just something. And then I remember. Poor old Chi Cheng is in a coma! That guy adds more to the music than I previously gave him credit for. Instead we are left with some guy named Sergio Vega from some band called Quicksand.

They are definitely mining a refined "Around the Fur" vibe here. The hope that they can top "White Pony" at this point seems futile. But, it is still enjoyable. All of the songs are pretty solid, decently heavy, and subtly addictive. For some reason, I find "You've Seen the Butcher" really really addictive. I just wish Stephen Carpenter would move past his chugging power chord riffs. I know the guy can get creative when he tries, but he just refuses to develop. His riffs aren't bad, it's just I'm left feeling that I've heard this riff before.

For the sake of discussion, I'm not going to give this album a score. Just know that if you've heard their single "Rocket Skates", I actually find it to be one of the weakest tracks on the album. My favorites are the previously mentioned "You've Seen the Butcher", "Sextape" (nice and chill...something the Deftones should think about exploring more), and the title track. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

Actually, now that I think about it...when a mod sees this can we get a poll for Excellent/Good/Average/Poor/Stay the hell away? Thanks!

View Poll Results: Rate Deftones - Diamond Eyes:
Excellent	7	38.89%
Good	10	55.56%
Average	1	5.56%
Poor	0	0%
Awful	0	0%
Voters: 18. You may not vote on this poll

05-04-2010, 03:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
duga MB quadrant's JM Vincent Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 3,762	Deftones - Diamond Eyes (2010) Deftones - Diamond Eyes (2010) Out of all the bands lumped in with the "nu metal" tag, Deftones are the guys I am still fiercely loyal to. They were always the most creative, and unafraid to try different things with their music. So, of course when their new album came out, I had to give it a listen. Their music becomes more and more polished (that doesn't mean less heavy) with every release. Their last album, "Saturday Night Wrist", had some moments, but was generally a weak album compared to their others (namely "Around the Fur" and "White Pony"). I was expecting a return to form with this album, and though I find it to be stronger than the last, I'm feeling like there is something missing. Just something. And then I remember. Poor old Chi Cheng is in a coma! That guy adds more to the music than I previously gave him credit for. Instead we are left with some guy named Sergio Vega from some band called Quicksand. They are definitely mining a refined "Around the Fur" vibe here. The hope that they can top "White Pony" at this point seems futile. But, it is still enjoyable. All of the songs are pretty solid, decently heavy, and subtly addictive. For some reason, I find "You've Seen the Butcher" really really addictive. I just wish Stephen Carpenter would move past his chugging power chord riffs. I know the guy can get creative when he tries, but he just refuses to develop. His riffs aren't bad, it's just I'm left feeling that I've heard this riff before. For the sake of discussion, I'm not going to give this album a score. Just know that if you've heard their single "Rocket Skates", I actually find it to be one of the weakest tracks on the album. My favorites are the previously mentioned "You've Seen the Butcher", "Sextape" (nice and chill...something the Deftones should think about exploring more), and the title track. Give it a listen and let us know what you think! Actually, now that I think about it...when a mod sees this can we get a poll for Excellent/Good/Average/Poor/Stay the hell away? Thanks! __________________ Confusion will be my epitaph...