this one was pretty rushed as i wrote it in 45 minutes at 11 in the morning but i hope you enjoy.
Deftones - Diamond Eyes
Release: May 18th 2010
A Review by Sing Blue Silver
Well it's that time again. About four years have passed and Deftones have unleashed another chunk of music on the world. As an avid Deftones fan for many years I must say I was a bit disappointed with their last effort "Saturday Night Wrist" upon first listen but was intrigued by the direction they were heading in. Naturally it grew on me and I love it like any other one of their records but it seemed a bit chaotic at times and often seemed their vision was a bit out of their grasp. With their latest record entitled "Diamond Eyes" the Deftones have hit that nail right on the head with a cohesive, dynamic and complete sounding record. Few (if any) bands from their hayday of the 1999/2000 era have managed to pull off this feat, let alone stay relevant. When I Downloaded the leak of this album earlier in the week I was expecting a more off the wall sound with a bit of the sonic influence on "Saturday Night Wrist" based on the material for the now indefinitely delayed "Eros" but much to my suprise this was a whole new approach. After many listens the band has a much more together sound and seem to be back on the top of their game, ever evolving and making no apologies. The presence of bass player Chi Cheng is greatly missed since a car accident left him in a semi-conscious state but Sergio Vega has done an amazing job of filling in and his influence is felt greatly on the record. But let's get into the real meat and potatoes of this thing. This is "Diamond Eyes."
Diamond Eyes- The title track on the record let's us know right from the starting line that this is a new Deftones we're seeing, with a more standard song structure and some lighter vocals. The verses consist of guitar riff any other singer would just scream over but Chino Moreno takes a different approach flowing beautifully over the chaos. When the chorus hits it's like a sonic dream swaying you back and fourth. This song overall sounds like a single but has a lot of artistic integrity and the "kick in the face" riffing at the end shows us these guys may appreciate melody and beautiful sounds but they are sure as hell not fucking around.
Royal- Right from the get go this song just rocks. Sounding more like something from their White Pony era the band lets us know they still have that aggression while keeping it beautiful and romantic. This song is best enjoyed at maximum volume and Chino's scream at the end is an all time Deftones highlight. It's beauty and ugliness mixed together perfectly. Precisely what this band does best.
CMND/CTRL- In the vein of "Around The Fur" material this is the closest they get to that supposed rap metal sound on this album. The chorus flows very nicely and the verses are just good ol' head bobbing metal. Abe and Stephen really work as a team here to put your back right against the wall while you get a face full of Chino's vocal punch. A short song that feels huge.
You've Seen The Butcher- A deep, heavy guitar groove leads us into bright and relaxed verse. This song has a very singable feel to it. Chino brings that dark romance while the band jams this very groovy hypnotic riff and subtly changes time signatures. These guys are definitely doing something different and so far it's working.
Beauty School- One of the best songs Deftones have ever written. Drum based with simple guitar melodies intertwining until it all builds to a climax leading you into the extremely melodic, romantic and emotional chorus. Abe Cunningham shines on this track but he shines on most tracks on this album. This is the example that Deftones can do anything and do it justice. You can't pin this band into a genre anymore no matter how hard you try. This song is indeed a beautiful ride.
Prince- Starting off with a deep and heavy groove, Sergio shows that he's no mere replacement here. This song is a reminder of the track "RX Queen" with it's haunting verses and even more un-nerving chorus. Take a trip to a dark city with killers and sexual deviants courtesy of this track. Franks effects stand out on this chorus and Chino screams into a climax and a brutal breakdown courtesy of Stephen's 8-sting monster. One of my personal favorites this is new Deftones with an obviously imrpoved style they've developed over 15+ years.
Rocket Skates- This song is just good old fashioned fun. As the first single this song certainly does its job of building the hype. Singable verses with a chorus only Deftones would be able to pull off. Abe is also notable on this track but the whole band works together to create some of the best riffing i've ever heard. That city we took a trip to in the last song has become dangerous. This song leaves you with a frantic feeling and the instrumental breakdown, though simple, is just good head-banging material. This sounds like something from the self titled album but improved upon and much more polished sounding.
Sextape- This song just screams romance. From the deep intro riff to Chino floating on it with his vocals this song is just beauty, love and sex. Perfect music for a candle lit dinner and intimacy if you happen to be bit of an unorthodox couple. A big sonic sound and Deftones prove they can write what I interpret as a love song without coming off as some shitty sell-out pop band. Just beautiful.
Risk- Heavy riff with some of the best vocal melodies I've heard from this band. A good song to jam to and Frank once again fills the chorus with incredible but subtle effects. Some of my favorite lyrics are on this one. Chino keeps his new wave influenced melodies and the band bring a huge heavy breakdown before moving back into the soft chorus. This song rocks but also can bring some memories of lost love.
976-EVIL- Once again this song is just sheer romance. Chino tries out some different melodies on the chorus and it works. Incredible moving, but simple. Another classic love song for that unorthodox couple. This song moves me like great music can.
This Place Is Death- What a closer! Starting off with an effects and organ driven intro it softly explodes and can't help but make me think of Chi. This song has an obvious influence from bands like The Cure and the other 80's new wave bands Chino has expressed his fondness for over the years. Soft but exploding with emotion and heavy playing from Abe while Chino sings his beautiful chorus melody. This song is most obviously about their fallen brother but strangely enough can also fit as another love song for our unorthodox couple.
Overall this is some of the Deftones most developed and mature music. I don't feel I can do it justice with just mere words but this album screams love, pain, sex, beauty, hate and friendship throughout. An excellent album for a night time drive or intimate moments with a lover. Deftones have one-upped themselves here and made a definite improvement since we last heard from them. Sure to be one of the best albums of 2010, I would highly recommend picking up this gem when it is made available May 18th. Seriously, do yourself a favor and buy this record. Even if you're not a metal fan or even a fan of the Deftones usual music there is something for everyone here.
Rating: 9.5/10
Thank you for reading.
Quote from: sing blue silver on Mar 22, 2010, 03:45 PM
this album screams love, pain, sex, beauty, hate and friendship throughout.
:)
Great review, thanks!
Quote from: anguria on Mar 22, 2010, 03:55 PM
Quote from: sing blue silver on Mar 22, 2010, 03:45 PM
this album screams love, pain, sex, beauty, hate and friendship throughout.
:)
Great review, thanks!
feedback is always appreciated. thanks you very much.
yeah, I noticed how this album brought back the Deftonish "sex, love, pain and violence with beauty" theme, which I never saw in SNW. :)
This inpentrable denial by fans is hillariously demented and sad. It make take 4-6 months untill the fallout.
Quote from: beaverwithfishyshoes on Mar 22, 2010, 04:25 PM
Quote from: sing blue silver on Mar 22, 2010, 03:45 PM
Rating: 9.5/10
fanboyism? naww... ;)
maybe a little but i think it deserves it. no other deftones album i've reviewed since around the fur has gotten that rating. i was at the height of my fanboyism when SNW came out and that got a 7.5/10. same with self titled i gave that an 8. this is probably the highest rating i've ever given out.
also i'm quite a big coheed and cambria fanboy but this new album won't be getting as high a score as i've given some of their other albums. waiting to get the book and everything first before reviewing it though. that's going to be a beast of a review since i'll be doing the album, the book and the concert i'm going to on may 18th.
nothing negative ha :)
i like your thoughts
Great review. I agree totally. I don't think anybody in their right mind would give this album less than an 8 (well, unless they were deaf or a troll, not mentioning any names... Cough.na.cough...)
Quote from: lostpilot on Mar 22, 2010, 04:05 PM
yeah, I noticed how this album brought back the Deftonish "sex, love, pain and violence with beauty" theme, which I never saw in SNW. :)
Which is why it's my favorite or 2nd favorite frm them. It's great how they mix together so well. Great review too, I rather agree, but you expressed it 10x better than I'd ever be able to.
nice job man.. but im with frost here, if you want the positive words to really be taken seriously and sink in, then there must be some negative as well,to balance it up. otherwise its easy for the whole thing to not be credible. anywho,although i dont agree on everything, very good reading
Quote from: sing blue silver on Mar 22, 2010, 03:45 PM
This Place Is Death- What a closer! Starting off with an effects and organ driven intro it softly explodes and can't help but make me think of Chi. This song has an obvious influence from bands like The Cure and the other 80's new wave bands Chino has expressed his fondness for over the years. Soft but exploding with emotion and heavy playing from Abe while Chino sings his beautiful chorus melody. This song is most obviously about their fallen brother but strangely enough can also fit as another love song for our unorthodox couple.
Thank you for reading.
i hate that "it's OBVIOUSLY about chi" shit. chino clearly stated that there are no "I GOT PROBLEMS IN REAL LIFE; LULZ" lyrics in that fucker. also how is "you open up the covers, you lure me in" and "you keep me aroused, i know you feel the same" a reference to chi? WTF?
Quote from: Caín on Mar 24, 2010, 09:29 AM
Quote from: sing blue silver on Mar 22, 2010, 03:45 PM
This Place Is Death- What a closer! Starting off with an effects and organ driven intro it softly explodes and can't help but make me think of Chi. This song has an obvious influence from bands like The Cure and the other 80's new wave bands Chino has expressed his fondness for over the years. Soft but exploding with emotion and heavy playing from Abe while Chino sings his beautiful chorus melody. This song is most obviously about their fallen brother but strangely enough can also fit as another love song for our unorthodox couple.
Thank you for reading.
i hate that "it's OBVIOUSLY about chi" shit. chino clearly stated that there are no "I GOT PROBLEMS IN REAL LIFE; LULZ" lyrics in that fucker. also how is "you open up the covers, you lure me in" and "you keep me aroused, i know you feel the same" a reference to chi? WTF?
LOL that's what I was thinking. If any of them are about Chi, I'd think it was 976-EVIL. But Chino said not to read too much into the lyrics, and that they're more fantastical than tlking about real life, so...who knows? They write crazy stuff sometimes, I often wonder if they even have a specific meaning behind some of 'em.
Quote from: TheShade1989 on Mar 24, 2010, 09:37 AM
Quote from: Caín on Mar 24, 2010, 09:29 AM
Quote from: sing blue silver on Mar 22, 2010, 03:45 PM
This Place Is Death- What a closer! Starting off with an effects and organ driven intro it softly explodes and can't help but make me think of Chi. This song has an obvious influence from bands like The Cure and the other 80's new wave bands Chino has expressed his fondness for over the years. Soft but exploding with emotion and heavy playing from Abe while Chino sings his beautiful chorus melody. This song is most obviously about their fallen brother but strangely enough can also fit as another love song for our unorthodox couple.
Thank you for reading.
i hate that "it's OBVIOUSLY about chi" shit. chino clearly stated that there are no "I GOT PROBLEMS IN REAL LIFE; LULZ" lyrics in that fucker. also how is "you open up the covers, you lure me in" and "you keep me aroused, i know you feel the same" a reference to chi? WTF?
LOL that's what I was thinking. If any of them are about Chi, I'd think it was 976-EVIL. But Chino said not to read too much into the lyrics, and that they're more fantastical than tlking about real life, so...who knows? They write crazy stuff sometimes, I often wonder if they even have a specific meaning behind some of 'em.
by now almost every song (besides sextape) was a reference to chi, at least according to sharinglungs. quite honestly, i am happy that not a single song is for chi. i don't want a "candle in the wind".
i'm content this record is what it is because of chi - that's what's good about it.
Quote from: Caín on Mar 24, 2010, 09:29 AM
also how is "you open up the covers, you lure me in" and "you keep me aroused, i know you feel the same" a reference to chi? WTF?
we really dont know all that happened between them through out the years.perhaps its about when they were out on tour and were alone and only had each other.
Quote from: jesusinabowlofdirt on Mar 24, 2010, 09:58 AM
Quote from: Caín on Mar 24, 2010, 09:29 AM
also how is "you open up the covers, you lure me in" and "you keep me aroused, i know you feel the same" a reference to chi? WTF?
we really dont know all that happened between them through out the years.perhaps its about when they were out on tour and were alone and only had each other.
oow. you're dirty. really dirty.
no, those are not my words
Quote from: jesusinabowlofdirt on Mar 24, 2010, 10:01 AM
no, those are not my words
then who is this dirty person, we are talking about?
chino.. the one who actully wrote those nasty lyrics
Quote from: jesusinabowlofdirt on Mar 24, 2010, 10:08 AM
chino.. the one who actully wrote those nasty lyrics
you are the one who brought them into a naughty context!
??? not following you
yeah i get the sex thing, but again i dont write lyrics for deftones records.dont blame the messanger
Quote from: jesusinabowlofdirt on Mar 24, 2010, 10:18 AM
yeah i get the sex thing, but again i dont write lyrics for deftones records.dont blame the messanger
you implied chi-chino sex! you dirty bird.
yeah sure, blame some random guy at a board,you go ahead and do that. insted of dealing with the root of the issue- the guy who actually wrote it. twitter him or something
i didnt say it was ABOUT chi. just makes me think of him
EDIT: wait, i did. my bad. upon further listening that was a bad call.
Quote from: sing blue silver on Mar 24, 2010, 04:24 PM
i didnt say it was ABOUT chi. just makes me think of him
"This song is most obviously about their fallen brother "
This is what my Oxford English Dictionary says about "arouse":
1-bring about (a feeling or response) in someone
2-excite sexually
3-awaken from sleep
I vote for the third option. Yet no one knows what could happen during those long tours away from home... ::)
Anyway, I agree. It could be about Chi, it makes sense. Also because of that "stage" line.
Quote from: anguria on Mar 24, 2010, 04:43 PM
This is what my Oxford English Dictionary says about "arouse":
1-bring about (a feeling or response) in someone
2-excite sexually
3-awaken from sleep
I vote for the third option. Yet no one knows what could happen during those long tours away from home... ::)
how does "you open up the covers, you lure me in" fit in?
Quote from: nyquil_addict133 on Mar 22, 2010, 04:19 PM
This inpentrable denial by fans is hillariously demented and sad. It make take 4-6 months untill the fallout.
what about some people like it....period. i REALLY think this is one of their best stuff and some other people think too, some people that stopped listening to them after wp.
what's fucking hard to understand ?
I wasn't very extastic when either s/t and snw came out. this on the other hand, is pretty different.
Quote from: Caín on Mar 24, 2010, 04:46 PM
Quote from: anguria on Mar 24, 2010, 04:43 PM
This is what my Oxford English Dictionary says about "arouse":
1-bring about (a feeling or response) in someone
2-excite sexually
3-awaken from sleep
I vote for the third option. Yet no one knows what could happen during those long tours away from home... ::)
how does "you open up the covers, you lure me in" fit in?
It could mean that thinking about Chi doesn't make him sleep at night. He wakes up and he's still anxious when goes back to bed; of course those are only suppositions.
Great review man, most times you tried to avoid giving your personal opinion and putting it in the description. It worked for me, nice way to deffend the album. Even though I don't agree in one or things, a nice read. My advice would be to pay more attention when describing the track's sound (they have really experimented on this one. That, and there's no refference to Frank or the 8 stringed stuff.
I sense Chi prescence on the entire album, even though I don't think the lyrics are directed toward him.
Quote from: Caín on Mar 24, 2010, 09:29 AM
Quote from: sing blue silver on Mar 22, 2010, 03:45 PM
This Place Is Death- What a closer! Starting off with an effects and organ driven intro it softly explodes and can't help but make me think of Chi. This song has an obvious influence from bands like The Cure and the other 80's new wave bands Chino has expressed his fondness for over the years. Soft but exploding with emotion and heavy playing from Abe while Chino sings his beautiful chorus melody. This song is most obviously about their fallen brother but strangely enough can also fit as another love song for our unorthodox couple.
Thank you for reading.
i hate that "it's OBVIOUSLY about chi" shit. chino clearly stated that there are no "I GOT PROBLEMS IN REAL LIFE; LULZ" lyrics in that fucker. also how is "you open up the covers, you lure me in" and "you keep me aroused, i know you feel the same" a reference to chi? WTF?
Hahaha this post cracks me up :D
Quote from: sing blue silver on Aug 27, 2010, 07:35 PM
maybe you're not so bad. still not the brightest but who here is?
Not me or you that's for damn sure ;)
Ah how cute, little Korea was highly offended so he raged like a crazy man and searched through all of his offender's previous posts to get him back. :)
Quote from: Penicks on Aug 28, 2010, 10:37 AM
Ah how cute, little Korea was highly offended so he raged like a crazy man and searched through all of his offender's previous posts to get him back. :)
Haha I tell you what's cute: you didn't even realize that my post, about him getting the Chi thing wrong, was posted 2:08 and his retard post was posted 2:12.
You know 2:08 PM comes before 2:12 PM don't you?
Can anybody teach Penicks the clock or is his half of a brain too damaged to learn stuff? ;)
yea well ure mum is fat
Quote from: Korea Rounding on Aug 28, 2010, 12:11 PM
Quote from: Penicks on Aug 28, 2010, 10:37 AM
Ah how cute, little Korea was highly offended so he raged like a crazy man and searched through all of his offender's previous posts to get him back. :)
Haha I tell you what's cute: you didn't even realize that my post, about him getting the Chi thing wrong, was posted 2:08 and his retard post was posted 2:12.
You know 2:08 PM comes before 2:12 PM don't you?
Can anybody teach Penicks the clock or is his half of a brain too damaged to learn stuff? ;)
(http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy20/from_musings/ownage.jpg)
yeah this review is pretty terrible. it was written during my second or third listen to the album the day it leaked. i got a lot of things wrong. either way i really don't care at all what korea thinks as he's proved his opinion to be pretty damn worthless. why was a thread from march revived anyway for some dumb-shit comments? are you really that obsessed with me that you had to search through all my posts? kinda sad that you dug it up to make one lame comment anyway. so now i'm done with this kid anyway. no longer responding to his retarded comments. not really worth it.
also that ^ doesn't really deserve any ownage award unless you're just hopping on some sort of bandwagon.
Quote from: sing blue silver on Aug 28, 2010, 04:51 PM
yeah this review is pretty terrible. it was written during my second or third listen to the album the day it leaked. i got a lot of things wrong. either way i really don't care at all what korea thinks as he's proved his opinion to be pretty damn worthless. why was a thread from march revived anyway for some dumb-shit comments? are you really that obsessed with me that you had to search through all my posts? kinda sad that you dug it up to make one lame comment anyway. so now i'm done with this kid anyway. no longer responding to his retarded comments. not really worth it.
also that ^ doesn't really deserve any ownage award unless you're just hopping on some sort of bandwagon.
Just for clarification: to hop on a bandwagon this particular time would actually be to attack Korea - cuz' that's what everyone else is doing.
deftones fan reviews a deftones record stroking their dicks with a 9.5/10. lol. what a pleasent surprise.
Quote from: sing blue silver on Aug 28, 2010, 04:51 PM
yeah this review is pretty terrible. it was written during my second or third listen to the album the day it leaked. i got a lot of things wrong. either way i really don't care at all what korea thinks as he's proved his opinion to be pretty damn worthless. why was a thread from march revived anyway for some dumb-shit comments? are you really that obsessed with me that you had to search through all my posts? kinda sad that you dug it up to make one lame comment anyway. so now i'm done with this kid anyway. no longer responding to his retarded comments. not really worth it.
also that ^ doesn't really deserve any ownage award unless you're just hopping on some sort of bandwagon.
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd491/korearounding/SorryHurtFeelings.jpg)
Quote from: from_musings on Aug 28, 2010, 01:28 PM
Quote from: Korea Rounding on Aug 28, 2010, 12:11 PM
Quote from: Penicks on Aug 28, 2010, 10:37 AM
Ah how cute, little Korea was highly offended so he raged like a crazy man and searched through all of his offender's previous posts to get him back. :)
Haha I tell you what's cute: you didn't even realize that my post, about him getting the Chi thing wrong, was posted 2:08 and his retard post was posted 2:12.
You know 2:08 PM comes before 2:12 PM don't you?
Can anybody teach Penicks the clock or is his half of a brain too damaged to learn stuff? ;)
(http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy20/from_musings/ownage.jpg)
Thanks but I really don't need it,the ownage was self explanatory.
Quote from: beaverwithfishyshoes on Aug 30, 2010, 03:10 PM
deftones fan reviews a deftones record stroking their dicks with a 9.5/10. lol. what a pleasent surprise.
:D
Quote from: jesusinabowlofdirt on Mar 24, 2010, 09:58 AM
Quote from: Caín on Mar 24, 2010, 09:29 AM
also how is "you open up the covers, you lure me in" and "you keep me aroused, i know you feel the same" a reference to chi? WTF?
we really dont know all that happened between them through out the years.perhaps its about when they were out on tour and were alone and only had each other.
oh gawd!, i hope you arent suggesting what it appears to me that you are suggesting...
Chino and Chi?? Lonely together on tour...Chino lifting the covers to invite Chi in...Chi crawling in next to him..
this is perverse! :O
Quote from: sing blue silver on Aug 28, 2010, 04:51 PM
yeah this review is pretty terrible. it was written during my second or third listen to the album the day it leaked.
It's probably best for you not to say anything.Oh yes,you will get run over. Also: Diamond Eyes leaked March 19 and you wrote the review March 22th,so the leak had been out for four days when you wrote it, you didn't write it the same day. You Liar
What the fuck is wrong with you dude? Just let it go. I don't understand your obsession with me.there's really no point in being such a fucktard all the time. Get a job or a girlfriend or some sort of hobby. There must be better ways you can spend your time.
Is Korea the new Jesusblowofdirt?