Deftones

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Deftones: Chino Moreno (vocals, guitar); Stephen Carpenter (strings); Chi Cheng (bass); Abe Cunningham (drums); Frank Delgado (scratches). Additional personnel: Rey Osburn (vocals). Recorded at The Spot, Sacramento, California; Larrabee Studios, West Hollywood, California; Studio X, Seattle, Washington. Since the '90s, the Deftones have clawed out their own specialized niche in music. Many have imitated them, but few have reached their heights. They were innovators of so-called nu metal and could easily have settled into complacency riding the wave they helped create. Instead they continue to make waves with their self-titled fourth album. Deftones frontman Chino Moreno wastes no time in expressing his despair mere seconds into "Hexagram" with a blood-curdling scream that will make your skin crawl. The dense, down-tuned guitars of Stephen Carpenter form a solid backdrop for the vocals that's more about creating a mood than a melody ("When Girls Telephone Boys"). Ironically one of the album's most intense moments ("Lucky You") doesn't even involve guitar, it relies on Nine Inch Nails-type rhythm and keyboards to create an uncomfortable tension. DEFTONES winds down with the loud-soft-loud pattern they're famous for on "Moana."