Released: 2012

Genres: Alternative Metal, Shoegaze

The Musiquarium’s Koi No Yokan Review Score: 10 out of 10

After the passing of their original bassist Chi Cheng, Deftones rose from the ashes with 2010’s Diamond Eyes, a masterpiece that saw the band soaring high, despite the turmoil surrounding it. The band seemed to come together through this tragedy and channeled it into some of their greatest songs yet. Only two years later, Deftones returned with Koi No Yokan (Japanese for “premonition of love”), resulting in their lushest production yet and some of their best songwriting to date.

Swerve City is an adrenalized opener, which perfectly suits its music video of a beautiful woman riding a horse. The percussion in Poltergeist uses handclaps to great effect. Entombed is one of the band’s most serene songs, similar to Cherry Waves and Sextape. Rosemary builds up through its use of ambience and texture. Romantic Dreams, Leathers and Tempest are also highlights.

White Pony may be the moment where everything came together for Deftones’ and their sound, but Koi No Yokan is perhaps the greatest distillation and refinement of it yet.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Deftones on Discogs.

Back to the 2012 Album Guide or the Deftones Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard