2010's Cream of the Crop

I am proud to announce that this year's 2010's Cream of the Crop is none other than Diamond Eyes by the Deftones. This year was challenge due to the amount of spectacular albums released, but in the end it was this particular album that stood out among the rest. Here on Future Phonograph, I will tell you why.

In 2007, after more than a year or two promoting their previous album, Saturday Night Wrist, the Deftones quickly went ahead to record another album. According to the band, Eros which they tentatively named, would be their heaviest and most gruesome work to date. They finished recording the album within year after and release date has yet to be announced. Sadly though, tragedy struck the band.

In November 2008, Deftones bass player, Chi Cheng was involved in a major car accident that left him in a coma state. All plans for Eros and touring were immediately put on hold to support their friend and his family. With the uncertainty of whether Chi will play again due to his condition, the future of the Deftones was bleak. At that point, each of the band members took some time off to gather themselves to think about their future of their band. After a few months, Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Frank Delgado and Abe Cunningham got together and have decided to continue to make music as a unit. In the beginning of 2009, the band slowly began to play a few shows at various festivals. To fill in the void on bass, they asked long time friend and former Quicksand bassist, Sergio Vega to accompany them. When asked if he's a full fledged member of the band, Vega will only answer the same way he did when Chino asked him to fill in, "I'm here as long as you need me". That not only showed how much class Vega has, but it showed that he supports the Deftones in their time of need.

Brother In Arms, Chi Cheng

Despite completing Eros, the Deftones felt that it would not be right to release the record especially with Chi in his current condition. Instead, the band returned to the studio with the intent to record a brand new record with Sergio Vega. Unlike Eros which featured a darker, more heavier tone, the band wanted to record a more positive and uplifting record. In a span of one year, they channeled their energy and rehearsed constantly to perfected their craft. Finally, on May 9, 2010, the fruits of their labor have produced their sixth album, Diamond Eyes. This would mark the first record without their long time friend and bandmate, Chi Cheng. Now, although this record has a more positive vibe, Diamond Eyes is nothing short of heavy and it's simply the loudest record of 2010.

The Deftones' goal in music is to always push themselves musically. From their previous albums, Saturday Night Wrist and Deftones, their sound has gotten bigger and more complex. On Diamond Eyes, their explorative side takes a backseat and the overall sound is more reminiscent to their earlier work, the vicious Around The Fur. It is a straightforward rock record that is equally raw and aggressive. It exhibits the Deftones' in their purest form. Immediately the first two tracks, "Diamond Eyes" and "Royal" kicks off the album with in a merciless fashion with soaring guitar riffs and precision drumming. These set the overall tone of the album. One of the notable tracks on Diamond Eyes is "You've Seen The Butcher", which is a very interesting song because of it's strange time signature. On top of that, Chino Moreno's melodic vocals are amazing as he gives us a voice that is sensuous to the ears. The track "Rocket Skates" is one hell of a song with heavy riffs and excellent drumming. Moreno's vocals once again give the track it's strength as his screaming wails can easily pierce the listener's ears as he screams, "Guns!!! Razors!!! KNIFES!!!" Now, although this is more of a rock record, the band still dabble in a little dream pop with the dreamy and beautiful "Sextape", which would be considered as the ballad of the album. It may have a different tone, but it feels cohesive with the rest of the tracks. Another noteworthy track is "Risk". This track has a very personal connection with the band because the song was named after the board game that the members used to play during recording. This was before Chi's car accident. It's a nice touch and it serves as a simple reminder of their friend and bandmate.

Overall, Diamond Eyes is a larger than life album that channels the Deftone's energy and power to create raw kind of rock that is uplifting and positive. Despite the record not exhibiting any form of musical exploration, it does not mean the band is no longer interesting in challenging themselves. Instead, their purpose was to make a record that not only they would make them proud of, but a record that even Chi would be proud of. Diamond Eyes is more than just a tribute to their long time friend and comrade, but it's serves as a firm conviction that their fellow bandmate will one day join them on stage once again. In essence, Chi has always been with his brothers in spirit. And although, he may not have played a single note during the recording of the record, his presence was felt. That's what makes Diamond Eyes all the more extraordinary.

Following the accident a fundraiser was formed under the name One Love For Chi to raise awareness for his condition and to help provide Chi with the best care possible. If you would like to donate, you can do so at OneLoveForChi.com.