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The Deftones are a Grammy-award winning band from Sacramento, California, but their so much more than just that. They are also widely regarded as one of the most unique, as well as innovative groups of recent years. They’ve managed to distance themselves from the whole “nu-metal” explosion, and still remain a viable force in the music scene today.

None of this could have happened though, if it wasn’t for a drunk driver who hit lead guitarist Stephen Carpenter while he was skateboarding, breaking both his legs at age 14. Unable to skateboard anymore, he taught himself the guitar, and the seeds were planted. He also received a large sum of money thanks to the insurance settlement, which he used to purchase high-quality musical equipment for him and his bandmates.

Along with Carpenter, The Deftones consist of Abe Cunningham banging on the drums, Chi Cheng handling bass duties, Frank Delgado multitasking on turntables, keyboards, and sampler, and of course Chino Moreno on vocals.

Personally, I always enjoyed The Deftones music. I though Adrenaline and Around the Fur were both very solid albums. But it wasn’t until White Pony that I truly began my love affair with The Deftones. I don’t know if it was where I was at in my life at the time, the poeticism, fury, and intelligence of the album, or a combination of both. It doesn’t really matter though, what matters is that the album barely left my CD player, and remains a favorite to this very day. I wish I could I could say the same about their self-titled follow-up, but it just didn’t appeal to me the way many of their other albums did.

With one platinum album, and three gold already hanging on their walls, rumors of trouble brewing in their camp, and band members stating that they nearly broke up in interviews, The Deftones return with Saturday Night Wrist.

“Hole In The Earth”, which is also the lead single, opens up the album, and is an excellent choice. It has an “old school” Deftones feel to it, and makes you want to continue listening. “Beware” sucks you in with Chino’s melodic voice, and “Cherry Waves” does the same.

“Mein” was the one track on the back of the CD that immediately drew my attention, being a huge System of a Down fan. I was very much looking forward to Chino and Serj’s interaction, and was not disappointed. It wasn’t as good as Chino and Maynard on “Passenger”, but it was good enough.

“Xerces” is a beautiful song, and is followed by “Rats!Rats!Rats!” which is pure aggression. Placing these songs back to back really showcased how Chino can switch from a haunting whisper to screaming fits of rage as easily as most of us switch off and on lights.

The Album then finishes strong as “Combat”, “Kimdracula”, and “Riviere” are all highly enjoyable and well done tracks. Ensuring Saturday Night Wrist finishes as well off as it started.

The Bottom Line: Going in I didn’t know what to expect from Saturday Night Wrist. With a band like The Deftones that is constantly growing, constantly revolving, and reinventing themselves, you’re not always going to like what they come up with. They took a chance with White Pony and struck a nerve, then didn’t impress me much with the follow-up. Saturday Night Wrist however, definitely reestablished The Deftones not only to me as a fan, but I think to the entire music world. They are definitely back, and better than ever.

Tracklisting

01. Hole In The Earth
02. Rapture
03. Beware
04. Cherry Waves
05. Mein
06. U,U,D,D,L,R,L,R,A,B,Select,Start
07. Xerces
08. Rats!Rats!Rats!
09. Pink Cellphone
10. Combat
11. Kimdracula
12. Riviere

Websites

Deftones.com
MySpace.com/Deftones

Record Label:

• Maverick Records

Release Date:

• 10/31/2006

Reviewer:

• SeL