With Korn’s self-titled debut having been released the year before, Adrenaline came into the world as a strong entry to the nu metal genre. So, for now, it’s time to be quiet and drive through Deftones’ masterful discography.

What one writer had at #2 was #8 for another writer. While the #1 album on this list was a slam dunk, the rest resulted in a big debate among this ranking’s four writers. Having tragically lost their longtime bassist, Chi Cheng - who died in 2013 after a car crash put him in a semi-coma for almost five years - Deftones have triumphed in their second act, continuing to release quality albums in recent years, with a new one on the way. Led by Chino Moreno’s soaring vocals, and the loud/quiet dynamic of his talented bandmates, Deftones are perhaps the most consistent “heavy” rock act of the past quarter century. Now, placing a genre on Deftones’ music seems like a fruitless endeavor, as their sound is really undefinable. While Deftones may have emerged out of the nu metal scene of the mid ’90s, their musical maturity and sonic evolution over the past 25 years has distanced the Sacramento, California, outfit from others in that category. Right away, you’ll see that the “last place” album is a very solid effort. And they’re also a rare band who really hasn’t produced a “bad” album, which makes ranking Deftones’ discography a difficult task.

ĭeftones are a rare band who appeal to metalheads and shoegazers alike, offering a sound that’s both heavy and ethereal. This time, we follow Deftones’ career, from their 1995 debut, Adrenaline, to their most recent effort, 2016’s Gore.

It’s exact science by way of a few beers. Welcome to Dissected, where we disassemble a band’s catalog, a director’s filmography, or some other critical pop-culture collection in the abstract.

Deftones albums from worst