(2016) Deftones - Gore

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It's always interesting to catch up with bands from your past and see what they're doing nowadays. I'll be honest, I wasn't exposed much to the Deftones until around the "White Pony" era. That's the album I compare them too. "Around The Fur and Adrenaline" were great albums as well, but there was just something great about "White Pony". So here we are, 15 years and a couple of shitty albums later. Can they get it back? Let's find out!
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Track 1 - Prayers / Triangles

My first impression of this song was, "meh". As I am listening to it now for a 5th time, it really, really grows on you. So far, so good. I really like the guitar work and it's good to hear Chino still growing away. This song starts out a little trippy, kind of "Team Sleep"ish, but quickly sounds like a Deftones song. Very cool. I am impressed.

4/5

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Track 2 - Acid Hologram

Once again, after the 5th listen, this song is quickly growing on me as well. It's got the Deftones signature sound and the trippyness of a Tool song. It's very cool to hear them getting back to their "White Pony" sound. So far this album definitely sounds like it's going to get even better. I have missed the Deftones!

4/5

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Track 3 - Doomed User

This is definitely the heaviest song so far. Chino screams most of the verses leading into the choruses which are very cool. This is one of those songs that will get stuck in your head after a couple of listens. The breakdown in this song is absolutely beautiful. If your a selective song kinda listener, start here.

4/5

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Track 4 - Geometric Headdress

The one thing I will say about these songs so far is their memorability. It is AMAZING to hear the Deftones bring their all and create something this AWESOME, this late in their career. Only time will tell if they will make it as long as the Rolling Stones & The Red Hot Chili Peppers, but this kind of an album is a good indicator that we'll be enjoying these guys for many years to come! Best song so far!

5/5

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Track 5 - Hearts / Wires

Ok so FINALLY we have a contender for album of the year! All of these songs have been EXTREMELY memorable and after 5 listens, it quickly becomes evident that this may indeed be just as good, if not better than "White Pony". This song is no exception. Chino's voice is ON POINT. The creativity on this album is off the charts! So far this album has been "White Pony", meets "De-Loused In The Comatorium" meets "Mer De Noms".

5/5

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Track 6 - Pittura Infamante

There was a lot of new music that came out this week. WAYYYY more so than usual. Smile Empty Soul released an EP which was excellent. It only had 6 songs though or that would have been my choice. IT IS AMAZING BY THE WAY!!! However, this album was completely unexpected and has completely blown me away. I have been pleasantly shocked listening to this album so much, that i'm now on my 5th listen through!

4/5

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Track 7 - Xenon

It is now safe to say this album is JUST AS GOOD AS "WHITE PONY"! Yeah, I said it. This is ESSENTIAL Deftones. These songs are nothing but 4's and 5's. From this point on this album will be my second favorite album of theirs with constant possibility of becoming number 1. This album is THAT good. I only can dream that Incubus' outing later this year will be just as good. I did see they played "Calgone" with Ben Kenney in Mexico. THAT was breathtaking as well.

4/5

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Track 8 - (L)mirl

This album has not disappointed once. That's highly unusual for me with a Deftones album. Even "White Pony" had a couple of "mehs". So far, this album has been damn well near perfect. The guitar work and drumming on this album have been awesome and when Chino screams in this song, it takes me back.

4/5 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Track 9 - Gore

As we near the end of this album and reach the title track, "Gore", I would already give this album a 4/5 no matter what happens from here on out. They could cover "MmmBop" and i'd be cool with it. Actually... that would probably be pretty good! This song is another one of those that showcase the creativity put into this album. I am blown away! Sorry Rocket Summer... there might be a new number one for 2016 in town! The screams on the end of this song are ridiculously awesome. BEST TRACK.

5/5

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Track 10 - Phantom Bride

I am floored... This album has been nothing short of a masterpiece. I will be listening to this album for many years to come. This is a defining decade kinda album. One of those ones that will never, ever get the kind of credit it deserves. This is easily one of the best 2010's albums. This is one of the better songs and when the ending comes in it just get's that much better. =0O

5/5

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Track 11 - Rubicon

So now at the last track it has become evident that The Deftones have created their most impressive work to date. This is the kind of album that will inspire thousands of kids to go out and start a band. I've never been a HUGE Deftones fan, but they have completely won me over with this album. WOW.

4/5

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Overall - 48/55

Overall, we finally have a contender for album of the year. This one has my bet so far. This is the kind of album that should win TONS of awards, but never will. Fuck Taylor Swift and her illuminati contemporaries. This album is the real deal. A new one to place in my top 100. It's THAT good. Willowbee, out.