Deftones is an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, formed in 1988 by Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, and Abe Cunningham. Joined later by Chi Cheng and Frank Delgado, the group became known for their genre-blending sound and experimental approach, earning comparisons to "the Radiohead of metal." After signing with Maverick Records, Deftones released their debut album Adrenaline in 1995, building a dedicated following through touring. Their breakthrough came with Around the Fur in 1997, followed by the critically acclaimed White Pony in 2000, which featured their biggest single Change (In the House of Flies) and won them a Grammy for the track Elite. Despite facing internal challenges and the tragic loss of bassist Chi Cheng after a 2008 accident, Deftones continued to evolve musically, releasing acclaimed records such as Diamond Eyes, Koi No Yokan, Gore, and Ohms. Renowned for their dynamic mix of heavy riffs, atmospheric elements, and emotional depth, the band remains influential in the alternative and metal scenes. Their next album, Private Music, is slated for release in August 2025.