Artist: Deftones Album: Diamond Eyes

Year: 2010
Duration: 41:21

A Definitive Review of Deftones' Diamond Eyes Album

If you're a Deftones fan, then you definitely know the legendary album 'Diamond Eyes'. Released in 2010, this record garnered a lot of attention in the alternative metal scene. The band has been celebrated for over two decades for their unique blend of metal, post-rock, and dreamy soundscapes. And Diamond Eyes is the perfect amalgamation of their best elements. In this blog post, I am going to give you a critical review of the album - the history of the band, the music genre, the best tracks, and a personal take on the whole affair.

Deftones formed way back in 1988 and have released nine albums so far. They are credited as one of the pioneers of the nu-metal genre, but their sound has evolved significantly over the years. They have never been one to stick to a particular style, and Diamond Eyes proves just that. It was created after nearly losing their bass player Chi Cheng, in a coma after a car accident. With a time of existential turmoil, it's palpable in the music. The result is an album full of heavy riffs, dreamy soundscapes, and intense emotions.

The album is categorized as alternative metal, but it goes way beyond that label. It has elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and even some punk influences. It's an album that can be both heavy and ethereal, sometimes in the same track. The production is also top-notch, with each instrument filling the soundscape perfectly.

The best songs on the album are Diamond Eyes, Royal, You've Seen the Butcher, and Sextape. These tracks capture the essence of the album and are an excellent showcase of the band's songwriting capabilities. The guitar work is particularly noteworthy, with Stephen Carpenter and Chino Moreno playing off each other, creating some of the best riffs in the band's history. Sextape is a standout track, a slow-burning ballad that dials down the heavy instrumentation for a more atmospheric feel.

The most innovative part of the album is how it blends different genres seamlessly. Tracks like Risk showcase the punk influences, while 976-EVIL is a trippy, post-rock inspired instrumental track. The band experiments with different sounds and textures, creating a cohesive sound that is both familiar and unique.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The album can get a bit monotonous, with some tracks sounding too similar to each other. The lyrics, while filled with emotion, can also be a bit vague and hard to decipher. And while Sextape is a standout track, the other ballads on the album fall a bit short.

In conclusion, Deftones' 'Diamond Eyes' is a fantastic album that showcases the band's versatility and musical capabilities. It's an album that blends different genres and sounds without losing its identity. The best tracks on the album are a testament to the band's songwriting skills, with some of the best riffs in their career. It's not a perfect album, though, with some tracks feeling a bit monotonous and lackluster. Nevertheless, if you're a fan of Deftones or alternative metal, this album is a must-listen.

In conclusion, Deftones' 'Diamond Eyes' is a fantastic album that showcases the band's versatility and musical capabilities. It's an album that blends different genres and sounds without losing its identity. The best tracks on the album are a testament to the band's songwriting skills, with some of the best riffs in their career. It's not a perfect album, though, with some tracks feeling a bit monotonous and lackluster. Nevertheless, if you're a fan of Deftones or alternative metal, this album is a must-listen.