Deftones have carved a unique niche in the alternative metal world, blending elements of shoegaze, post-hardcore, and experimental rock. Their signature mix of heavy riffs and emotional depth has gained them a loyal following. But what if you’re craving something similar? In this post, we’ll explore some bands like Deftones that share their dynamic sound.
These bands offer a rich blend of aggression, atmosphere, and emotional vulnerability, just like Deftones. So, let’s dive into these recommendations and help you discover some new favorites.
1. Korn: Pioneers of the Nu-Metal Sound
When talking about bands like Deftones, Korn is one of the first that comes to mind. Formed in California in the early ’90s, Korn were instrumental in pioneering the nu-metal movement, blending heavy riffs with hip-hop and grunge influences. Their aggressive yet emotional sound closely mirrors Deftones’ early work.
Korn’s albums like Follow the Leader and Issues have become staples of the genre. Fans of Deftones will always turn to them because of their music’s raw vitality and melancholic undertones.Korn delivers that heavy, experimental sound with an emotional edge.
2. Incubus: Alternative Rock with Emotional Depth
Incubus also fits the mold when discussing bands like Deftones. Like Deftones, Incubus started in the alternative rock and nu-metal scene but evolved into something much more expansive. With albums like Make Yourself and Morning View, Incubus explores a range of sounds, blending alternative rock, funk, and electronica.
What makes Incubus similar to Deftones is their ability to mix aggressive guitar riffs with introspective, emotional lyrics. Their hits like “Pardon Me” and “Drive” balance energy with melody, giving them a place in any Deftones fan’s playlist.
3. System of a Down: Politics Meets Metal
Another band like Deftones that you really should listen to is System of a Down.Known for their politically charged lyrics and unpredictable song structures, they combine elements of nu-metal and alternative metal with a unique twist. System of a Down’s energetic tracks often mix chaotic rhythms with soft, melodic moments, similar to Deftones’ dynamic range.
Albums like Toxicity and Mezmerize showcase their talent for blending aggressive and vulnerable moments, making them a perfect fit for Deftones fans seeking more than just standard metal.
4. Slipknot: Unapologetically Heavy
For those who love Deftones’ heavier side, Slipknot offers a wild ride. Known for their intense live performances and nu-metal roots, Slipknot pushes the boundaries of heavy music while keeping an emotional core similar to Deftones. Albums like Iowa and Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) blend chaos with melody.
Slipknot’s mix of raw aggression and emotionally charged lyrics make them an excellent counterpart to Deftones. Fans of Deftones’ heavier tracks will appreciate Slipknot’s relentless energy.
5. Tool: A Progressive Metal Experience
If you appreciate Deftones’ more experimental side, Tool is an excellent choice. Tool has mastered the blend of progressive rock, metal, and atmospheric soundscapes, creating a deeply immersive listening experience. Their ability to weave complex rhythms and philosophical lyrics draws parallels with Deftones’ more cerebral tracks.
Albums like Lateralus and 10,000 Days showcase Tool’s dedication to intricate song structures and emotional depth. Their artistic approach to music will appeal to fans of Deftones’ boundary-pushing style.
6. Team Sleep: A Side Project with Familiar Tones
Fronted by Chino Moreno himself, Team Sleep is a natural fit for any list of bands like Deftones. As a side project, Team Sleep takes a different direction from Deftones’ heavier sound, opting for more ambient and electronic elements. Their self-titled debut album blends atmospheric rock with electronic textures, perfect for fans who enjoy Deftones’ softer moments.
Tracks like “Ever (Foreign Flag)” and “Tomb of Liegia” showcase Moreno’s signature vocal style but in a more laid-back and introspective form. If you love Deftones’ dreamy tracks, Team Sleep is a must-listen.
7. Circa Survive: Emotional and Atmospheric
Circa Survive brings a similar emotional intensity to their music, making them one of the standout bands like Deftones. With Anthony Green’s distinctive high-pitched vocals and the band’s atmospheric sound, they’ve carved out a space in the post-hardcore and indie rock worlds.
Albums like Juturna and Blue Sky Noise combine haunting melodies with emotionally charged lyrics, offering the same balance between intensity and vulnerability that Deftones fans love.
8. A Perfect Circle: Artful and Experimental Rock
A Perfect Circle, fronted by Tool’s Maynard James Keenan, offers a unique blend of alternative and art rock that resonates with Deftones fans. Their debut album Mer de Noms and follow-up Thirteenth Step showcase their ability to blend heavy riffs with introspective, atmospheric tracks, much like Deftones’ own catalog.
A Perfect Circle produces an auditory experience that complements the experimental and emotionally charged aspects of Deftones’ music with its haunting melodies and profoundly beautiful lyrics.
9. Disturbed: Melodic Aggression
If you’re looking for another band that balances heaviness with melodic elements, Disturbed is a great option. Known for their nu-metal and hard rock anthems, they blend aggressive guitar work with melodic vocals, much like Deftones.
Disturbed’s cover of “The Sound of Silence” demonstrates their versatility, blending soft, emotional moments with powerful energy. Fans of Deftones’ heavier and softer sides alike will appreciate what Disturbed brings to the table.
10. Linkin Park: A Nu-Metal Legend
When discussing bands like Deftones, it’s impossible to leave out Linkin Park. Rising to fame in the early 2000s, Linkin Park blended alternative rock, nu-metal, and electronic elements to create a sound that resonated with a massive audience. Their debut album, Hybrid Theory, became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with hits like “In the End” and “Crawling” that continue to be fan favorites.
Linkin Park shares a lot of similarities with Deftones in terms of combining heavy riffs with electronic textures and emotional lyrics. Their raw emotion and ability to craft memorable melodies make them a staple for any Deftones fan looking for something familiar yet unique.
The Evolution of Linkin Park’s Sound
While their early work was rooted in nu-metal, Linkin Park’s sound evolved over the years, incorporating more electronic and pop elements, particularly in albums like Minutes to Midnight and Living Things. Despite these changes, they always maintained an emotional core in their music, much like Deftones’ evolution from their nu-metal roots to their more atmospheric later work.
Fans of Deftones’ emotional depth and genre-blending approach will find Linkin Park’s discography equally compelling.
11. Portishead: Trip-Hop Meets Alternative Rock
Though Portishead is more closely associated with trip-hop, they offer a haunting and atmospheric sound that will appeal to Deftones fans. Their fusion of electronic beats, rock elements, and moody vocals creates a unique listening experience, making them an interesting entry in this list of bands like Deftones.
Their debut album Dummy is widely regarded as a masterpiece, blending trip-hop and alternative rock in a way that’s both experimental and emotionally engaging. Songs like “Sour Times” and “Glory Box” have a dark, haunting quality that aligns with Deftones’ moodier tracks.
Portishead’s Influence on the Alternative Scene
Even though Portishead’s sound is distinct, their ability to create atmospheric, emotionally intense music resonates with the same crowd that loves Deftones. If you appreciate the more experimental and ambient side of Deftones, Portishead’s discography will surely pique your interest.
12. Blindside: A Post-Hardcore Gem
Blindside, a Swedish band that formed in the late ‘90s, shares a post-hardcore sound with atmospheric qualities that make them one of the notable bands like Deftones. Their music balances aggression with melody, much like Deftones, with a mix of heavy guitars and emotionally charged vocals.
Blindside’s breakthrough album Silence brought them to international attention, with tracks like “Pitiful” and “Sleepwalking” displaying their ability to blend heavy and melodic elements seamlessly. Fans of Deftones will appreciate Blindside’s intensity and emotional depth.
Blindside’s Connection to the Deftones Sound
Blindside’s music reflects a similar emotional and sonic range, blending post-hardcore aggression with atmospheric elements that Deftones fans love. Their dynamic range makes them an essential addition to any playlist featuring Deftones-inspired music.
13. Faith No More: The Influencers of Deftones
Unlike the other bands on this list, Faith No More isn’t here because they sound like Deftones, but because they were one of the major influences on Deftones’ development. Formed in 1979, Faith No More blends alternative metal with funk, punk, and experimental rock, paving the way for future alternative metal acts like Deftones.
Their album The Real Thing became a breakthrough, with hits like “Epic” shaping the sound of alternative metal for years to come. Faith No More’s willingness to experiment and blur genre lines directly inspired Deftones’ own genre-defying approach.
How Faith No More Shaped Deftones
Deftones have cited Faith No More as one of their biggest influences, particularly in their blending of heavy and melodic elements. If you enjoy Deftones’ eclectic sound, it’s worth diving into Faith No More’s catalog to hear where some of those early inspirations originated.
Conclusion
In exploring bands like Deftones, we’ve covered a range of artists that echo Deftones’ unique blend of heaviness, atmosphere, and emotional depth. From nu-metal giants like Korn and Linkin Park to experimental acts like Tool and Portishead, each of these bands offers something that resonates with Deftones fans.
If you’re looking to expand your playlist with bands that share a similar energy, emotion, and creativity, these thirteen bands are a great place to start. While no band can perfectly replicate Deftones’ singular sound, these artists capture various aspects of what makes Deftones so beloved. Whether you’re drawn to the raw aggression or the atmospheric beauty, there’s a band on this list for you.
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