"Ohms" - Deftones New Album

[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

[2MoreHours]

After giving Ohms several listens (enough that it's all familiar now) I believe I can say it's kind of a mid-pack Deftones album.  While all the songs are pretty good, there are a few elements that could be better.  Steph rides the same note too often throughout the album and while heavy, some of the riffs seem lazy.  It's almost like he was thinking he has to play these live and doesn't want to have to think too hard.  Anyway, it's a good album as all Deftones albums are.  Here is how I rank their albums for now.  Diamond Eyes and Ohms could be flipped in my rankings.  They are very close.  I gave the nod to DE because Stephs riffs are a little better on that one with songs like Prince and Royal.

White Pony
SNW
Deftones
Around the Fur
Diamond Eyes
Ohms
KNY
Adrenaline
Gore

[kleptoned]

Im so glad I know nothing about production or lazy riffs or not enough snare etc. Its all subjective and I love this album just like all the other ones. Seems like some people here are nitpicking the shit out of it. Again glad Im a moron when it comes to the audiophile type shit so I can just enjoy it.. Wish I could rank all the albums and or songs but it all depends on my mood and whats going on around me .

[lungdamage]

Im so glad I know nothing about production or lazy riffs or not enough snare etc. Its all subjective and I love this album just like all the other ones. Seems like some people here are nitpicking the shit out of it. Again glad Im a moron when it comes to the audiophile type shit so I can just enjoy it.. Wish I could rank all the albums and or songs but it all depends on my mood and whats going on around me .

I think the snare is tuned a little low on purpose for the particular mix on this album.

[lungdamage]

I can't do that poll btw, I selected a song just so I could see the results

Do a poll where you can select your top three next It's too hard to choose damn it

Wow, not one person has chosen 'This Link is Dead' yet... I wasn't expecting that.