Deftones
Deftones is an American alternative metal band formed in Sacramento, California, in 1988. The band was founded by high school friends Chino Moreno (vocals), Stephen Carpenter (guitar), Abe Cunningham (drums), and later joined by Chi Cheng (bass). Over the years, Frank Delgado joined as the band's turntablist and keyboardist, contributing to the band's evolving sound. Deftones gained attention with their debut album *Adrenaline* in 1995, which showcased their aggressive style mixed with a more melodic and atmospheric approach that set them apart from their peers. Their follow-up, *Around the Fur* (1997), brought more critical and commercial success, bolstered by singles like "My Own Summer (Shove It)" and "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)." In 2000, Deftones released *White Pony*, a landmark album that marked a creative turning point for the band. Incorporating elements of shoegaze, trip hop, and post-rock, it is widely considered one of their best works. The album earned them a Grammy Award for the song "Elite." Throughout the 2000s and beyond, Deftones continued to explore new musical directions while maintaining their core sound. Their self-titled album was released in 2003, followed by *Saturday Night Wrist* in 2006. Tragedy struck in 2008 when bassist Chi Cheng was involved in a serious car accident that left him in a coma. Sergio Vega stepped in as a touring and later official member. Cheng passed away in 2013. Despite personal and professional challenges, Deftones remained active and relevant, releasing critically acclaimed albums including *Diamond Eyes* (2010), *Koi No Yokan* (2012), *Gore* (2016), and *Ohms* (2020). Known for their genre-defying sound that blends heavy metal, alternative rock, and ambient textures, Deftones have had a lasting impact on modern rock and metal music. With a career spanning over three decades, Deftones have built a loyal global fanbase and are widely regarded as pioneers of alternative and experimental metal.
