Deftones will release their new album, Koi No Yokan on November 13th. The band have also released a new song “Leathers” and their lead single “Tempest” on October 9th.
Track Listing:
1. Poltergeist (Roller Derby)
2. Romantic Dreams
3. Leathers
4. Swerve City
5. Entomb (Dazzle)
6. Graphic Nature
7. Tempest
8. Gauze
9. Rosemary
10. Goon Squad
11. What Happened To You? (Flashback)
This week’s “Classic Bands and Why We Love Them” contributor is Bradley Dillion from Introduce: Yourself Band Promotion Page.
Deftones. Why are they my favorite band, and one of the best bands of the 90’s, in my opinion? A multitude of reasons, but mainly because I saw them for the first (and only) time back in 2003, with Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Metallica, and Mudvayne. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever been to, and while I was only familiar with most of “White Pony” at the time, something about them stuck with me. I think it may have been their stage presence. The fact that they were (and still are) a very heavy band, but still influenced by genres other than metal, was what really stood out to me.
I listen to a much broader spectrum of music now than I did back then. But Deftones will always be my favorite band just because of how tight Stephen Carpenter, Chino Moreno„ and friends are with their instruments. Add the to the fact that they’re a lot more experimental than any band I’ve heard in two decades, and you have a recipe for perfection. A big part of my love for them is Chino Moreno’s voice, though. It’s just one of those things you have to hear to believe. Also, Deftones have never made a bad album, or even average one. They’ve all been great, from Adrenaline to Diamond Eyes. And personally, I can’t wait to see what they do with their new album that drops in October. I know it won’t disappoint.
Deftones got me through a very dark couple of years in life. Between them, Linkin Park, and Funeral For a Friend, they all provided an outlet for me to escape reality. And really, isn’t that was music should do? Shouldn’t it make you open up your mind and lose yourself in it?
This, my friends, is why Deftones are my favorite band.
Deftones are mixing their next album, and hope to release it in early October.
"It’s not a super fast or slow record. It’s very dynamic," Moreno tells Billboard.com. "Some of my favorite things about Deftones are the dynamics. Yes, we’re a heavy band, but we’re not just in-your-face aggro the whole time, punching you in the face. There’s a lot of aggression in some of the music, but there’s also this very soothing element where there’s a lot of soundscapes rather than attack, attack, attack the whole time. I understand that’s a big part of our sound, but I really feel like we reached a peak on our dynamics on this record with those two qualities — the beauty of something and just straight, ruthless aggression."
Over the past couple of years, The Word Alive has gained a global reputation for pushing the boundaries within their genre. But with new sophomore full-length Life Cycles, the Arizona quintet is set to join an elite club of heavy music luminaries ushering in the next evolution of melodic metal. We chatted with Telle about his hometown roots, challenges in writing Life Cycles, and their upcoming stint on The All Stars Tour
For the record, what’s your name and what do you do in the band?
My name is Telle and I’m the vocalist for TWA.
Let’s talk about your roots. I’ve never been to Kettering, Ohio before. What’s it like there?
It’s pretty much as blue collar and normal as it gets haha. I lived down the street from a popular venue called “The Attic” which I still play on tour today. Green grass, tons of trees, and not too hectic. It’s just a working man’s city.
What are some of the particular messages you tried to get across in the lyrical content of the new record? Are there any topics that you cover on Life Cycles that you haven’t in the past?
I covered a ton of new content I feel. I wrote every song essentially to be different, but at the same time tie together. Life Cycles has a lot to do with the progression of life, and the thoughts you have as you develop who you are and what you believe in.
What was the biggest challenge in writing the album?
I’d say just making sure that everything was a step forward and a step up from our previous efforts. I believe in this record like nothing before. I honestly understood at times when people weren’t fans of our last 2 CD’, but I have a very personal attachment to this record, the songs, the meaning behind the songs, and I really believe we created something special.
What was your experience like working with Joey Sturgis?
I actually didn’t work with him; the guys recorded the music in Indiana and I recorded the vocals in California with producer/engineer Allan Hessler. I visited the studio for a total of about a week and a half probably. The guys were really focused on making the record musically, the best that they could. I think they had a great time making this record and it shows.
Are the any guest vocals on the record that would surprise people?
We actually decided against guest vocals on this record. Seeing how much it meant to us, we wanted to make a statement with this album. We wanted 100% of this album to be credited to our benefit or demise, as something TWA made with no help.
How would you guys say you’ve grown as musicians just from the time-span between Empires and Life Cycles?
We know what we like and have a better understanding of how to create that. We are constantly practicing and trying to learn new things, new techniques and we tried a lot of that on Life Cycles. Empire we were “just kids” as they say; this record shows we’re growing up.
Who’ve you really been looking forward to seeing on The All Stars Tour?
I really love watching my good friends in Suicide Silence, they kill it. And I also am looking forward to seeing Stick To Your Guns, their new album is great.
You’ve toured overseas numerous times; have you found a favorite food/drink/etc there that you can’t get back home?
I live in Vegas, where everything from the world is made available, haha. Fortunately for me there are a lot of culturally diverse places here. Nothing I have found, aside from I’m sure a few obscure beers. But my favorite beer is available here.
It’s about mid-way through the year. What albums have you really been enjoying lately from 2012?
Stick To Your Guns’ new record, Architects new album just came out and it’s incredible. Outside of our genre, I’ve been jamming a lot of Crosses. It’s Chino from Deftones’ (my favorite band) side-project, and it’s too good.
What’s one thing you’ve never mentioned about you or your music before in an interview?
Well I’ve never given myself credit vocally in the past, but I feel this record was the coming of age for me as a vocalist. I am very proud of how hard I’ve worked and that might sound egotistical, but if anything, it’s meant to showcase that there isn’t anything that can stand in your way if you believe in yourself and are passionate about what you do. I hope people feel that way when they hear this album.
Last question: What is one book AND one band that you’d personally recommend to anyone that listens to TWA and what reasons do you have to support your choices?
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is my favorite book, and one band would have to be the Crosses. The book is really crazy, and it makes for a quick read even for the non-readers out there. And if you love Chino’s voice, or cool music, that’s good enough reason to jam them.
System of a Down and Deftones have announced they will be heading out on tour together this summer.
August 2, 2012: Susquehanna Bank Center – Camden, PA
August 4, 2012: PNC Center – Holmdel Township, NJ
August 5, 2012: Nikon at Jones Beach – Wantagh, NY
August 7, 2012: Verizon Center - Washington, DC
August 9, 2012: Comcast Center – Boston, MA
August 11, 2012: Heavy MTL Festival - Montreal, QC
August 12, 2012: Heavy TO Festival – Toronto, ON
August 14, 2012: DTE Energy Amphitheater – Detroit, MI
August 15, 2012: Allstate Arena – Chicago, IL
Deftones will release a vinyl box set entitled Deftones: The Vinyl Collection, 1995 - 2011 on October 25. The set will feature eight 180-gram LPs and is limited to 1,000 pieces. Details can be found here, where you can also pre-order it.
