Deftones have been evolving and pushing the boundaries of metal since the 1990s, from their heavier roots into a band that seamlessly experiments with sounds consisting of alternative metal, nu metal, and post-hardcore. Their ability to explore such diverse, sonic landscapes has kept their music compelling for over two decades.

Albums such as 'Around the Fur', 'White Pony', and 'Koi No Yokan' showcase the band’s versatility, each standing out for their own reasons. While more recent records such as 'Gore' were well-received, they didn’t quite capture the magic that cemented Deftones as genre-defining innovators.

They appear to have recaptured their creative spark on 'private music'. From the opening track, 'my mind is a mountain', the album immediately establishes a high-gear tone. 'ecdysis' follows with a thunderous bass from newcomer Fred Sablan, whose performance adds a fresh intensity to the band’s sound. 'i think about you all the time' serves as the album’s emotional centrepiece, offering a reflective contrast through its ballad-like structure. Later tracks such as '~metal dream' deliver the heaviest nu-metal Deftones have produced in nearly 25 years, with 'departing the body' closing the album in a soaring, post-metal crescendo.

The production on 'private music' is what stands out the most. The vocals are often placed further back in the mix, which sonically gives the record an ethereal quality, while the usual percussion and drum fills are essential for a great Deftones LP. The album’s atmosphere is both oppressive and intoxicating, evoking a haunting sound that was last seen on their 2012 'Koi No Yokan'. Conceptually, this record feels cinematic, as if it were scored for a film.

Lyrically, 'private music' explores themes of intimacy, loss, and self-reckoning, layering more depth over the band’s signature sound. It’s clear that they have not only refined their musical identity once again, but also pushed themselves into new creative territory. This willingness to evolve while maintaining their typical intensity sets them apart from their peers, who often struggle to innovate.

Beyond this, ‘private music' captures a real emotional side of the band that hasn’t been this exposed before. The juxtaposition of heaviness and fragility is a beautiful contradiction, and makes it an immersive listening experience. This album also reflects a band that is confident in its own identity, that is willing to take risks - of which very few long-standing metal bands have managed to achieve.

What makes 'private music' especially remarkable is its cohesion. Despite exploring textures that range somewhere between ethereal and crushing, the album never feels disjointed.

Each track builds upon the last, creating a journey that is emotionally compelling. The experimentation on this record never overshadows its songwriting, allowing Deftones to balance the album’s ambition and accessibility. The remarkable production, such as the subtle layering of synths and guitars, allows new details to be heard by the listener each time. This depth and emotional intensity ensures that 'private music' will remain a defining moment in Deftones’ discography.

Its immersiveness eagerly invites listeners into a world that is dark, reflective, and beautiful, with the record standing as a testament to the impact and relevance of Deftones. 'private music' proves that they are capable of creating captivating music this many decades into their career.

Though elements of previous Deftones LPs are present, this new record maintains its own originality throughout. It is both a continuation of the band and a fresh statement, demonstrating that they are still capable of releasing music of exceptional quality. 'private music' is bound to be remembered as one of the band’s standout albums.