Alternative metal Deftones album release of Gore proves yet again that much like aged wine the band continues developing over time, weighing in powerful melodies and thoughtful imagery. In a constant progression of each album’s sound this one takes the raw energy of Diamond Eyes and thoughtful provocations of Koi No Yokan to produce an expansive collection of sound.
Opener “Prayers/Triangles” trickles in atmospherically before vocalist Chino Moreno wails laments on being unable to escape inner demons. The second track “Acid Hologram” starts abruptly in slow methodical chug about simple smothers, weighing in even more powerfully than the first as usual second openers from the band do.
“Doomed User” follows in a brash undertone on escaping the delusion, without any distinct segment but moving to moment from alternative metal distortions to punk-fused guitar chops. Without relent “Geometric Headdress” drives forward as you are drawn in by the words of a princess. What feels like a long chapter of engaging pursuit, Gore’s first portion runs nimbly like hounds to a fox.
Finally the record slows down in “Hearts/Wires” long enough to breathe with an extended introduction, feeling like a sonic continuation of Gore’s opener, yet cutting through razor wires to feast on the heart. Oddly enough what follows is a surprisingly positive venture in sound and content, as the band quite literally screams praises to the skies above – in stark contrast to the band’s usual foreboding approach.
“Xenon” drives forward in understated riffs from guitarist Stephen Carpenter’s, while Moreno [including the band] identifies themselves as raw desires: “The writers of your fate.” At a slower pace “(L)Mirl” similarly weighs more heavily on words, slipping into the calm waves of rebirth. Bassist Sergio Vego notably stands out more prominently here as if to the atmosphere.
Dummer Abe Cunningham’s drumming sounds hollowed out as the band emerges urgent yet again in the eponymous “Gore” track, rumbling from tepid churns to driving melodic undertones in quite literally the violent surprise. “Phantom Bride” laments on a life always spent in a void, while conversely “Rubicon” challenges the listener to face the crowd, reminding that it cannot be done alone.
Nearly 30 years after forming, the Deftones have put out a record that balances their evolution and identity, fiercely relenting in sound and a quality that appeals just as well as any of their other releases. Yet what adds to their staying power is the timelessness of Gore, which could have been released at just about any time in their history – from a group of guys committed to complex craftsmanship, pressing forward with those sounds and emotions.