Let’s talk about Deftones, an American alternative metal band that’s been getting all of the fame on social media recently. Currently, they have 17.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify.  Their most popular song is Change (In the House of Flies), which was released on May 16, 2000. Recently, this song has been circulating all over the social media platform, TikTok. Just last month, on August 22, 2025, their brand new album Private Music was released. This album consists of 11 new songs totaling a 42-minute-long album. 

Just 18 days after the new release, the three most popular tracks on the new album, titled my mind is a mountain, milk of the madonna, and infinite source, are already in the band’s top ten most-streamed songs on Spotify. This album has the same appeal as the classic Deftones songs that fans can’t get enough of. While the album is similar to the rest of Deftones' productions, it has a brand new, fresh take that draws the listener in, making them want more. 

 So, is Deftones' new album worth spending 42 minutes on? Absolutely.

 The third track, titled ecdysis, has remarkable instrumentation and is the most outstanding song on the album. Abe Cunningham, Deftones’ drummer, has amazing dynamics on this track. Cunnningham’s instrumentation, along with Chino Moreno’s ethereal voice, make the song worth listening to. Of course, we can’t forget to give credit to Stephen Carpenter, the lead guitarist; Frank Delgado, the keyboardist; and Fred Sablan, the band’s bassist. There's a reason Deftones has become so famous; rarely have I heard a band that sounds remotely similar to Deftones. The band’s use of heavy instruments in combination with lead singer Chino's voice creates a truly surreal listening experience. 

To go along with this excellent instrumentation and vocalization, the band’s lyrics are the most unforgettable aspect of this album. Deaftones wrote Private Music to be targeted at our generation, including lyrics that describe how many of us feel. Specifically, the song my mind is a mountain, which is currently their sixth most-streamed song on Spotify, has lyrics that represent the struggles of mental health.  The song ends with the lyrics: “Destroying our mental, remains in our conscious, constant,” words which many teenagers can relate to. Deftones songs describe nostalgia, love, and anger, which are all things we will experience at some point in our lives. 

Whether you’re a first-time listener or barely familiar, after you listen to this new album, Deftones will become a band you listen to on a regular basis. I would recommend this album to everyone, even if you don’t usually listen to alternative music. Private Music would be a wonderful album to introduce yourself to Deftones or become more familiar with their work. I believe, hands down, Private Music is one of the best albums the band has ever produced. This album has already become a hit on TikTok, and I have no doubt you’ll be singing along very soon.