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Diamond Eyes

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This article is about the album. For the song, see Diamond Eyes (song).
Untitled

Diamond Eyes is the sixth studio album by American alternative metal band Deftones, released worldwide on May 4, 2010 through Warner Bros. and Reprise Records. An album tentatively titled Eros was originally intended to be their sixth full-length release and follow up to Saturday Night Wrist (2006), but was not released due to bassist Chi Cheng entering a coma after a serious car accident that occurred in November 2008. The release of Eros was put on hold in favor of Diamond Eyes in June 2009. Former Quicksand bass player, Sergio Vega is featured on the album in substitution for Cheng.

Diamond Eyes was a critical and commericial success; obtaining a normalized score of 78 on review aggregator Metacritic, while achieving top 20 chartings on the Billboard 200, UK Albums Chart, and German Albums Chart.

Background

Template:Details3 Deftones started writing for their follow up to 2006's Saturday Night Wrist in early 2007. The band was dissatisfied with the lengthy writing and recording process of Saturday Night Wrist, and wanted to release a quick follow-up record in the same manner as earlier albums released by Deftones. Earlier records such as 1995's Adrenaline and 1997's Around the Fur were recorded without the digital audio program Pro Tools. Instead, they were recorded as just a band "in the room with just our instruments, no other distractions" according to front-man Chino Moreno.[1] The band recorded and completed their Terry Date produced album, tentatively titled Eros, in 2008, and was expected to be released in early 2009.[2]

In November 2008, Deftones bassist Chi Cheng was seriously injured in an automobile accident, leaving him in a coma and putting the release of Eros on hold. Unsure of if or when Cheng would recover and be able to play in the band again, Deftones started playing various shows and festivals starting in early 2009 with Sergio Vega, former bassist of post-hardcore band Quicksand. Vega had previously filled in for Cheng during tours in 1999, and is a close friend of the band.[3] At this point, Deftones weren't sure if they wanted to break up or continue writing and performing music.[4]

In June 2009, Deftones decided to indefinitely put the release of Eros on hold and start writing a brand new album with Sergio Vega.[5] The band still hopes to release Eros at some point, but Deftones wanted to wait until Cheng was no longer in a semi-conscious state, and they didn't feel that it represented who they were as artists or as people at the time.[6][7] Deftones wanted to make an optimistic record, as opposed to the dark and angry album they just finished.[8] Diamond Eyes was recorded in two months with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver, Stone Sour, Alice In Chains).[9] Deftones avoided using Pro Tools on the album in favor of writing songs together as a band and practicing them "a million times 'til they were perfect" in order to achieve a more raw and "personable" sound.[8]

Release

Diamond Eyes was originally scheduled to be released on April 27 through Warner Bros. Records/Reprise Records,[9] but was pushed back three weeks to May 18,[10] and later pushed forward to May 4, 2010.[11] The latter release date change was possibly due to the album leaking onto the internet two months before the release date in March 2010.[12] The first single released off the album, "Rocket Skates," was available for free download through the band's official website on February 23, 2010.[10] The song had been included in Deftones live performances starting in October 2009,[5] and will be released as a limited edition 7" vinyl single for international Record Store Day on April 17, 2010.[13] The first radio single was the title track, "Diamond Eyes," which was released for airplay on March 30, 2010.[citation needed] The single was also released as a digital download on March 23, 2010.[14] Deftones performed a live webcast of songs from Diamond Eyes and answered fan questions on May 4 in Dallas, Texas.[15] In its first week of release, Diamond Eyes landed at the number 6 position of the Billboard 200. [16]

Lyrics and themes

After dealing with the tragedy surrounding Chi Cheng's car accident, Deftones wanted to create an album with an overall positive and optimistic vibe. Describing the band's state while writing for the album, Chino Moreno stated, "Our inspiration and unity as a band is stronger than it has ever been before and we needed to channel that energy into our music."[17] The songs on the album do not feature songs about complaining, hurting, or how "life sucks" – a common lyrical theme Moreno has noticed since the early 90s.[8][18] Moreno describes the overall theme of the album as a "positive zest for life," and also having "a fantasy vibe" similar to White Pony.[8][18] The song lyrics for "Rocket Skates" contain "beautiful yet violent imagery," and was compared to the Deftones song "Knife Party" from White Pony.[8] Deftones also thought it would be difficult to tour in support of a new album with memories of Cheng attached to it. Commenting on song writing, Moreno stated:

I don't like listening to people's problems -- I like music. Music has been smothered with that complaining since the early-'90s. It gets old. Instead of going to the opposite side of the spectrum and listening to Black Eyed Peas, which is just straight silly, I choose to listen to more instrumental music. I do very little singing about myself on this record. I love songs where I can totally take myself out of being human. I can sing about really odd things, and they don't necessarily have to pertain to me at all. It paints a picture. Those are the kind of lyrics I grew up with -- like The Cure. Really visual images and no storytelling.

— Chino Moreno[8]

Reception

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic(78/100)[19]
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[20]
Alternative Press[21]
BBC(favourable)[22]
BLARE[23]
NME(8/10)[24]
Q[25]
Rock Sound(8/10)[26]
The Skinny[27]
Slant Magazine[28]
Sputnikmusic[29]

Initial reaction to the album from music critics has been highly favorable. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic gave the album a four out of five star rating and wrote, "Naturally, there is quite a bit of roiling darkness here -- they’re Cure-loving metalheads, it’s in their blood -- but there’s shade and light, control of texture, with the band deepening rather than expanding."[20] Jason Pettigrew of Alternative Press magazine also awarded the album four stars out of five. He wrote, "Unlike their alleged 'peers' (do they really have any?), Deftones learned years ago that a whisper can be more terryfiying than a scream and power isn't always about BPMs and downstrokes per minute." He also added that Diamond Eyes "belongs in a pantheon of amazing albums born from tragedy."[21] BBC writer Mike Diver was also impressed and opined that the album, "knocks every pretender to the band's throne into the middle of next week." He praised the band for playing to their strengths and summarized by stating, "Eros is reportedly their excursion into weirdness, while this is a statement of consolidation, a neatly segued set that finds Deftones playing to their well-established strengths."[22]

Joshua Khan, writing for BLARE magazine, also awarded the album four stars out of five in his review. He wrote, "Tired of the same old restless metal scenes eating up the airwaves? Then grab your $20 iPod headphones and devour the sixth studio release from the California alternative metal quintet. Deftones give birth to a refined sound that makes creations like 'Prince' and '976-Evil' enslaving."[23] The Skinny's Mark Shukla likewise gave a four star rating, as he explained, "The first four tracks set a blistering pace as churning riffs transition relentlessly into fret-burning breakdowns; all the while Chino Moreno deploying his wounded croon and lacerating howl with an intensity that remains impressively undiminished."[27] Sputnikmusic staff writer, Nick Greer, gave an unequivocally positive review. He awarded a "classic" five out of five score and stated the album is "better than White Pony". He described the album's sound as, "intense and visceral, but introspective and sensitive in ways Deftones have never been before", before finally adding, "I can honestly say its Deftones' best album to date."[29]

Charts and sales

Diamond Eyes was expected to sell between 55,000 and 60,000 records in the US during its first week, based on day one sales, according to Hits Daily Double.[30] The album sold 62,000 copies in the US and debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200.[31]

With the notable exception of Ireland, Diamond Eyes has been relatively successful in international charts.

Track listing

All songs written by Deftones.[32]

  1. "Diamond Eyes" – 3:08
  2. "Royal" – 3:32
  3. "CMND/CTRL" – 2:25
  4. "You've Seen the Butcher" – 3:31
  5. "Beauty School" – 4:47
  6. "Prince" – 3:36
  7. "Rocket Skates" – 4:14
  8. "Sextape" – 4:01
  9. "Risk" – 3:38
  10. "976–EVIL" – 4:32
  11. "This Place Is Death" – 3:48

Bonus tracks

Online pre-order[12]

  2. "Rocket Skates" (M83 remix) – 5:45

iTunes deluxe edition[33]

  2. "Do You Believe" (The Cardigans cover) – 3:27
  3. "Ghosts" (Japan cover) – 4:27
  4. "Caress" (Drive Like Jehu cover) – 3:33

Charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position 		Certification Sales/
shipments[34]
German Albums Chart[35] 8 -
Australian (ARIA) Chart[36] 22 -
US Billboard 200[37] 6 -
UK Album Chart[38] 15 -
New Zealand Top 40 Albums Chart[39] 8 -

Personnel

Diamond Eyes personnel according to CD liner notes.[32]

References

  1. ^ Graff, Gary (May 23, 2007). "Deftones Get Busy On New CD, Moreno Revives Team Sleep". Billboard. Retrieved February 5, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ "Deftones: Performance Footage Of New Song Posted Online". Blabbermouth. September 20, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2010.
  3. ^ "Deftones To Be Joined By Former Quicksand Bassist For Bamboozle Left Appearance". Blabbermouth. February 5, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2010.
  4. ^ Harris, Chris (February 17, 2010). "Deftones Name New Album Diamond Eyes, Set May Release Date". Noisecreep. AOL Music. Retrieved February 17, 2010.
  5. ^ a b "Deftones: Performance Footage Of New Song Available". Blabbermouth. October 15, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2010.
  6. ^ "Deftones Issues Update On New Album, Ailing Bassist". Blabbermouth. June 23, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2010.
  7. ^ Hanson, Laila (June 24, 2009). "Deftones hold off release of Eros". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 5, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ a b c d e f Goodman, William (February 5, 2010). "In the Studio: Deftones". Spin. Retrieved February 5, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ a b Wiederhorn, Jon (December 16, 2009). "The Deftones Interview -- "Creep Show"". Noisecreep. Retrieved February 5, 2010.
  10. ^ a b Young, Alex (February 16, 2010). "Deftones detail new album, Diamond Eyes". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  11. ^ "Deftones: New Album Release Moved Forward Two Weeks". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. March 24, 2010. Retrieved March 24, 2010.
  12. ^ a b Harris, Chris (March 24, 2010). "Deftones Change 'Diamond Eyes' Release Date". Noisecreep. AOL Music. Retrieved March 24, 2010.
  13. ^ Sciarretto, Amy (February 23, 2010). "Deftones, 'Rocket Skates' -- New Song". Noisecreep. AOL Music. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
  14. ^ Karan, Tim (March 17, 2010). "Deftones stream new song 'Diamond Eyes'". Alternative Press. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
  15. ^ Paul, Aubin (May 4, 2010). "Deftones cover Drive Like Jehu, plan live-to-internet broadcast". Punknews.org. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
  16. ^ http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=139922
  17. ^ Harris, Chris (June 24, 2009). "White Noise: News on Deftones, Soundgarden, Aerosmith, Five Finger Death Punch, Arch Enemy and More". Noisecreep. Retrieved February 5, 2010.
  18. ^ a b Peters, Mitch (January 15, 2010). "Deftones Album Preview". Billboard. Retrieved February 5, 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ "Diamond Eyes by Deftones". Metacritic. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
  20. ^ a b Erlewine, Stephen (April 29, 2010). "Diamond Eyes". Allmusic. Retrieved May 5, 2010.
  21. ^ a b Pettigrew, Jason (June 2010), "Deftones: Diamond Eyes. Strength Through Tragedy", Alternative Press, no. 263, pp. p101, ISSN 1065-1667 {{citation}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |pages= has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); External link in |title= (help)
  22. ^ a b Diver, Mike (April 29, 2010). "Knocks every pretender to the band's throne into the middle of next week". BBC. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
  23. ^ a b Khan, Joshua (May 3, 2010). "Review: Diamond Eyes". BLARE Magazine. Retrieved May 3, 2010.
  24. ^ Parker, Rob (May 14, 2010). "Album review: Deftones - 'Diamond Eyes' (Warner Bros)". NME. Retrieved June 23, 2010.
  25. ^ "Review: Diamond Eyes". Q Magazine. &#91, volume &amp, issue needed&#93, : p. 123. June 2010. ISSN 0955-4955. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  26. ^ Kerswell, Ronnie (May 17, 2010). "Deftones: Diamond Eyes". Rock Sound. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
  27. ^ a b Shukla, Mark (April 20, 2010). "Detones — Diamond Eyes". The Skinny. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
  28. ^ Cole, Matthew (May 03, 2010). "Deftones: Diamond Eyes". Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 24, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ a b Greer, Nick (March 30, 2010). "Deftones: Diamond Eyes". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved May 04, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  30. ^ "Deftones: 'Diamond Eyes' Projected To Sell 55K-60K First Week". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. May 5, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  31. ^ Caulfield, Keith (May 12, 2010). "Godsmack Grabs Third No. 1 Album; Eminem Wows Digitally". Billboard. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  32. ^ a b Diamond Eyes (Media notes). Burbank, California: Reprise Records. 2010. {{cite AV media notes}}: |format= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |artist= ignored (|others= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |publisherid= ignored (help)
  33. ^ "Deftones: iTunes-Exclusive Deluxe Edition Of Diamond Eyes To Include Three Covers". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. April 22, 2010. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  34. ^ Certification award levels IFPI. Retrieved August, 2009.
  35. ^ http://www.mtv.de/charts/album50
  36. ^ http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1G50
  37. ^ http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100#/album/deftones/diamond-eyes/1329718
  38. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/albums/
  39. ^ http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp
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