“On the outside, Sacramento’s DEFTONES are all pummeling rhythms and high anxiety, but delving further into the music turns up some surprising nuances: traces of post-punk pop, tinges of rap, a pinch of industrial grit. Chino Moreno rants, sobs, croons and even works some Middle Eastern overtones into his vocals, while Stephen Carpenter’s guitar shifts […]

Stef interviewed by Stu Gotz (Entertainment Ave!) © December 4, 1996 <—————-> I first met Stephan Carpenter of Deftones after a KISS show here in Chicago. He was just hanging outside his tour bus while Chino was on a tirade spouting out about what rock and roll really is all about. Wedge, Deftones tour manager, […]

Stage Fright Desert Sky damage put at $150,000 after besotted musician allegedly incites riot By David Holthouse The mood was surly in a dressing room inhabited by the Deftones, the ninth of ten bands scheduled to play at the 1996 U-Fest, an annual rock festival that erupted into a riot, causing a reported $150,000 in […]

Chino and Chi interviewed by Flavir ©July, 1996 <—————-> Flavir: Chino, your band is quite fat. Your vocal style is unique in that you’re not constantly barking. I like it. How was that inspired? When and how did you decide to use this style? Chino: I think the style just came from the music I […]

LIVEWIRE June/July 1996 Def Jamming Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno and guitarist Stephen Carpenter explain the origin of their band’s funk/metal/pop/hardcore blend. By Tomas Pascual www.deftonesowrld.com *——————-* There are many bands these days that lay claim to a diverse section of influences. But no one band is as subtly boisterous to about their eclectic mix as […]

Chi at the Warped Tour in Denver, interviewed by Eric Nielsen (loudside.com) © June, 1996 <———–> Q: When are you guys going to go into the studio to record the next album? A: Hopefully in January. We’ll tour up until December and take some time off. Q: Will any of your old demo songs that […]