The album’s apocalyptic closer (ignoring the bonus track). It builds from a tense, math-rock verse into a devastating, shoegaze-inspired climax. As the song ends, Chino repeats the word “Tonight” until it devolves into a guttural scream, fading into a black hole of feedback. It sounds like a ship sinking in slow motion.
While White Pony made them art-rock darlings, the Deftones album proved they could survive the fallout of fame, trauma, and internal chaos without losing their edge. It is their heaviest, most nihilistic, and arguably most misunderstood record.
Upon release, Deftones received mixed reviews. Critics called it “monotonous” and “exhausting.” Fans were split between those who wanted White Pony 2 and those who wanted Adrenaline 2 . The album sold well but was considered a commercial step down.
Initially, Deftones received mixed reviews. Rolling Stone gave it 3 out of 5 stars, calling it “moody but monochromatic.” Fans were split; some thought it was too dark and lacking the catchy hooks of White Pony . Others hailed it as their most mature work.
Deftones' self-titled fourth album, released on May 20, 2003, is often remembered as the band's "darkest" and most eclectic work . Arriving three years after their career-defining White Pony
