HomeMusicAlbum Review: 'Koi No Yokan' by Deftones

Album Review: ‘Koi No Yokan’ by Deftones

joel wosk reviews the latest from the la hard rock band…

deftoneskoinoyokancover

On November 13th, Sacramento, California Alternative Metal stalwarts, Deftones, released their seventh full-length album entitled Koi No Yokan (Japanese translation: “Premonition of Love”). The follow-up to 2010’s stellar Diamond Eyes, and the second album to feature former Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega, filling in for founding member/bassist Chi Cheng; (who remains in a semi-conscious state following a near fatal car accident in 2008), is by far one of the strongest and well crafted albums released by the veteran hard rock group to date.

230085_10151285622372491_197345145_n

The album kicks off in full gear with the pummeling bass lines of “Swerve City.” Fans of bassist Sergio Vega’s former band, Quicksand, will find his contributions to the new material as breathing fresh energy into the group, while at the same time recalling the fierce bass attacks of classic Quicksand albums like Manic Compression (1995). Vocalist Chino Moreno consistently amazes throughout the album, with his signature breathy vocal delivery and powerful screams.

Since their formation in 1988, Deftones have certainly matured in terms of their material and musical approach. What sets the group apart from many of their contemporaries is their ability to consistently produce music that blends their obvious hardcore influences (i.e. Bad Brains, Suicidal Tendencies) with melody and poetic lyrics. With each new album, Deftones continue to weave beautiful and atmospheric musical tapestries without sacrificing the raw energy and ferocity that has earned them such a devoted and well-deserved fan base over the past twenty plus years.

The album flows together marvelously with many of tracks seamlessly transitioning into the next. Spearheaded by powerful singles “Leathers” and “Tempest,” the group is at the top of their game. However, the album also has a mellow side, with tracks like “Entombed.” One can’t help but wonder if the group is channeling the pain stemming from the tragic circumstances that have befallen bassist Chi Cheng, with lyrics, “From the day you arrived, I’ve remained by your side. In chains, entombed.”

Koi No Yokan is nearly perfect with nary a throwaway track or filler to be found on the album. It ranks amongst some of the best work released by the band thus far. With the group consistently delivering material of such high quality, Deftones are sure to please longtime fans as well as attracting newer and younger audiences.

Pop-Break Staff
Pop-Break Staffhttps://thepopbreak.com
Founded in September 2009, The Pop Break is a digital pop culture magazine that covers film, music, television, video games, books and comics books and professional wrestling.
RELATED ARTICLES

1 COMMENT

  1. It’s a damn good album. Thanks for turning me on to this. I haven’t really seriously listened to a Deftones album since White Pony, but it’s really right up my fucking alley.

Comments are closed.

Most Recent

Stay Connected

129FansLike
0FollowersFollow
2,484FollowersFollow
162SubscribersSubscribe