After listening to the very ho-hum new Godsmack album (between you and me- I might be generous by calling it “ho-hum”), I was hoping that the Deftones weren’t going to let me down with their first album in four years, [...]]]>

"Diamond Eyes" is a well done return to form for the Deftones.

After listening to the very ho-hum new Godsmack album (between you and me- I might be generous by calling it “ho-hum”), I was hoping that the Deftones weren’t going to let me down with their first album in four years, “Diamond Eyes”. In the 4 years prior to the release, the band was working on their “Eros” album when longtime bassist was severely injured in a car accident and to this day is still in a coma.

In comes ex-Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega and the “Eros” material was scrapped for brand new material, and the tracks on “Diamond Eyes” easily makes for the band’s best work since 2000’s “White Pony”. Gone are the atmospheric and somber songs on their 2003 self titled album, or the third or fourth listen before you get into it type of songs on 2006’s “Saturday Night Wrist”. This is Chino Moreno and the boys laying down their fiercest songs in a long while. Songs like “Royal” and “CMND/CTRL” sends Moreno into his rage vocally and still shows that his screams of agony are still some of the best in rock music.

Where as the singles on the past few albums were a bit weak, the double dose of the title track and “Rocket Skates” give that punch to the gut that was sorely needed from this band. The end of the album gets a little sketchy and seems to go off the rails just a little bit, but its no matter- most Deftones fans will already be way into the album by then.

Just when most fans were wondering if the band still had their fire that was on full display during the late 90’s, “Diamond Eyes” shows their loyal fanbase that they plan on being around for at least a few more rounds.

Deftones play at DTE Energy Music Theater with Alice in Chains and Mastodon on Friday, September 17th. Tickets go on sale May 22nd and more information is available at www.palacenet.com.