"Ohms" - Deftones New Album

[rainnyx4]

I recall people saying that the verse of Pompeji recalls the verse of Phantom Bride and I agree but I have to say that if there was ever an example of righting a horrible wrong it is the killer Pompeji being the "do over" so to speak on the awfulness that ended up being Phantom Bride.

Yeah, didn't like that one. And its not because of the guitar solo from Jerry (who I'm a big fan of) but the solo didn't really help either. That song simply did not move me.

Jesus, really don't get the love for Pompeji. Steph's guitar sounds tired and Chino's vocals during everything but the verses sound awful. Best part is undoubtedly the synth outro.

Not a big fan of Phantom Bride either. It's OK, just severely underwhelming. I think I'd have to say it's a better song overall compared to Pompeji though. Really wish they'd gone in a different direction for Pompeji, the verses and outro are so good, but god I can't stand the other parts of the song, just kills it.

[from_musings]

This album is the album that would have come out between Diamond Eyes and KNY

What. De & Kny go together like nutella and a spoon.

[Far away]

I kept making comparisons to Radiohead's albums on here and wondered if Ohms would be their Kid A. I'm not flatout blown away by Ohms as I was by Kid A all those years ago, but it might still be their most comparable album to it - not in sound, but due to the fact that it's one of their more challenging albums.

I think if there's a Kid A, it's White Pony. It's easy to make a connection with The Bends and Around The Fur, and subsequently Ok Computer and White Pony (in terms of their individual discographies, not that they sound anything alike) but if we're treating Kid A as the most transformative Radiohead album I'd say White Pony is the comparison, although Kid A is much more different to Ok Computer than White Pony is to Around The Fur.

Ohms has some new elements and a slightly different dynamic in terms of how Deftones albums usually work and are sequenced, but also brings past records and sounds together. In that sense, I'd maybe compare it to A Moon Shaped Pool?

Yeah, A Moon Shaped Pool might be a better comparison. Not my favorite Radiohead album, but it is pretty good.

Everyones entitled to their own opinions and thats the beauty of things (most of the time, at least), but the amount of different takes and perspectives about the same subject (the band, their discography, etc) never ceases to surprise me.

I wont be that guy judging other peoples list, order of prefferences and shit, but man... theres a LOT of different takes in here.

That's really the beauty of the band. We all have different takes on what Ohms songs are the best, what albums are the best, etc. - goes without saying that it speaks to their greatness.

Indeed

[E-Money]

Ceremony is a certified JAM ..

Urantia is so good I almost crashed the car singing the chorus ...

Error has me floating in the clouds .

Spell is like auditory sex.


We got a great record. I'm completely in love with the first half. Second half hasn't quite grabbed me like the first half but I know it will soon.

Favorite part on the record so far is in ceremony where it goes totally quiet . "The world we shared, was never there" then Steph drops that driving riff. Chills every time . 👌

Ready for the next record already haha. 

[Jesus2Chino]

Not a final review (not that anyone cares about me writing one, haha), but my initial impressions are that this album sits well atop all of their work with Sergio; without me knowing it, I think this is the album I wanted after SNW.

None of the songs are super sticky yet for me, but this album, as a holistic listening experience, is the best they've put out since SNW in my opinion. It's a very groovy album that, to my ears, nods to a lot of music I didn't know I felt nostalgic for, somehow bringing to mind The Smashing Pumpkins, Mike Patton projects, Dillinger Escape Plan, and even Korn (don't crucify me) at times while never feeling derivative or cheesy. I doubt these bands were in the regular listening rotation for the guys during this writing cycle, but there are small moments sprinkled throughout that brought these bands to my mind in a very subtle and pleasant way. The flow and track sequence of the album is phenomenal, and the album overall really begs the listener to listen to it in its entirety. I'll give it time before I form any final opinions, but I think it's a very good release from them at this point.

My biggest criticisms on the first few listens surround production. While the overall production quality is miles beyond their sans-Terry releases, I think it's the worst mixing Terry has done with them. Abe's snare needs to be bumped up a couple dB almost throughout the entire album, and Chino's vocals could often find a more comfortable spot in the mix as well in my opinion; Abe's snare sound is so juicy too, it's a shame it doesn't cut through the mix enough on a lot of tracks. While there are times where I think Sergio's bass is too forward in the mix, I do appreciate how his style is finally complemented by the overall writing on this album--it really brings a post-hardcore element to a lot of tracks that are definitely better for it.

I think I really like this album, but only time will tell how well it sticks. It'll definitely be in my regular listening rotation though, and I'm excited to spend more time with it.

[RaptureWS]

The drum beat in error totally reminds me of the beat in Mein.

it's not just the drum beat for me. I feel like the entire song is kind of a reimagined Mein, and this time it works fantastically. I just feel like it has the style and vibethey were going for on Mein but really missed the mark. there's probably a few fans of that song, but it seems to be pretty popular opinion that is one of the weakest tracks. Error rectifies that mistake in my mind

[plagasx]

I really fucking wish Ceremony was longer...Jesus christ.. It's PAINFUL how good the chorus is and then it just...ends..

[976-EVIL]

Kinda funny how Deftones always seems to leave me wanting more. This is a great fucking Record...

[E-Money]

I really fucking wish Ceremony was longer...Jesus christ.. It's PAINFUL how good the chorus is and then it just...ends..

Totally agree. I feel that  way on a few songs here. I want the bridge to be longer on genesis and ceremony needs one more chorus ... Error needs to go a little higher at the end and Ohms needs more at the end...

When are they going to invite us to the studio so we can help them finish the songs correctly ... lol .. that was a joke. 🤦🏻‍♂️😜

[pannch]

Headless. Man, what a ride that is. The super doomy riff in the chorus, the spooky synths, and the vocal line. Haha makes my eyes water and throat choke, its that good.

Warming up to other tracks like error, TLID and Radiant City.

One thing I noticed abt Genesis, is that its the most modern - Deftones sounding track of the album. If they decided to go heavy after DE, Genesis is what would have been the next logical evolution from it. That's why I feel Genesis sounds disconnected from the album. Or maybe Genesis seeded in me some sort of expectation as to how Ohms would sound as a whole.

[976-EVIL]

48 HOURS!

Since OHMS hit for this listener, once again this Record is beyond Great. Love the debate here about The Tracks! Interesting for sure. Kinda suprised at the lack of love for This Link is Dead?

Pompeji flows so emotional and different for the Band. Anyone who says this Album isn't experimental is incorrect.Then Frank OWNS, into a Fantastic Track.
That has no Votes?

[iAmFlyerThanYou]

This album has so many small elements of familiar sounds of their previous work, composing a new experience with their music, I suppose as with most bands, but... My initial impression was juxtaposed to their catalogue, ok, it's a Deftones record. And it certainly wasn't as impressive as DE, KNY, or Gore on the first listen. Honestly, the first two or three listens, it was a little disappointing. After 10-15 listens, the best I can describe this album is... it is like a bush full of buds, and the buds keep blooming and blooming. Each time I listen it gets more colorful and it is evident that they really took their time composing it. I am in disbelief at how much I love it now vs. how disappointing it sounded on the first couple listens. I think this is going to be one of, if not my favorite Deftones record.

I can't put into words how good Ceremony and The Spell of Mathematics are, to me. The whole album is taking me places and I love it.

[mrpelon94]

OMG why couldnt hey have a break down beat of TSOM ...let that ride playa 🤦🏽‍♂️

[976-EVIL]

It's not fun here anymore?

[IN WAVES]

It's not fun here anymore?

I voted for Radiant City, but I think Ceremony is my favorite song again. :/

I love that part!

[lahemi]

"These guys have released well over 100 songs, all pertaining to the same signature Deftones style, yet they are still finding ways to reinvent their sound and bring new ideas to the table at a point in time where any other band would have run out of steam."
from a review on rym

Headless and TSOM are where it's at boiiii, so many musical highlights!
Ohms' sound is just so rich, the drumming is so effortless and fun to listen to. The second half of TSOM is so smoof! Genesis still feels so much like ATF to me, and Headless! Uggghhh
The Selftitled will always be my favorite, the warmth and brooding sound of that album gives me all the feels, everytime, and I know Ohms has a completely different sound, but it just gives me the vibes of WP/ST. Love it.

[IN WAVES]

1. Deftones
2. Around the Fur
3. White Pony
4. Ohms
5. Saturday Night Wrist
6. Diamond Eyes
7. Koi No Yokan
8. Adrenaline
9. Gore

Final answer.

[lahemi]

The heavy screamy parts of Spell of Mathematics reminds me a lot of the voire dire record by will heaven.drony dramatic synths to a massive murky guitar and angst ridden screams, pretty tense. I like all the parts though,the song is very good as a whole.

Oh shit, so true! Stephen is on their last album btw, if you're into the heavy and screamish side of the spectrum: Will Haven - El Sol

[nineteen]

The heavy screamy parts of Spell of Mathematics reminds me a lot of the voire dire record by will heaven.drony dramatic synths to a massive murky guitar and angst ridden screams, pretty tense. I like all the parts though,the song is very good as a whole.

Oh shit, so true! Stephen is on their last album btw, if you're into the heavy and screamish side of the spectrum:

The synth at the end of Pompeji also reminds me of the synth at the end of Landing On Ice from Will Haven's 'The Hierophant' album (think Chino did the synth on that track if I remember correctly)

[lahemi]

The heavy screamy parts of Spell of Mathematics reminds me a lot of the voire dire record by will heaven.drony dramatic synths to a massive murky guitar and angst ridden screams, pretty tense. I like all the parts though,the song is very good as a whole.

Oh shit, so true! Stephen is on their last album btw, if you're into the heavy and screamish side of the spectrum:

The synth at the end of Pompeji also reminds me of the synth at the end of Landing On Ice from Will Haven's 'The Hierophant' album (think Chino did the synth on that track if I remember correctly)

Man, you've nailed it. The opening riff of Genesis reminded me of something and I couldn't put my finger on it; Carpe Diem, when the main riff of Genesis played one last time right at the end. But now that I'm listening to Carpe Diem it pales in comparison to the wall of sound of Genesis when the 1-0-0-0 riff hits. lol but still..

edit: Not to mention that Shaun Lopez and Chino were involved with The Hierophant. And Chino actually being in the Video of Carpe Diem, etc.
edit²: Man, I totally forgot about Will Haven. It's WBTG on every track, and you'll get tired of it, but when you're in the mood.. phew lol