Metal

Ohms

CD |09/25/2020

Released in 2020 via Reprise Records, DeftonesOhms is a powerful and cohesive statement from the band, blending their signature heavy riffs with atmospheric textures and emotionally resonant songwriting. The album demonstrates a mature balance of aggression and melody, capturing both the intensity and the nuance that have defined Deftones’ sound over decades.

The album opens with Genesis, immediately establishing a driving rhythm and dense, layered guitars that set the tone for the record. Throughout Ohms, tracks such as Urantia, Error, and Pompeji showcase the band’s ability to weave crushing guitar riffs with ethereal ambience, creating songs that move fluidly between tension and release. Chino Moreno’s vocals range from whispered introspection to soaring intensity, lending emotional depth to the powerful instrumentation.

Instrumentation is precise and dynamic. Stephen Carpenter’s guitars provide both weight and texture, Sergio Vega’s bass anchors the grooves, and Abe Cunningham’s drumming alternates between aggressive propulsion and subtle rhythmic nuance. Synths and electronic textures are woven throughout, enhancing the sense of atmosphere without overshadowing the core band sound.

Production emphasizes clarity and balance, allowing the heavy riffs to hit with full impact while preserving the space for melodic and ambient elements to breathe. The result is an album that feels cohesive, immersive, and polished, yet retains a visceral edge.

Ohms is both a celebration of the band’s legacy and a forward-looking statement, blending heaviness, melody, and atmosphere into a fully realized record.

Ultimately, Ohms stands as one of Deftones’ most accomplished works, reaffirming their ability to evolve while staying true to the intensity, emotion, and experimentation that define their music.