Released: 2020

Genres: Alternative Metal, Shoegaze

The Musiquarium’s Ohms Review Score: 10 out of 10

Deftones found their footing again after the loss of bassist Chi Cheng, rising from the ashes with the brilliant one-two of Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokan in the early 2010s, but then the band (relatively) fumbled on the less than adored Gore, which although underrated, was seen as a step down from the heights of its predecessors two predecessors. Guitarist Stephen Carpenter and singer Chino Moreno were at odds with each other, which resulted in a lighter than usual affair, along with production that didn’t pack the usual punch that Deftones was known for.

This time, Stephen Carpenter’s presence is easily felt, as Ohms is perhaps the heaviest the band has sounded since their eponymous album, which can be attributed in part to Terry Date returning as producer (he produced the band’s first four albums), but that’s not to say the album is all loud noise, as their is still plenty of ambience, texture, and beauty.

Genesis sets the tone with a near minute long synth intro, before pummelling power chords come in. Ceremony and Urantia are both powered by groovy verses and strong choruses. Error is dissonant, but still sounds sensual. The ending of The Spell of Mathematics is a slow release of tension. Pompeji is the resident pretty song on the album (i.e. Teenager, Cherry Waves, Sextape), with an ambient synthesizer outro.

This Link Is Dead is one of the heaviest tracks here, with the band only hardened with time. Radiant City absolutely shreds. Headless blends heavy guitars and dreamy atmospherics. The title track has one of Carpenter’s best riffs yet. Chino Moreno sounds blissful as always throughout all of Ohms.

Deftones continue to age like wine, as Ohms is one of their best albums yet, despite releasing 25 years into their career recording. Nu metal may have fizzled out long ago, but Deftones will live on forever.

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

Back to the 2020 Album Guide or the Deftones Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard