After a four-year silence, Sacramento’s beloved alternative metal outfit Deftones has returned with their highly anticipated tenth studio album, Private Music, released Friday, August 22nd. The 11-track collection marks the band’s first full-length effort since 2020’s critically acclaimed Ohms, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and became their sixth top 10 album.
The album’s arrival follows an expertly orchestrated rollout that began six weeks ago when the band shared the record’s striking cover art on social media, a minimalist image featuring an albino snake coiled on a vibrant green background, accompanied by the cryptic message: “private music | out august 22.”
Leading the charge are two powerful singles that showcase the band’s evolved sound. “My Mind Is a Mountain” debuted atop the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, while “Milk of the Madonna” followed approximately one month later, both tracks demonstrating the atmospheric heaviness that has defined Deftones’ three-decade career.
The complete tracklist reveals an intriguing collection of titles including “Locked Club,” “Ecdysis,” “Infinite Source,” “Souvenir,” “Cxz,” “I Think About You All the Time,” “Cut Hands,” “~Metal Dream,” and “Departing the Body.” The album was recorded and produced across multiple California locations, including sessions in Malibu and Joshua Tree, environments that likely contributed to the record’s expansive sonic palette.
A Legacy Three Decades in the Making
Formed in Sacramento in 1988, Deftones emerged from California’s alternative metal scene alongside contemporaries like Korn and System of a Down. The band, consisting of vocalist Chino Moreno, guitarist Stephen Carpenter, Abe Cunningham on drums, Sergio Vega on bass, and Frank Delgado on keys, has consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy music, incorporating elements of shoegaze, post-rock, and experimental music into their signature sound.
Their breakthrough came with 1995’s Adrenaline, followed by the watershed moment of 1997’s Around the Fur, which established their reputation for crafting both crushing heaviness and ethereal beauty. Albums like White Pony (2000) and Diamond Eyes (2010) cemented their status as innovators, proving that heavy music could be both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.
The band has weathered significant challenges, including the tragic 2008 car accident that left bassist Chi Cheng in a coma (he passed away in 2013), but has consistently emerged stronger, with each album representing a new chapter in their artistic evolution.
In the weeks leading up to Private Music’s release, Deftones created an intimate connection with their global fanbase through a series of exclusive listening parties. These sessions took place across 12 major cities from August 19-21, including Amsterdam, Mexico City, Los Angeles, London, Melbourne, New York City, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, Berlin, Paris, and their hometown of Sacramento.
This grassroots approach to album promotion reflects the band’s deep understanding of their audience and their preference for meaningful connections over conventional marketing strategies.
Supporting the Album on the Road
The album release coincides with an ongoing North American headline tour that has already featured memorable performances at iconic venues including Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. The tour continues with Canadian dates beginning with a Vancouver performance on Friday, followed by additional U.S. shows.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Private Music represents both a continuation and evolution of Deftones’ singular artistic vision. After four years of anticipation, the band’s return reinforces their position as one of alternative metal’s most consistently compelling voices.
Private Music is now available on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats worldwide.
