Deftones

Few bands have carved out a space as singular as Deftones. Formed in Sacramento, California in 1988, they emerged from the nu metal wave of the 1990s but quickly transcended it — blending heavy riffs with shoegaze atmospherics, dream-pop textures, and an emotional depth that set them apart from every contemporary. They are, by almost any measure, the most critically acclaimed band to come out of the nu metal era.

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The Story of Deftones

Deftones released their debut album Adrenaline in 1995, establishing their heavy, groove-driven sound. Their breakthrough came with Around the Fur (1997), which introduced a wider audience to their unique blend of aggression and melody. But it was White Pony (2000) that cemented their legacy — a genre-defying masterpiece that drew on electronic music, shoegaze, and alternative rock to create something entirely new. It won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance and is regularly cited as one of the greatest rock albums ever made.

The band continued to evolve through the 2000s and 2010s, releasing a string of critically acclaimed records including Saturday Night Wrist (2006), Diamond Eyes (2010), Koi No Yokan (2012), and Ohms (2020). Each album pushed further into new sonic territory while retaining the emotional intensity that defines their best work.

In 2024, Deftones headlined major festivals worldwide and continued to draw new fans through the nu metal revival, with tracks like Change (In the House of Flies) and Be Quiet and Drive going viral on TikTok.

Deftones Discography

• Adrenaline (1995)
• Around the Fur (1997)
• White Pony (2000)
• Deftones (2003)
• Saturday Night Wrist (2006)
• Diamond Eyes (2010)
• Koi No Yokan (2012)
• Gore (2016)
• Ohms (2020)

Official Deftones Merchandise

We stock a curated range of officially licensed Deftones merch — premium quality, authentic designs. From the iconic Star & Pony to Around the Fur classics, find the perfect piece for any fan.

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Deftones & Nu Metal

Deftones are part of the nu metal generation but have always existed on its outer edge — heavier than shoegaze, more atmospheric than most metal. Explore our Nu Metal hub for more from the genre's defining acts, including Korn and Slipknot.