Sacramento, CA – Acclaimed alternative metal band Deftones released their highly anticipated tenth studio album, "Private Music," on August 22, 2025, marking a significant milestone in their career. The release comes as the group experiences a notable late-career renaissance, attracting a new generation of fans decades after their formation. This new album follows a five-year gap since their last record, "Ohms."
"Private Music" features eleven new tracks, including the singles "My Mind Is a Mountain" and "Milk of the Madonna," both of which have garnered widespread critical praise and fan enthusiasm. The album was produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who previously worked with the band on their acclaimed albums "Diamond Eyes" and "Koi No Yokan." Notably, touring bassist Fred Sablan makes his recording debut with the band on this album, following Sergio Vega's departure in 2021.
The band, comprising Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Abe Cunningham, and Frank Delgado, has consistently evolved its sound, transcending early associations with the nu-metal genre by incorporating elements of shoegaze, post-punk, and new wave. This eclectic approach has contributed to their enduring appeal and recent surge in popularity among younger audiences. As stated by a recent profile, the band "grew up in the age of numetal but always managed to transcend it."
Frontman Chino Moreno has acknowledged the band's renewed relevance, noting the presence of younger fans at their shows and meet-and-greets. He emphasized the band's invigorated creative process for "Private Music," stating that the members were excited to be back in the studio together, focusing on creating music for the right reasons. The album has been met with universal acclaim, holding a Metacritic score of 91/100, with critics praising its evolution and emotional depth.
In support of the new album, Deftones have embarked on a North American headline tour, with sold-out dates across Canada and the United States. They are also set to headline their sixth annual Dia De Los Deftones festival on November 1, 2025, in San Diego, further solidifying their active presence in the music landscape. This period marks a continued testament to Deftones' artistic integrity and lasting influence within the rock genre.