A review of Diamond Eyes by Sing Blue Silver

[sing blue silver]

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.

[anguria]

this album screams love, pain, sex, beauty, hate and friendship throughout.

Great review, thanks!

[Hidalgo]

this album screams love, pain, sex, beauty, hate and friendship throughout.

Great review, thanks!

[sing blue silver]

feedback is always appreciated. thanks you very much.

[lostpilot]

yeah, I noticed how  this album brought back the Deftonish "sex, love, pain and violence with beauty" theme, which I never saw in SNW.

[nyquil_addict133]

This inpentrable denial by fans is hillariously demented and sad. It make take 4-6 months untill the fallout.

[beaverwithfishyshoes]

Rating: 9.5/10

fanboyism? naww...

[sing blue silver]

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.

[rock_n_frost]

nothing negative ha 

i like your thoughts

[Dienekes]

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...)

[TheShade1989]

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.

[jesusinabowlofdirt]

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

[Caín]

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?

[TheShade1989]

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.

[Caín]

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. 

[jesusinabowlofdirt]

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.

[Caín]

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.

[jesusinabowlofdirt]

no, those are not my words

[Caín]

no, those are not my words

then who is this dirty person, we are talking about?

[jesusinabowlofdirt]

chino.. the one who actully wrote those nasty lyrics