DEFTONES:

Adrenaline (1995, Maverick Records) - The Deftones first album, as good as it is, is far from the superiority of the masterpiece that is 'White Pony' and the melodic 'Around The Fur'. Full of agression, razor sharp riffs, intense screams and catchy choruses, the Deftones created heavy songs like 7 Words and Engine No.9, but also more melodic songs like Lifter and Birthmark.

Highlights - Bored, One Weak, Lifter, Birthmark, Fireal.

Rating - 10/10

Around The Fur (1997, Maverick records) - With the release of this melodic masterpiece, Deftones really came in to their own, fusing, once again, heavy riffs and melodies, but giving it an extra twist of atmosphere, especially on songs like Mascara and Dai The Flu. Chinos vocals are a lot better on this album and it also features a guest appearance from Max Cavalerra (Sepultura, Nailbomb, Sopulfly) on the track Headup.

Highlights - My Own Summer (Shove It), ARound The Fur, Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away), Dai The Flu, Headup, Damone.

Rating - 10/10

White Pony (2000, Maverick Records) - If the melodic, atmospheric brilliance wasn't enough, then the ground-breaking masterpiece White Pony is further proof that Deftones really are in a league and genre of their own. While still keeping the trademark Deftones sound, the band experimented a lot more with this album, with a more electronic sound, curtesy of Frank Delgado. While not forgetting their more heavier roots, songs like Elite and Korea were created but with the experimentation still in mind, amzingly atmospheric and beautiful songs like Digital Bath and Pink Maggit were made. Also, with a mind-blowing apperance by Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle) on the track Passenger, this is truly one of the greatest albums of all time.

Highlights - Digital Bath, Knife Party, Korea, Passenger, Change (In The House Of Flies), Pink Maggit.

Rating - 10/10

Deftones (2003, Maverick Records) - The latest album by the Deftones, combining elements of the previos three albums: the agression of Adrenaline, the melody of Around The Fur and the atmosphere of White Pony.  The album consists of amazing songs like Hexagram and When Girls Telephone Boys, but some of the album seems to be lacking.  Don't be mistaken, what this album lacks in stand-out tracks, it makes up in its flow.  This album flows almost perfectly, except for the last two songs which should have been switched round.  The way Hexagram leads into Needles and Pins, where the screaming outro leads into the beautifully light and melodic Minerva.  Although not being as good as the previous three, this is still an amzing Deftones album.

Highlights - Hexagram, Needles and Pins, When Girls Telephone Boys, Battle Axe, Lucky You.

Rating - 9/10