Deftones "Gore"

It's been a remarkable career, and Gore is here to continue to uplift the possibilities of an already impressive catalogue. While not the band's cornerstone, it's more from a confident outfit that has shown growth throughout their career while still maintaining their DNA from their foundational releases.

     To compare Deftones now to their Adrenaline era days would be like comparing any of their albums to their debut. It's simply illogical. It stands on its own the way White Pony did after Around The Fur until we got the next four albums after, when it all finally made sense. Between their sophomore release and White Pony, the band would create a tool box of tricks that they would continue to exploit on their self-titled, SNW, and the glorious Diamond Eyes. While Koi Noi Yokan was a little too sleepy for me, Gore shakes off some of the sandman drool with ten tracks that are remarkably Deftones and easy to like.   

     I say ten, because "Prayers/Triangles" is honestly one of the worst I have heard by the band and am glad it's in the front of the record, easy to overlook, and can continue the rest of the album with glee. On the first listen I had low expectations for the album and couldn't shake off this track, but heard the promising tones throughout and knew I had to revisit without the sour introduction. The track a simple note guitar spread, with a droning chorus and it honestly could have been completely left off their release and shelved in the Eros archives. But it's smooth sailing  immediately after, and while I realize "Acid Hologram" wouldn't have made a good opener, it instantly answers why Frank is even in the band for those who constantly wonder, and takes us into familiar Deftones territory instantly, feeling as if practically no time has passed since their self-titled was released.

     Track by track the album is spectacular and isn't another SNW or KNY, which although still very unique and great in their own way, are obviously not landmark releases in the band's career. From "(L)mirl" to "Rubicon" however, is probably some of the strongest Deftones material to date and although much can be said and much has been omitted, I would say that Gore is second to Diamond Eyes in the post-Chi era of the band, while still staying relevant in their own unique way after all these years.