Gore

A solid album, one which, given time to explore its layers and textures, justifies investigations tenfold.

Art, aggression, intelligence and melody – they might have finally found their limits, but Deftones continue to refine.

The results, which blend more classic metal and prog elements with that distinctive Deftones ferocity, are undeniable.

Gore is easily Deftones’ most engaging record since White Pony, filled with carefully crafted hooks disguised as bridges and transitions.

Gore is a listen as complex and engrossing as we’ve come to expect from Deftones, and they continue to be a band that matures organically, becoming more and more fluid in their own craft.

While Gore is far from impenetrable, it’s still evident that Deftones are the most interesting and esoteric thing the radio-festival circuit might dare touch.

The strange new demon inside them has driven the band to roughen up some of their mirrored surfaces and make a darker, more uncomfortable record than their last two.

Gore is a triumphant reminder that a veteran act can continue to grow and still remain relevant.

While Gore lacks the near-perfect balance of electronics and guitar power of their previous record, it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the album. It’s still a modern-Deftones album, but also sounds a bit back-to-basics with a greater focus on being a heavy rock band than an alternative rock band.

If we pretend that on some level this album doesn’t contain the cringe-worthy hetero-male angst of early-2000s rock, we’d be lying to ourselves, but the technical quality of the work renders it engrossing nonetheless.

There’s the odd filler track, such as Phantom Bride ... but those aside, Gore is an album with the depth and emotional range that Deftones fans have come to expect.

Despite the promise of first single "Prayers/Triangles," most of Gore sits in the latter category—a hillock of doomy pop that cowers beside the band's formidable peaks.