Deftones Proves Their Longevity with Private Music (Op/Ed)

When it comes to bands from the ‘90s, very few continue to break the mold and evolve their sound quite like alternative metal band Deftones. Released on August 22, 2025, Deftones boldly demonstrates what fans love, new and old, with their newest album, Private Music.
​by Emery Brown

Deftones are well-regarded for their ethereal approach to metal music, a genre ironically known for its aggression. Their first album, 1995’s Adrenaline, made them no different from the other rockers of the controversial nu metal wave. However, the band’s ever-evolving sound has made them a smash hit with younger audiences today. Private Music is the culmination of this modern personality, while paying homage to their hostile past.

Literally from the first moments of the album, you’re hit with punchy guitar riffs from lead guitarist Stephen Carpenter that grip you by the shoulders and shake you. Opening with the album’s first single, “my mind is a mountain,” Private Music sets the stage for the album with earth-shattering instrumentals and incredible performances by lead singer Chino Moreno, who impressively maintains his unique, melodic yet aggressive style even decades later.

The album was produced by Nick Raskulinez, who also produced 2010’s Diamond Eyes and 2012’s Koi no Yoken, two albums that share much of the same dynamic DNA with Private Music, seamlessly flowing between euphoria and hostility without a single boring moment in between. An undoubted highlight of the album, the track “i think about you all the time” is a beautiful yet sorrowful lullaby, featuring Morenos’ soft, heavenly vocals. On the opposite side of the spectrum, “cut hands” is loud and boisterous, seemingly an homage to Deftones’ early days of rap metal.

Private Music is an incredible project by an aging band, one that has found a new audience in Gen Z, a demographic younger than the band itself, yet keeps its legacy fans drawn in. Deftones continues to push the boundaries of what “vintage” bands can do, and with projects like Private Music in the works, it’s safe to say that Chino is here to stay.

​Overall, I give Private Music a 9/10.