Album Review: Deftones - Gore

Instrumentally, lyrically, sonically, visually, it's always been about pushing contrasts for Deftones.

Their eighth studio record with the icky-sounding title alongside artwork of flamingos in flight was unlikely to stray from this winning dynamic. Yet one can never accuse them of being formulaic.

Opening track Prayers/Triangles epitomises their classic sound; the pushiness of bassist Sergio Vega's magnificent Fender VI anchors guitarist Stephen Carpenter's high, echoing riffs as Frank Delgado provides subtle electronic flourishes, Abe Cunningham puts personality into heavy rock percussion and Chino Moreno slinks and screams his way throughout. Each knows precisely which channel of space to occupy, and it's a magical sonic dance repeated throughout, particularly well on the down and dirty Doomed User. The most surprising moment comes late as Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains) drops an unexpected and massive guitar solo — yes, a guitar solo on a Deftones record — on Phantom Bride, a straight-up composition that deviates from their general style, especially as Delgado's delicate touches give way to Carpenter's brutality while Cantrell continues to weave his solo in and out to close. Initially confusing, this quickly becomes a favourite for its melodic diversion, while Cantrell (alongside Layne Staley) comes to mind again on Pittura Infamante as Moreno recalls the Alice In Chains brothers at their harmonising best. Hearts/Wires is a massive, though outstanding, departure — eerie, atmospheric and thin, it takes almost three minutes to receive the 'ahh, there it is' smack over the head of Carpenter's ever-ready wall of guitars. Gore is Deftones alright — menacing, ragged, aggressive, tender, emotive and soothing — though more instrumentally agile, airier, and varied in terms of tone and rhythm.