What separates a band like the Deftones from others in similar bands is there is a willingness to actually try to get away from the conventions of the genre and while you'll notice familiar song structures, emphasis on riffs and the same tortured-but-cryptic lyrics, they always seemed to do things that stood them apart. After my favorite record of theirs, "White Pony", we have the self-titled which always suggests a rebirth or a band attempting to see themselves in a new light. Unfortunately, some of the songwriting isn't as strong and while on occasion, they knock one out of the park, other times it's just simply decent.

Hexagram: Any preconceived notions that the band's mellowed since the last record will be dashed upon this track. One of the heaviest with Chino practically yelling throughout the whole thing, I'm surprised his lungs didn't pop out of his throat. The chorus is catchy and it's definately one of the most hard rocking but it's also a bit repetitive. 7.5/10

Needles and Pins: A very cool one that hooked me up pretty quickly. The verses are pretty simple but I quite enjoy the chorus with Chino basically singing along with himself yelling and belting it out. Not a lot of changes but works well enough. 8/10

Minerva: One of my favorites. Though it's pretty simple, the atmosphere and almost grand feeling of the track more than makes up for it. Chino's voice is in top form during the chorus that I can't help but sing along to. 9/10

Good Morning Beautiful: It grew on me over time. The chorus is pretty catchy though it doesn't really complete rock out like say My Own Summer or something. It's decent enough but like most of the album, it doesn't really excel. 7.5/10

Deathblow: A track more along the lines of Digital Bath or Knife Party, I find it enjoyable enough but there's nothing really there to latch onto, like a great hook or memorable chorus but it's just nice to have on. But then again others might love it. 8/10

When Girls Telephone Boys: One of the more heavier tracks on the album along with Hexagram, to me it sounds more unfocused than anything and it just feels like screams and riffs played together to create something called a song. 5/10

Battle Axe: A cool clean guitar intro opens the song and I like the feel of the track thanks to the band, has a good groove but the chorus is kind of, um, boring. It doesn't really take off or add anything but musically it works. Could've used a bit more time personally. 7/10

Lucky You: Sure it's completely different than the rest of the record and isn't as intimate or beautiful as "Teenager" but I quite love this track. More electronica/trance like the Team Sleep stuff Chino did, it's got strange sci-fi sounds, the vocals feeling more breathy and quieter, some would've loved to leave it off but I enjoyed it. 8.5/10

Bloody Cape: I quite like this one and the chorus stays with me after awhile. It's again one of those songs that doesn't really offer that huge rocking part and the guitar tones pretty much remain the same but it's enjoyable enough...I suppose. :P 7.5/10

Anniversary of an Uninteresting Event: Bizarre title but gorgeous song. Reminds me of one of the quieter Nine Inch Nails tracks like on the Fragile. Soft, melancholy piano chords, Chino's voice finally showing off that beautiful tone he can do and ambient textures. I doubt you'd have it on repeat but it's a bright spot on the record. 9/10

Moana: Probably my favorite closer they've done so far, just narrowly beating Pink Maggit. From the cool guitar riffs during the verses to Chino's voice, it keeps its pace right to the end and not once does it feel boring. 9/10

Out of the albums from White Pony on, I find the self-titled to be the most scattered, parts not working well for the whole and others dragged down by the whole thing. This album has some winners like Minerva and the last 2 but other tracks just aren't interesting enough to be considered the band's best.

I'll start by saying that the Deftones never fail to amaze me, they simply cannot release a bad album! However, when their self-titled album was released back in 2003 I was surprisingly a little disappointed. Having just come off their epic opus White Pony and prior to that Around the Fur, the ST album just didn't seem to match up. It was by no means shelved early but earlier then the previous three albums.

Forward a few years later and after not listening to the album for maybe a year or so decided to toss it in again. I was amazed!! When listening to and measuring it on its own, compared to against WP and ATF, it really is a kick arse album! Starting with the raw and angry Hexagram and continuing with a heavier and rawer feel then WP, the ST is just pure Deftones anger!! Minus for Lucky which continues with Chino having to add a electronic, Depeche Mode style song as they did with Teenager on WP. If they had yanked this tune and replaced it "Lovers", a track left of the ST it would have made this album that much better!

Highlights include Hexagram, Pins and Needles, Good Morning Beautiful, When Girls Telephone Boys, Battle-axe and Bloody Cape.

Could it be that Deftones albums get better with age? I wouldn't put it past them to accomplish this.

I bought this cd the day it came out after waiting 3 years from the release of "White Pony". Being a hardcore Deftones fan and instantly being hooked to their previous three releases, it did take me a couple spins to get used to this release. "Hexagram", "Needles and Pins", "Minerva", "Good Morning Beautiful" were favorites right from the beginning. But after a couple listens everything else came into place. I think this release is a little heavier than "White Pony", but has just as much experimental melodies and atmosphere that "White Pony" had.

So I am trying to get into some more mainstream music and this is actually the second deftones cd that I purchased. Just not that good overall. A couple of songs are good but as an album it just didnt do it for me.

this is a bit darker than what they usually come up with,but it makes for something beautiful in a shadowy manner.great cubist album.