Deftones Emerge from the Shadows with “my mind Is a mountain” and Announce New Album ‘private music’

July 18, 2025 rocknews

After five years of silence, Deftones have returned with a seismic new single, “my mind Is a mountain,” the first glimpse into their upcoming tenth studio album, private music, set to release on August 22 via Reprise/Warner Records. For fans of the Sacramento alt-metal pioneers, this marks the end of a long drought and the beginning of a new chapter—one steeped in introspection, sonic weight, and the kind of atmospheric tension only Deftones can conjure.

The single, released on July 10, is a brooding, slow-burning track that feels like a spiritual successor to the band’s White Pony and self-titled era. It opens with a lumbering riff that sets the tone for a journey into the depths of emotional terrain. Chino Moreno’s vocals drift between ethereal and anguished, layered over sludge-heavy guitars and ambient textures that evoke vast, desolate landscapes. It’s a track that doesn’t rush to its climax—it ascends, like the mountain it’s named after, with deliberate force and haunting beauty.

private music was co-produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who previously helmed Diamond Eyes (2010) and Koi No Yokan (2012), two of the band’s most critically acclaimed records. The album was recorded across Malibu and Joshua Tree in California, as well as Nashville, Tennessee, and features eleven tracks that promise to expand the band’s sonic palette while remaining rooted in their signature blend of aggression and atmosphere.

The tracklist for private music reads like a cryptic poem:

my mind is a mountain
locked club
ecdysis
infinite source
souvenir
cXz
i think about you all the time
milk of the madonna
cut hands
~metal dream
departing the body

The lowercase stylization of the titles (with the exception of “cXz”) suggests a thematic cohesion—perhaps a nod to vulnerability, intimacy, or a stripping away of ego. Guitarist Stephen Carpenter has described the new material as a continuation of Ohms and Koi No Yokan, hinting at a sound that’s both familiar and evolved.

Thematically, “my mind is a mountain” sets the tone for what’s to come. It’s a meditation on internal struggle, resilience, and the weight of memory. The lyrics are cryptic yet evocative, inviting listeners to project their own meanings onto the song’s emotional canvas. Moreno’s delivery is restrained but powerful, his voice acting as both guide and ghost through the track’s shifting terrain.

The release of the single coincides with the announcement of a North American tour kicking off the same day as the album’s release. Deftones will be joined by Phantogram, Idles, and Barbarians of California on select dates, with additional shows alongside System of a Down in Toronto. The tour will culminate in festival appearances at Louder Than Life and Aftershock, the latter taking place in the band’s hometown of Sacramento.

For longtime fans, private music represents more than just a new album—it’s a reaffirmation of Deftones’ place in the rock pantheon. Their ability to evolve without losing their core identity has been a hallmark of their career, and this latest offering seems poised to continue that legacy. The band’s decision to take their time with the record—teasing it as early as 2023 and finalising vocals well into 2024—speaks to their commitment to craft over speed.

As the countdown to August 22 begins, private music stands as one of the most anticipated rock releases of the year. Whether it’s the cryptic allure of its track titles, the return of Raskulinecz’s production magic, or the sheer emotional gravity of its lead single, Deftones have once again proven that they are masters of reinvention. And if “my mind is a mountain” is any indication, the summit of this new era is well worth the climb.