“It’s not just nu-metal… it’s art, mun.”
15. “You’ve Seen the Butcher” (Diamond Eyes, 2010)
Groovy. Dirty. Seductive. This song oozes sex and sludge in equal measure. That riff? Filthier than a Newport kebab shop at 3am. 🍆🔊
14. “Swerve City” (Koi No Yokan, 2012)
A galloping intro that could rival any metalcore band’s best, paired with Chino Moreno’s dreamy croon. An underrated banger that hits like a truck wrapped in velvet. 🐎💨
13. “Back to School (Mini Maggit)” (White Pony Reissue, 2001)
Nu-metal angst dialled up to 11. Chino’s rap vocals are pure 2000s chaos, and yes, we all screamed “I’m not your student!” like it meant something. 📚🔥
12. “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” (Around the Fur, 1997)
Floaty, fuzzy, and emotionally lush – this is Deftones proving heavy doesn’t always mean loud. Cry in the pit? Go on then. 😭🤘
11. “Rocket Skates” (Diamond Eyes, 2010)
“Guns! Razors! Knives!” …and riffs that could disintegrate a scaffold. This was the band’s fiery rebirth after Chi Cheng’s accident, and boy did they come out swinging. 💥🩸
10. “My Summer (Shove It)” (Around the Fur, 1997)
The ultimate soundtrack to skiving off school and blasting this out of your mate’s Vauxhall Corsa. Iconic chorus, dirty tone, pure teen rebellion. 🚗💨🎶
9. “Tempest” (Koi No Yokan, 2012)
Slow-burning and apocalyptic. Like being sucked into a black hole made of reverb and whispered threats. Atmospheric metal done proper tidy. 🌀🖤
8. “Digital Bath” (White Pony, 2000)
Smooth and sinister. This track feels like drowning in an electric dream… and loving it. Chino’s vocals are angelic and creepy at the same time. ⚡🛁
7. “Minerva” (Deftones, 2003)
One word: epic. Wall-of-sound guitars, shoegaze vibes, and a chorus you could float away on. Possibly their most beautiful track ever. 🌅🎸
6. “Knife Prty” (White Pony, 2000)
Unhinged and theatrical with haunting guest vocals from Rodleen Getsic. If David Lynch made metal, it’d sound like this. Disturbing in the best way. 🔪🎭
5. “Change (In the House of Flies)” (White Pony, 2000)
Moody, slow, hypnotic. The song that made Deftones a household name and probably gave a whole generation of emos a new favourite band. 🪰💀
4. “Diamond Eyes” (Diamond Eyes, 2010)
A soaring anthem of rebirth. The title track from their post-tragedy masterpiece — both crushing and uplifting. It’s a phoenix of a song. 🔷👁️
3. “Passenger” (ft. Maynard James Keenan) (White Pony, 2000)
Two alt-metal gods collide in one hypnotic, erotic, and eerie-as-hell song. It’s a sensual nightmare — and we can’t stop replaying it. 🚗🌑
2. “7 Words” (Adrenaline, 1995)
The original middle finger. Raw, messy, furious — everything a debut single should be. If you don’t shout “suck! suck! suck!” with glee, are you even alive? 🗣️💢
🥇 1. “Engine No. 9” (Adrenaline, 1995)
This is the Deftones mosh pit anthem. Chugging riffs, hip-hop bounce, full-throttle rage. It’s chaos bottled up and unleashed with zero warning. Still sounds fresh 30 years on. 🚒🔥
Honourable Mentions (Because 15 Isn’t Enough, Let’s Be Honest)
- “Hexagram” – A barrage of beautiful noise.
- “Entombed” – That mellow devastation we live for.
- “Poltergeist” – Hidden gem, spooky as your nan’s attic.
- “Lotion” – Pure 90s Deftones energy.
- “Prayers / Triangles” – A love letter to the weirdos.
🎤 Final Thoughts from the Pit
Deftones are like no other. Part metal, part dream-pop, part alien transmission beamed straight into your soul. Whether you’re headbanging, vibing, or crying in the shower — they’ve got a song for it.
So, what’s your favourite? Did we miss a belter? Let us know in the comments, c’mon butt! 😎🎶
