Olympia’s Some Velvet Sidewalk made a lot of noise between the years of 1987 and 1997. Founded by Al Larsen on vocals and guitar and the late Robert Christie on drums, the DIY band put out a bunch of lo-fi rock albums on K Records, at times recruiting associates like future Bikini Kill co-founders Tobi…
The post Influential Lo-Fi Band Some Velvet Sidewalk Announce First New Album In 29 Years <em>Critters Encore</em> appeared first on Stereogum.
Here is every Deftones album ranked from worst to best based on consistency, impact, and overall listening experience.
At this point, every Deftones ranking comes down to one argument — do you value influence, or perfection?
That’s where this list makes its stand.
This list is based on:
Not nostalgia.
Let’s get one thing straight: White Pony changed the world, but Koi No Yokan perfected it. If you’re here for a predictable, nostalgia-fueled list, you’re in the wrong place. We are looking at songcraft, production, and the pure “ethereal vs. aggressive” balance that defines this band.
The problem with most rankings is they are afraid to touch the “classics.” We aren’t. While Around the Fur and White Pony are untouchable cultural milestones, they are also products of a band still finding their footing between nu-metal and art-rock. On Koi No Yokan, the band is in total command of their power. It is a journey, not just a collection of songs.
Best Song: Phantom Bride
Gore isn’t a failure — but it’s the only Deftones record that feels like it never fully locks in.
There are genuinely great moments here. “Phantom Bride,” with Jerry Cantrell, carries a haunting, slow-burn weight, and “Hearts / Wires” shows how far the band can push atmosphere. But the album as a whole never finds a center.
The tension between Chino Moreno’s dreamlike direction and Stephen Carpenter’s heavier instincts feels less like chemistry and more like separation. The guitars don’t anchor the songs the way they normally do, and the production leans thinner than anything else in their catalog.
Instead of building momentum, Gore drifts. It has ideas, it has moments — it just never fully comes together as a complete experience.
Best Song: No Ordinary Love
Not a studio album, but too important to leave out.
This collection shows just how far Deftones were willing to stretch creatively outside their main releases. Their cover of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love” is still one of the best genre-crossing reinterpretations in heavy music.
The acoustic “Be Quiet and Drive” strips everything down and proves the songwriting stands on its own without distortion or production.
It’s not cohesive — but it’s not supposed to be. It’s a snapshot of a band experimenting freely, and that alone makes it essential.
Best Song: Cherry Waves
This is what a band on the edge sounds like.
Saturday Night Wrist came together during one of the most unstable periods in Deftones’ history, and it shows. The album moves unpredictably, sometimes feeling scattered, sometimes hitting incredible emotional highs.
“Cherry Waves” and “Beware” are among the band’s most atmospheric tracks, but the record never fully stabilizes.
It’s fascinating and flawed — a record that captures tension rather than resolving it.
Best Song: Minerva
Dark, heavy, and emotionally suffocating.
This self-titled album captures the band at one of their most volatile points. It’s aggressive, unpredictable, and at times uncomfortable — which is exactly what makes it compelling.
Tracks like “Minerva” show their ability to create massive, emotional soundscapes, while “When Girls Telephone Boys” hits with pure chaos. It’s a record constantly shifting between beauty and brutality.
The downside is cohesion. It doesn’t flow as smoothly as their best albums, and the pacing can feel uneven.
Still, this is a bold, fearless record that pushed their sound forward — even if it didn’t fully land.
Best Song: Bored
This is the raw foundation of everything that followed.
Adrenaline is aggressive, stripped down, and rooted in the mid-90s alternative metal scene. It lacks the atmosphere and nuance of later releases, but you can hear the early signs of what Deftones would become.
“Bored” hits with pure intensity, while tracks like “Fireal” hint at the band’s future direction — more expansive, more emotional, more layered.
Compared to later albums, it’s one-dimensional. But that simplicity is also part of its identity.
It’s not their most refined work — but it’s where the blueprint began.
Best Song: Genesis
Ohms feels like a band regaining control.
After the divisive Gore, bringing back producer Terry Date was a turning point. The album feels tighter, more focused, and more balanced between melody and heaviness.
“Genesis” and “Ceremony” bring back the band’s aggressive edge, while tracks like “Urantia” maintain their atmospheric depth.
It doesn’t reinvent their sound — but it doesn’t need to.
Ohms works because it feels intentional. It’s a late-career album that proves the band still knows exactly who they are.
Best Song: Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away)
This is where Deftones found their identity.
Around The Fur still carries the aggression of Adrenaline, but it introduces the emotional depth and atmosphere that would define their sound moving forward.
“Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” is the turning point — a track that perfectly balances heaviness with melody.
This album separated them from their peers. While other bands stayed locked in the nu-metal lane, Deftones started evolving.
It’s not perfect — but it’s essential.
Best Song: Sextape
This album shouldn’t exist — and that’s what makes it incredible.
After Chi Cheng’s accident, the band was at a crossroads. Instead of falling apart, they delivered one of the most focused and emotionally powerful records of their career.
“Sextape” is one of their most beautiful songs, while “Rocket Skates” proves they hadn’t lost their edge.
Diamond Eyes feels like a reset — a band rebuilding itself and coming back stronger.
Best Song: milk of the madonna
Private Music is not some quiet grower that only works if you squint at it long enough. This album kicks ass.
From the jump, Deftones sound locked in, confident, and fully committed to what makes them great. The riffs hit, the atmosphere is thick, and the songwriting feels sharper than it has any right to this deep into their career. This is not a band coasting on legacy. This is a band still capable of delivering one of the strongest records in modern heavy music.
What makes Private Music land so hard is that it doesn’t feel compromised. The heavy moments actually hit with force, the melodic passages feel massive instead of sleepy, and the whole thing moves with purpose. There’s mood here, sure, but it never drifts. The album has bite, momentum, and replay value — the kind of record that reveals more over time without ever feeling soft or underpowered on first listen.
If there’s a knock against it, it’s only that White Pony and Koi No Yokan still carry a little more historic weight in the catalog. But judged strictly on quality, Private Music absolutely belongs in the top tier. On some days, you could even argue it higher.
This is not just a strong comeback or a respectable veteran album. It is one of their absolute best albums, period.
Best Song: Digital Bath
White Pony changed everything.
This is the album that pushed Deftones beyond their peers and into something entirely different. It redefined their sound and opened the door to everything that followed.
“Digital Bath” and “Change” are still defining tracks — but the album isn’t flawless.
It’s transitional. Important. Game-changing.
But not perfect.
Best Song: Rosemary
This is the one.
Koi No Yokan is the only Deftones album that feels completely unified from start to finish. Everything clicks — the pacing, the production, the balance between heaviness and atmosphere.
There are no weak points. No filler. No missteps.
White Pony changed the game.
Koi No Yokan perfected it.
Ranking a discography this deep is never just about the music; it’s about the era, the energy, and the evolution. We know our choice of Koi No Yokan as the #1 over the “untouchable” White Pony is going to spark fire.
But after 16 years of living with these records, we stand by it. Koi No Yokan is the only record in the catalog where the internal friction of the band finally dissolved into a unified, flawless sonic journey. It is the definitive Deftones experience.
Now it’s your turn. Did we bury White Pony too low? Is private music a Top 3 contender in your house? Drop a comment below and tell us why we’re right—or exactly why we’re wrong.
Deftones are an American alternative metal band formed in Sacramento, California, in 1988. The band was founded by Chino Moreno (vocals, guitar), Stephen Carpenter (guitar), Abe Cunningham (drums), and Chi Cheng (bass). Soon after, sampler/keyboardest Frank Delgado would also join the fold. After the tragic 2008 car accident that left Cheng in a coma, the band recruited Sergio Vega to take over bass duties. Following Vega’s departure in 2021, Fred Sablan joined as the band’s touring bassist.
Known for their dynamic sound which melds heavy, aggressive metal with ethereal, shoegaze-inspired melodies, Deftones have consistently defied categorization. Their 2000 album, White Pony, is widely regarded as a landmark release in alternative metal, earning the band a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
The post Deftones Albums Ranked Worst To Best (2026 Definitive Ranking) appeared first on Loaded Radio.
Ex-Queensrÿche frontman Geoff Tate unveils the third chapter of his classic concept series, offering a new perspective and global recording adventures.
The post GEOFF TATE Returns With Operation: Mindcrime III & First Single "Power" appeared first on Metal Injection.
Organizers behind Rock Hard Festival Greece have started to roll out details for the 2026 edition, which is set for September 11–12 at the Technopolis City of Athens. The event will feature a total of 10 bands, with six already confirmed and the remaining four expected to be revealed within the next couple of weeks.
Rock Hard’s name carries weight across the metal world. Founded in Germany in 1983, the brand has long been a key voice in heavy music. The Greek edition launched in 2005 and later transitioned to a fully online format in 2011 via its official website. Alongside its presence in Germany and Greece, the publication also runs in France and Italy, reaching a wide audience each month. Over time, Rock Hard has built a reputation for direct coverage, in-depth interviews, and reviews that often fuel debate among fans. Its material is frequently picked up by other outlets, and it remains one of the most referenced metal publications on Wikipedia.
This year’s festival will also feature backing from the mobile game Rock Kommander, a title centered on rock and metal culture where players manage bands, connect with other fans, and engage in collaborations with real artists.
Looking back, the 2025 edition set a high bar. Rock Hard Festival Greece 2025 was a pure sonic assault on Athens and wow, what an absolute monster of a weekend it was! The 2025 edition delivered a masterclass in Heavy Metal, proving this new festival a serious contender to the crown jewel of the Greek Metal calendar.
From the doom-laden majesty of legends Candlemass featuring Messiah Marcolin to the anthemic, fist-pumping power of HammerFall, every moment was pure magic. Overkill brought their signature relentless thrash energy, tearing the roof off, while guitar virtuoso Gus G. & Friends shredded with breathtaking precision. The riffs were heavy, the solos were lightning fast, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. We witnessed epic singalongs, circle pits, and a crowd united by the power of metal.
A massive thank you goes out to all 12 bands, the crew, and every single headbanger who made 2025 unforgettable. If you were there, you know just how special it was. If you missed it, you definitely missed out on the party of the year!
But if you did, fear not – we are stoked to now announce that we will be staging the 2nd edition of the Greek Rock Hard Festival in 2026, again to be held at the Technopolis City of Athens, on the 11th and 12th of September.
For the 2nd edition of the festival in Greece, we already have the following 6 artists ready for announcement now:
– Blood Fire Death – performing A Tribute to Quorthon and the Music of Bathory:
Celebrating the visionary legacy of Quorthon, who proudly pioneered Black and Viking metal, this event reunites a constellation of the Norwegian Black Metal elite. Originally conceived to honor the fallen master, the project features a core line-up of Erik Danielsson (Watain), Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved), Blasphemer, Apollyon, and Faust. This immersive performance captures the spirit of Bathory’s legendary recordings, praised globally as “pure magic.” For this special Athens show, the band will be joined by iconic special guests, including Grutle Kjellson (Enslaved), Gaahl, former Bathory bassist Frederick Melander, and Mayhem’s Attila Csihar. This marks a rare opportunity for Greek fans to witness this historic homage, where the genre’s defining figures gather to celebrate the music that shaped their artistic paths.
– Angra – performing Holy Land 30th Featuring Kiko Loureiro
Rock Hard Festival Greece 2026 will host a truly historic event as Brazilian power metal legends Angra return for a special 30th-anniversary celebration of their masterpiece Holy Land. Performing the seminal 1996 album in its entirety alongside career classics, the show features a rare temporary reunion with acclaimed guitarist Kiko Loureiro. This performance is one of only two European dates honoring this landmark record, making it an unmissable event for fans across the continent and beyond. Renowned for blending technical metal with Brazilian rhythms and orchestration, Holy Land holds a cherished place in Greek metal history. The powerful line-up includes founding guitarist Rafael Bittencourt, Felipe Andreoli, Bruno Valverde, Marcelo Barbosa, and vocalist Alirio Netto. The concert will of course also pay tribute to the late Andre Matos, whose voice defined the band’s early era. Fans can expect an unforgettable, once-in-a-generation experience honoring one of melodic metal’s most visionary albums.
– Stratovarius – a travel through time with a Special 1990s Set:
Stratovarius, formed in Finland in 1984, stands as a titan of European melodic power metal. Shaped by guitarist Timo Tolkki, the band reached their peak in the mid-90s with the classic lineup featuring vocalist Timo Kotipelto, keyboardist Jens Johansson, and drummer Jörg Michael. This golden era produced seminal albums like Visions and Destiny, blending neoclassical speed with symphonic arrangements and hits like “Black Diamond.” The band shares a deep bond with Greece, where they enjoyed massive popularity in the late 1990s, immortalized by the partly in Athens-recorded live album Visions of Europe. For this festival appearance, Stratovarius will deliver an exclusive set dedicated entirely to their 1990s masterpieces.
Expect a journey through the decade that defined them, showcasing the technical brilliance and melodic power that made them icons and inspired a generation of metal fans.
– Dirkschneider – performing Special Best of Accept Set:
Rock Hard Festival Greece proudly welcomes heavy metal icon Udo Dirkschneider and his band Dirkschneider for a rare performance dedicated to the legendary songs he recorded with Accept. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Udo’s gritty, raspy voice defined the sound of German metal on classic albums like Balls to the Wall and Restless and Wild. Following his departure from Accept in 1987, he enjoyed massive success with U.D.O., but this event focuses on the timeless anthems that started it all.
This exclusive show will feature a true powerhouse line-up including Udo’s son Sven on drums and longtime Accept bassist Peter Baltes, reinforcing the connection to the band’s golden era. Audiences will experience a celebration of Udo’s legacy, delivering the high-energy hymns that made him one of the most distinctive voices in European heavy metal history.
– Primordial:
Formed in Ireland in 1993, Primordial has forged a unique identity within the extreme metal underground. Merging the bleak intensity of black metal with Celtic heritage and epic storytelling, the band transcended genre boundaries early on. Built around founding members Pól MacAmhlaigh and Ciarán MacUiliam, alongside commanding vocalist Alan “Nemtheanga” Averill, they became one of the first Irish representatives of the global black metal scene. Over three decades, albums like The Gathering Wilderness and To the Nameless Dead have cemented their status as one of the most respected and authentic acts in metal. Their latest release, 2023’s How It Ends, proves their uncompromising vision remains vital. For Greek audiences, who have long revered the band, Primordial’s return promises a performance of raw intensity, ritualistic atmosphere, and profound emotional depth that few bands can match.
– Triumpher:
Athens-based Triumpher has rapidly emerged as a leading force in modern epic heavy metal, transcending their local underground roots to gain international recognition. Formed in the early 2020s, the band blends epic metal with black metal intensity and a theatrical atmosphere. Their debut, Storming The Walls (2023), and follow-up Spirit Invictus (2024) established their powerful sound, featuring towering vocals and sharp guitar work. In 2026, they released their third album, Piercing The Heart Of The World. This ambitious record showcases cinematic arrangements and monumental performances, further solidifying their status. Having already conquered major festivals like Keep It True and Up The Hammers, Triumpher proves their rise is no coincidence. With an uncompromising vision and undeniable talent, the Athenians are carving a distinct path in the global epic metal landscape.
The final 4 bands to complete the 2026 festival 10 band lineup will be announced in the coming 2 weeks.
Ticket sales for the festival will be starting on April 1, 2026 here.
The post ROCK HARD FESTIVAL GREECE 2026 Reveals First Acts: ANGRA Reunion, STRATOVARIUS’ ’90s Set, and All-Star BATHORY Tribute appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.
In 2022, police in Adams County, Ohio raided the home of Afroman, the musician who had a huge novelty hit with the 2000 song “Because I Got High.” The cops suspected him of drug possession and kidnapping, but they found no evidence in the raid, and no charges were filed. Afroman wasn’t hope during the raid, but his wife filmed it, and he used that footage, as well as security camera footage, while singing about the raid on viral songs like “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Lemon Pound Cake.” Soon afterward, some of those cops sued Afroman for using their images without permission, and the ACLU filed an amicus brief in Afroman’s support. Now, the case is going to trial, and the video of Afroman’s testimony is the kind of thing you might really want to see.
The post Afroman’s Testimony About The Cops Who Are Suing Him Is Something To See appeared first on Stereogum.
The first trailer has arrived for this spring’s Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition documentary film.
Arriving in cinemas on May 7, the heavy metal icons’ official movie not only captures the incredible story of Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers and Nicko McBrain throughout the past 50 years, but also plenty of very cool guest appearances talking up all things Maiden – from Metallica legend Lars Ulrich to actor and superfan Javier Bardem.
‘With unprecedented access to official band archives, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition charts five decades of one of the most iconic journeys in music history,’ reads the synopsis. ‘Featuring interviews with the band and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, this electrifying film offers an intimate look at their uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their global army of fans.’
Indeed, as the description in this first look states: “If you’re an Iron Maiden fan, you’re part of one family.”
Check it out below, and get your tickets now.
Catch Maiden live this year as they take over Knebworth on July 11. Their epic Run For Your Lives World Tour will wrap up in Japan on November 24 – 25, and after that they’re set to “take a well-earned break from being on the road for the whole of 2027”.
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Posted on March 18th 2026, 3:10p.m.
The keyboardist calls the band’s 2022 comeback his happiest time in music and reveals new writing sessions aimed at pushing Porcupine Tree’s sound further.
The post PORCUPINE TREE's RICHARD BARBERI Reflects On Closure/Continuation Era & Hints At Possible 2027 Album appeared first on Metal Injection.
Bad Omens will headline Knotfest Mexico 2026, leading a diverse lineup that also includes Lamb of God, Poppy and several major international acts.
At this point, Knotfest lineups don’t just announce bands — they signal where heavy music is heading next.
This one makes that shift impossible to ignore.
Bad Omens taking the top spot isn’t just another booking — it’s a statement.
Over the last few years, the band has gone from rising metalcore act to one of the most streamed and talked-about names in modern heavy music. Their crossover appeal, particularly following The Death Of Peace Of Mind, has pushed them into a different tier.
Putting them above legacy names like Lamb of God tells you exactly where the momentum is right now.
Knotfest Mexico 2026 isn’t leaning in just one direction — it’s stacking multiple corners of heavy music into one lineup.
Alongside the headliner, the bill includes:
That mix pulls from:
It’s a lineup built to reflect how wide the genre has become.
Even with the shift toward newer acts, Lamb of God remain one of the most reliable live bands in heavy music.
Their presence ensures the lineup still carries weight for longtime fans — especially those who lean toward the heavier, more traditional side of metal.
Poppy remains one of the most unpredictable names on the bill.
Her evolution from experimental pop into heavier territory has made her a regular fixture on major rock and metal festivals, and her inclusion here reinforces how much genre boundaries have shifted.
Since its launch under the Slipknot banner, Knotfest has steadily evolved from a pure metal showcase into something broader.
This lineup leans heavily into:
And that evolution is exactly why bookings like Bad Omens at the top feel inevitable — even if they’re still polarizing.
Knotfest Mexico 2026 will take place:
Fans planning to attend can expect one of the biggest heavy music events in the region this year.
Fans interested in attending can find ticket options at this location.
There’s no middle ground with a lineup like this.
Some fans will see:
Others will see:
But that tension is exactly what keeps festivals like Knotfest relevant.
So where do you land — is this the future of metal festivals, or a step too far?
The festival takes place on December 5, 2026.
Bad Omens are the official headliner.
At Estadio Fray Nano in Mexico City, Mexico.
The lineup includes Lamb of God, Poppy, The Ghost Inside, Blood Incantation, Sylosis, Vana and Versailles.
Knotfest is a global festival brand created by Slipknot, known for curating lineups that blend established heavy acts with emerging artists across the metal spectrum. The festival has expanded worldwide, becoming one of the most recognized names in heavy music events.
The post Knotfest Mexico 2026 Lineup Revealed And The Headliner Is Turning Heads appeared first on Loaded Radio.