In the mid-1990s, as the heavy music landscape buzzed with emergent sounds and shifting paradigms, two albums from a nascent Sacramento band quietly began to rewrite the rulebook. The Early Deftones Albums (Adrenaline & Around the Fur) didn't just introduce the world to Deftones; they forged a distinct path that would ultimately set the band apart from their contemporaries, cementing their place as pioneers of an evolving sound. These records weren't just musical statements; they were seismic shifts, revealing a band unafraid to blend the brutal with the beautiful, the raw with the refined, and in doing so, they created something truly unique.
At a Glance: The Deftones' Formative Years
- Adrenaline (1995): Deftones' raw, unpolished debut. A visceral explosion of sound that showcased their foundational heaviness and punk-rock urgency, arguably one of the heaviest albums in their entire discography.
- Around the Fur (1997): The pivotal sophomore LP that evolved their sound, steering them definitively towards Alternative Metal while still acknowledging Nu Metal's urban and electronic elements.
- Sonic Evolution: Witnessed Chino Moreno's incredible vocal versatility, from atmospheric relaxation to powerful screams, alongside sophisticated rhythmic guitar work, grooving drums, and a foundational bass.
- Genre Redefinition: While often grouped with Nu Metal, Around the Fur in particular highlighted Deftones' distinct approach, which emphasized atmosphere, dynamic shifts, and emotional depth over genre tropes.
- Enduring Influence: Both albums laid the groundwork for their subsequent iconic releases, and Around the Fur specifically influenced bands like Muse and Slipknot, proving its lasting impact on rock and metal.
Deftones' Genesis: The Raw Power of Adrenaline (1995)
Before Around the Fur launched Deftones into wider recognition, there was Adrenaline, their 1995 debut. This album wasn't just a foundation; it was a furious, unpolished declaration of intent. Released into a mid-90s scene increasingly embracing the "nu-metal" aesthetic—a blend of heavy guitar riffs, urban influences, and often rap-style vocals—Adrenaline stood out for its sheer, unadulterated aggression.
You hear it immediately: the gnashing guitars, the thundering drums, and Chino Moreno's early career vocals, which were already a force of nature, swinging between guttural screams and a more melodic, albeit still raw, delivery. The production on Adrenaline is famously stripped-down, almost garage-like, giving it an immediacy and rawness that some fans still argue defines the band at their most primal. Tracks like "Bored," "Engine No. 9," and "7 Words" became anthems for a burgeoning fanbase, showcasing the band's ability to craft heavy, rhythmic grooves that were both brutal and strangely catchy.
What Adrenaline lacked in the atmospheric complexity that would define their later work, it more than made up for in visceral energy. It’s arguably one of the heaviest albums in their entire discography, a testament to their early punk and hardcore influences. This debut wasn't trying to fit into a mold; it was simply Deftones, unleashed and unfiltered, laying down the groundwork for the intricate sonic tapestries they would soon weave. It showed the world what Deftones was capable of, even if it only hinted at the profound musical journey they were about to embark upon.
Around the Fur (1997): The Defining Evolution
Just two years after their raw debut, Deftones dropped Around the Fur in 1997, an album that not only solidified their identity but also fundamentally redefined the sound of heavy music. This sophomore LP was a pivotal record in their discography, marking a noticeable departure from the more straightforward aggression of Adrenaline. It signaled a crucial realization for the band: while Nu Metal was gaining mainstream traction, Deftones aimed for something deeper, something that transcended the often-maligned genre.
Around the Fur didn't completely abandon the elements that linked them to the emerging nu-metal scene—the urban inflections, the focus on groove, the absence of traditional guitar solos. However, it strategically steered them more towards the realm of "Alternative Metal." This emerging subgenre was characterized by a potent combination of brutal, cathartic passages and deeply melodic, sometimes atmospheric, vocals and instrumentals. This dynamic interplay became the hallmark of Deftones' sound, positioning them as a truly pioneering band.
Chino Moreno's Vocal Masterclass
At the heart of this evolution was Chino Moreno's incredible vocal work. On Around the Fur, his range expanded exponentially. He could still unleash devastating, powerful screams, but he also embraced an atmospheric relaxation, a haunting clean singing that provided a stark, yet complementary, contrast to the music's inherent heaviness. Tracks like "Lotion" perfectly encapsulate this duality, where Moreno navigates between whispered vulnerability and explosive anguish. It's a vocal performance that, truth be told, has rarely been matched in its emotional breadth and technical command in almost 30 years. His ability to evoke both extreme rage and serene introspection within the same song—or even the same phrase—was a game-changer.
The Instrumental Tapestry: Groove, Tone, and Foundation
The instrumentalists on Around the Fur also demonstrated remarkable growth, refining their roles to create a cohesive, powerful, yet nuanced soundscape:
- Guitars (Stephen Carpenter): Stephen Carpenter's guitar work on Around the Fur is less about shredding solos and more about deep, rhythmic textures and impactful riffs. The focus is entirely on groove and tone, creating a foundation that is both heavy and atmospheric. Listen to the iconic riff in "My Own Summer (Shove It)"—it's innocent yet malevolent, instantly captivating without relying on overt technical complexity. Similarly, the powerful chord progressions in "Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away)" showcase how much can be achieved through deliberate tone and rhythmic emphasis.
- Drums (Abe Cunningham): Abe Cunningham's drumming throughout the album is a masterclass in controlled power. There's an undeniable groove, often leaning towards urban genres, and a noticeable absence of double-pedal blast beats. Instead, his drumming explodes when the song demands it, adding percussive texture and dynamic shifts that are both impactful and intelligent. The varied rhythms and fills provide a complex backbone to the sound, driving the energy without overwhelming it.
- Bass (Chi Cheng): Chi Cheng's bass lines are the unwavering foundation of Around the Fur. They don't seek to complicate the intricate sonic landscape; instead, they anchor the band, providing a deep, resonant core that ties all the diverse elements together. His contributions are felt more than heard, providing the crucial low-end weight that makes the band's dynamic shifts so impactful.
Iconic Tracks and Their Impact
Around the Fur is a treasure trove of essential Deftones tracks, each contributing to the album's legendary status:
- "My Own Summer (Shove It)": The album opener, this track represents an immediate impact from the start. Its iconic, innocent yet malevolent riff captures the essence of the entire album and instantly showcases Chino Moreno’s capabilities, from haunting whispers to roaring cries. It was an instant hit, quickly becoming one of Deftones' most recognizable songs.
- "Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away)": A track that truly embodies the album’s shift towards melodic and atmospheric alternative metal. Its brooding verses build to an anthemic, powerful chorus, becoming a staple in their live performances and a beloved fan favorite.
- "Lhabia" & "Headup": These tracks demonstrate the subtle presence of rap elements, but in a distinctly metal-oriented, discreet way, unlike the explicit approach of some contemporaries like Limp Bizkit. The indecipherable lyrics in "Lhabia" add to its mysterious, almost primal feel, while "Headup," featuring Max Cavalera of Sepultura/Soulfly, is a visceral burst of aggression that influenced many. The riff from "Headup" is even famously used by Muse as an outro to their song "New Born" in live performances, highlighting its broad impact.
- "Mascara": This song showcases Deftones’ fearless experimentation with calm and soothing sounds, leaning towards an emotional state of contemplation. It’s a testament to their willingness to explore introspection and vulnerability amidst the heavy passages, proving that metal could be both brutal and beautiful.
- "Rickets": On the other end of the spectrum, "Rickets" is an invitation to the mosh pit, a track that undoubtedly had a significant influence on bands like Slipknot in later years with its relentless energy and driving force.
- "MX": The album concludes with "MX," a sprawling track that famously includes two hidden tracks separated by silences. This practice, reminiscent of bands like Nirvana, added an element of surprise and reward for listeners who let the album play through, deepening the connection with the record.
Mastering the Melancholy & the Mosh: Deftones' Sonic Blend
One of the most profound achievements of Around the Fur, building on the foundations laid by Adrenaline, was Deftones' unique ability to balance seemingly contradictory elements. They weren't just a heavy band; they were a dynamic entity capable of inducing both head-banging frenzy and profound introspection. This blend of brutal passages with melodic vocals and instrumentals in ear-pleasing harmonies is what truly defined their sound and set them apart.
In the mid-90s, the overall Metal scene was undergoing a significant transformation. The incorporation of urban and electronic elements, alongside a new style of dressing, broke established paradigms. Nu Metal emerged, led by bands like Korn, and Deftones were initially grouped within this movement. However, while Nu Metal was characterized by the absence of guitar solos, a focus on groove, and especially Rap-style vocal delivery—an aspect loved by many and rejected by many others, despite precedents like Aerosmith collaborating with RUN DMC—Deftones’ approach felt different.
Their rap influence, present in tracks like "Lhabia" or "Headup," was always more discreet, more integrated into a metal context, comparable to how Korn approached it rather than the more explicit style of a band like Limp Bizkit. Deftones never aimed for shock value or overt genre adherence; instead, they sought to create an atmosphere, a feeling. This commitment to emotional resonance and sonic texture, alongside their powerful aggression, meant they quickly transcended the pigeonhole of "Nu Metal."
Furthermore, Deftones contributed to breaking social stereotypes associated with the typical "Metalhead." No longer was a fan expected to dress exclusively in black or limit themselves to a specific subgenre. Deftones’ music, much like their varied influences, embraced a broader cultural scope, inviting a diverse audience that appreciated both the raw power and the nuanced artistry. They proved that heavy music could be intelligent, experimental, and deeply emotional, without sacrificing an ounce of its visceral impact.
The Enduring Influence: A Legacy Forged in Fur
The impact of Early Deftones Albums (Adrenaline & Around the Fur) cannot be overstated. Around the Fur in particular defined the foundations of Deftones’ signature style, which would continue to evolve through their subsequent studio albums. It wasn't just a successful record; it was a blueprint for a new wave of heavy music, opening up a vast range of possibilities for further experimentation within the Metal genre.
As The Rock Review points out, Around the Fur has influenced various bands across multiple subgenres, from Groove Metal and Metalcore to Post-Hardcore. Its dynamic shifts, atmospheric textures, and emotional depth resonated deeply with musicians looking to break free from conventional metal tropes. The interplay between heavy riffs and melodic sensibilities, between raw aggression and contemplative beauty, became a template for countless bands.
One of the most cited examples of their influence is the rock band Muse, who often uses the riff from "Headup" as an outro to their song "New Born" in live performances. This nod from such a globally recognized act underscores the unique and powerful nature of Deftones' early work. Similarly, the aggressive yet grooving force of tracks like "Rickets" can be heard echoing in the soundscapes of bands like Slipknot, who emerged later with their own brand of intense, rhythmic metal.
Deftones, through these pivotal early works, broke with convention and leveraged the diverse elements that music inherently provides. They demonstrated that metal didn’t have to be one-dimensional; it could be a rich tapestry of sounds, emotions, and styles. This fearless exploration not only cemented their place as legends but also ensured that their early albums would remain crucial touchstones for anyone seeking to understand the evolution of alternative and heavy music in the late 20th century.
Revisiting the Sound: Why Adrenaline & Around the Fur Still Resonate
The magic of Adrenaline and Around the Fur lies not just in their historical significance, but in their timeless appeal. Decades after their release, these albums continue to captivate new generations of listeners, offering a sonic experience that feels as fresh and vital today as it did in the mid-90s.
When you revisit Adrenaline, you’re reconnecting with a pure, unadulterated energy that is both nostalgic and exhilarating. It’s a reminder of where Deftones began, a raw, primal scream that laid the groundwork for everything that followed. It offers a glimpse into the unfiltered aggression that fueled their initial rise, before the layers of nuance and atmosphere became their defining characteristic.
Then, immerse yourself in Around the Fur. You’ll discover an album that feels like a masterclass in dynamic tension and release. From the immediate impact of "My Own Summer (Shove It)" to the expansive, hidden depths of "MX," the record takes you on a journey. It challenges you, comforts you, and ultimately leaves you with a profound sense of satisfaction. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of instrumentation, vocal inflection, and emotional depth with each spin.
These albums aren't just artifacts of a bygone era; they are living, breathing works of art that continue to inspire, provoke, and move. They represent a band at their formative peak, finding their voice, and in doing so, creating a legacy that resonates across genres and generations. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Deftones' world, taking the time to explore Adrenaline and Around the Fur isn't just listening to music—it's experiencing a pivotal moment in the history of heavy sound. So, queue them up, turn the volume high, and let the early Deftones transport you. You might just rediscover why these albums remain so essential.
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