Koi No Yokan
by Deftones
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2012
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 222 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 204 out of 222
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 222
  3. Negative: 10 out of 222
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  1. scottysauce
    Nov 15, 2012
    10
    Deftones may very well be one of the most consistent and dependable bands of the past 20 years. Each new release sees the band further their musical scope while still retaining that immediately identifiable sound. I personally got hooked into the band with White Pony, specifically the songs
  2. Getbusyliving
    Nov 15, 2012
    10
    Beautiful album, even blissful at times. They have carved out their own sound and perfected it, amazing. Album of the year and in my opinion, the best they have ever released.
  3. jcookee89
    Nov 19, 2012
    10
    back to their best at last! always a massive fan - everything after white pony up until diamond eyes was a bit average but still the odd good track. every song on this album is wholeheartedly deftones, stand outs include 'Leathers,' 'Tempest' and 'Gauze.' not so hot on 'goon squad'
  4. jace87
    Nov 16, 2012
    10
    A sound quite genuine, rock metal / experimental, with a dominant personality. Deftones explores with hypnotizing atmospheres, some dramatic melodies, dark, aggressive, in contrast to the enigmatic bass notes. The powerful voice of Chino Moreno is exposed in all its facets brilliantly. "Poltergeist" and "Tempest" highlighted in the concept album well done, highly addictive and perfectlyA sound quite genuine, rock metal / experimental, with a dominant personality. Deftones explores with hypnotizing atmospheres, some dramatic melodies, dark, aggressive, in contrast to the enigmatic bass notes. The powerful voice of Chino Moreno is exposed in all its facets brilliantly. "Poltergeist" and "Tempest" highlighted in the concept album well done, highly addictive and perfectly structured.… Collapse
  5. killerlink46
    Jan 12, 2013
    10
    Best album since White Pony.
    This album has all the thrills and melodic tones you would expect from Deftones. Except this album takes it to a new level.
  6. erosfortones
    Nov 25, 2012
    10
    Deftones have been making music for 24 years, and unlike most bands they haven't made a bad album yet! The biggest band on this planet. Koi No Yokan instantly had me hooked, an instant classic in my books.
  7. Scamp4553
    Jan 2, 2013
    10
    I had very high expectations for this album before running to the store on opening day to buy this album, and I obviously knew that they were going to be met. But, I did not know that it was going to completely shatter them to pieces. Diamond Eyes was a masterpiece, and will always be a masterpiece, but Koi No Yokan might just be one of the defining records of music in general. It's thatI had very high expectations for this album before running to the store on opening day to buy this album, and I obviously knew that they were going to be met. But, I did not know that it was going to completely shatter them to pieces. Diamond Eyes was a masterpiece, and will always be a masterpiece, but Koi No Yokan might just be one of the defining records of music in general. It's that amazing. It's impossible to put into words how ecstatic I am about this album. There is a reason why this album has gotten more positive reaction towards than most of the albums that have come out this year. The band improves on every level on tracks such as the heavy "Poltergeist", the catchy "Graphic Nature", and the best song of 2012, and quite possibly one of the best songs I've ever heard, "Rosemary", a 7-minute epic that is the definition of progression. This is the best album I have heard since I listened to 5FDP's album, "American Capitalist". There are no filler tracks, bad moments, or cringeworthy lyrics to be found at all during this album. It's not only the best album of 2012, and the best of the Deftones. This is a work of pure art. An album that will define the decade, if not the entire century of music, and will be the album that every person will remember for years to come. You just HAVE to own this album. If the album is sold at a high price, it will be worth every cent.… Expand
  8. thyho
    Nov 13, 2012
    10
    It's a shame there is only 11 tracks on the album i want more musics like this to listen all the day and chill out .
    Intense, deep ,profound to the bones.
  9. CST530
    Nov 13, 2012
    10
    Granted this is the Chi-less incarnation of the Deftones, this album feels like the Deftones at their best. It's spacey hums and melodies flow beautifully together and just as you're being lulled to sleep in some ethereal drones, a crushingly heavy attack comes into wake you right up. This album has the versatility of White Pony and the pure metal fury of Around the Fur, already a classicGranted this is the Chi-less incarnation of the Deftones, this album feels like the Deftones at their best. It's spacey hums and melodies flow beautifully together and just as you're being lulled to sleep in some ethereal drones, a crushingly heavy attack comes into wake you right up. This album has the versatility of White Pony and the pure metal fury of Around the Fur, already a classic Deftones album. Very well done boys.… Expand
  10. Camilla
    Nov 14, 2012
    10
    I was sure that it couldn´t get any better than Diamond Eyes, but they sure proved the opposite. They are extremely talented and Chino´s (vocal) voice gives you goosebumps. They combine the softness and hardness so perfectly that I was on the edge of crying several times. I really recommend the album and all the previous albums.
  11. koj
    Nov 16, 2012
    10
    Expectations were high for Koi No Yokan. It is Deftones seventh album in a row which simply does not disappoint. Each output got compared to 2000s masterpiece White Pony. Lucky enough Deftones never tried to create a White Pony 2, they wrote Albums which obviously fitted in their current status, always covered in a more (Selftitled) or less (Diamond Eyes) dark atmosphere.
    Each output    Expectations were high for Koi No Yokan. It is Deftones seventh album in a row which simply does not disappoint. Each output got compared to 2000s masterpiece White Pony. Lucky enough Deftones never tried to create a White Pony 2, they wrote Albums which obviously fitted in their current status, always covered in a more (Selftitled) or less (Diamond Eyes) dark atmosphere.
    Each output since WP had its problems. The Selftitled was too dark (for me), SNW had great songs, but did not succeed with its experiments (Mein with Serj, Pink Cellphone). Diamond Eyes did not have this weak points but lacked in depth, atmosphere and textures.

    Koi No Yokan takes out the strengths of each of these albums since White Pony and leaves out the above criticized points. It´s pretty dark, flows really good as a whole album (nearly every song connects with the next) and adds a huge amount of atmosphere to it. Also, the production seems to be improved regarding Diamond Eyes. There is not one song which doesn´t fit into the album, each song has its place and is loveable from start to finish.
    Starting with Swerve City as a bouncy, poppy opener, Koi No Yokan beautifully delivers Deftones signature move: the dynamics. Leathers verses is one of the heaviest in Deftones history, fighting with the dreamy chorus created by Chinos beautiful voice. The man simply can create moods with his organ.
    Poltergeist, starting with odd handclaps leading into a heavy Carpenter Riff, drives the heavy vs soft game on. Next song, Entombed is simply beautiful and perfect material for a single. Graphic Nature could easily be featured one White Pony. Tempest, the single, connects southern rockesque guitars (straight from the 90s) with a lovely chorus and is one of the highlights. Gauzes beginning brings back Deftones heavy moments and is nothing less than Deftones high standard.
    Rosemary is the heart of Koi No Yokan, one of Deftones highlights of their whole career. A melody which stays in your head forever. Goon Squad with its dynamics lets you headbang before What happened to you? closes the album with a trippy dreampoppy sound. Reminds directly of Chi, who still suffers from the accident 4 yours ago.

    KNY is a perfect album for walks through the winter air and can be experienced best as a whole. Listen to this if you are a fan of intelligent alternative rock albums.
    It connects fans of heavy metal (Meshuggah riffing) with the ones of The Cure or The Smiths.

    Standout tracks are Leathers, Entombed and Rosemary.    … Expand
  12. CritictheBomb
    Nov 16, 2012
    10
    You should never compare deftones albums. Every one has it's own unique sound. After their successful relaunching into the industry with diamond eyes their back on track. A blissful and sometimes even sexy(entombed and romantic dreams) this is a hardcore album. Much heavier sounding guitar and a lot more space and feeling to the songs. The lyrics are also some of their most literal andYou should never compare deftones albums. Every one has it's own unique sound. After their successful relaunching into the industry with diamond eyes their back on track. A blissful and sometimes even sexy(entombed and romantic dreams) this is a hardcore album. Much heavier sounding guitar and a lot more space and feeling to the songs. The lyrics are also some of their most literal and open minded than most of their other albums. Definitely one of my favourites under around the fur… Expand
  13. Matrix64015
    Nov 16, 2012
    10
    Amazing album. Have been a fan since mid 90s & they continue to bring it every album. This is def one of their best to date. Have had it in my car CD player since I bought it.
  14. D34thFate
    Dec 14, 2012
    10
    Koi No Yokan is a beautiful album. I listen to a variety of music and this album is probably the best this year by far. The songs hit a range of emotion and are executed beautifully. I feel like this album is worthy of a Grammy and will be very disappointed if they don't get at least nominated.
  15. forestville
    Feb 3, 2013
    10
    the ability for letters of Chino Moreno and the magic of instruments for the entire group of instruments come to a new level, bringing as a result: the most beautiful and powerful Deftones album and the best album of 2012
    Deftones has evolved over the years and have created a work well above white pony and diamond eyes.
    not only in letters but in their evolutionary sound such    the ability for letters of Chino Moreno and the magic of instruments for the entire group of instruments come to a new level, bringing as a result: the most beautiful and powerful Deftones album and the best album of 2012
    Deftones has evolved over the years and have created a work well above white pony and diamond eyes.
    not only in letters but in their evolutionary sound
    such exampleas: swerve city, leathers, entombed and tempest are a great example of this.
    what I liked most noted of this album its the cover, is more beautiful than I have seen in my youth, it is difficult for someone to overcome.
    and the best songs for me are:
    swerve city
    Leathers
    poltergeist
    entombed
    tempest and what happed to you?
    are the best of this great album. that no one would ever think that justin bieber and one direction are better than deftones, that's a great offense to the best of the best, they never reached their level and less with this beautiful album KOI NO YOKAN, Please girls, this is much better    … Expand
  16. Aijixe
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    Deftones are a rare breed. With every release, they become stronger and more confident. Typically we see the opposite in the field of metal, right?
    With Koi No Yokan we hear true musicianship. Deftones never let up, and they keep the heat on from the moment "Swerve City" pounds into life until the final beats of "What Happened to You?".
  17. lukevandam
    May 20, 2014
    10
    its still the deftones i know and love but is it my favourite album of theres no is it in the top 3 of deftones albums no, was it the best album of 2012 heck yeah it was
  18. thesupremekai
    Sep 12, 2014
    10
    Incredible!! If I could describe this album in one word, it would be "Incredible". This album does not disappoint. Deftones sticks to their signature "White Pony" sound and manages to make it sound fresh. This album does not sound like a White Pony rehash. There are also some elements here from Chino's side project Crosses. There is not a single weak track on this album. The best songs onIncredible!! If I could describe this album in one word, it would be "Incredible". This album does not disappoint. Deftones sticks to their signature "White Pony" sound and manages to make it sound fresh. This album does not sound like a White Pony rehash. There are also some elements here from Chino's side project Crosses. There is not a single weak track on this album. The best songs on this album are Rosemary and Graphic Nature. Deftones has yet to make a bad album. Every album from them is a masterpiece.… Expand
  19. Decim
    May 22, 2017
    10
    This is what I mean when I say "masterpiece", songs like Tempest, Rosemary and Leathers should make people understand that this is one of the greatest album of the last 10 years.
    Entombed will forever have a place in my heart.
  20. Cammy_B
    May 9, 2021
    10
    Deftone's magnum opus. They bring their A-game with 'Koi No Yokan', and then some. Sprawling with beautifully soaring melodies that ebb & flow seamlessly with crushing riffs, Deftones have truly perfected the 'loud-quiet' dynamic of rock/metal that they themselves helped create many years ago. Refer to "Leathers", "Poltergeist", "Tempest", "Gauze" and "Rosemary". Chino's vocals on this LPDeftone's magnum opus. They bring their A-game with 'Koi No Yokan', and then some. Sprawling with beautifully soaring melodies that ebb & flow seamlessly with crushing riffs, Deftones have truly perfected the 'loud-quiet' dynamic of rock/metal that they themselves helped create many years ago. Refer to "Leathers", "Poltergeist", "Tempest", "Gauze" and "Rosemary". Chino's vocals on this LP are also amazing and probably the best he's ever sounded, in my opinion. Their best album since White Pony, and quite possibly their best of all time.… Expand
  21. deax
    Jul 23, 2022
    10
    Solid and consistent. Every song is a great song, specially Rosemary, which in my opinion is the best Deftones song ever made.
  22. tonalshift
    Jul 4, 2022
    10
    While many claim White Pony to be their best record, I really have to give that distinction to Koi No Yokan. This record is Deftones at their creative peak. It challenges each member to their fullest potential, and really encapsulates what makes the 'Tones so special. Rosemary, especially, is quite special and what I would call their magnum opus.
  23. Aaroncoal
    Nov 19, 2012
    9
    What can you say? They did it again. They have not strayed from who they are and yet have made albums that keep up with the times. Koi No Yokan is instantly recognizable as the Deftones. What I like is that they have the perfect blend of soft and hard. And the soft has gotten softer while the hard is much harder. It's almost as if Chino and Stephan are Yin and Yang. Chino has the ghostlyWhat can you say? They did it again. They have not strayed from who they are and yet have made albums that keep up with the times. Koi No Yokan is instantly recognizable as the Deftones. What I like is that they have the perfect blend of soft and hard. And the soft has gotten softer while the hard is much harder. It's almost as if Chino and Stephan are Yin and Yang. Chino has the ghostly sound while Stephan's guitar work here almost sounds like Meshuggah. My favorite tracks are "Goon Squad", "Tempest", "Rosemary", "Gauze", "Leathers", and probably my favorite track on the album "Poltergeist".… Expand
  24. kermitology
    Nov 13, 2012
    9
    Hearing Leathers and Tempest just whet my appetite for an album that I had very high expectations for, and these guys have succeeded in beating every single one of them. It is so heavy at times, so dreamy at times. Extremely solid effort gents.
  25. TwisterAce
    Nov 13, 2012
    9
    Heavier than Diamond Eyes but just as melodic and ethereal, Deftones have once again put out an outstanding record of atmospheric, cryptic, blistering alternative metal. Standout tracks include "Tempest" and "Swerve City."
  26. CalR
    Nov 13, 2012
    9
    The consistent kings of alt-metal return after only a two year absence with their usual sound, redefined, textured and ultimately perfected. Diamond Eyes proved that the bands creativity and consistency were indeed not behind them through tracks such as 'Sextape', and with their 7th here they push their mixture of melody and heaviness in all the right directions. More of a spiritualThe consistent kings of alt-metal return after only a two year absence with their usual sound, redefined, textured and ultimately perfected. Diamond Eyes proved that the bands creativity and consistency were indeed not behind them through tracks such as 'Sextape', and with their 7th here they push their mixture of melody and heaviness in all the right directions. More of a spiritual successor to the less than cohesive mess of Saturday Night Wrist, Koi No Yokan for the first time since White Pony captures the emotional abstractness that Chino so often croons over. Opening track Swerve City to a greater extent realigns the band with a signature sound of the late 90's but with modern, moody and spacey textures to give it a contemporary edge and it works a charm. Following on there is Romantic Dreams, arguably the best of the punch yet not the most experimental. The shifting tones and THAT mind blowing chorus will have even the hardened Deftones fan quiver with delight, and as the consistency and the flow continue through with promotional single Leathers and tight riff heavy Poltergeist there is no disguising that this is a band reborn, and every bit as relevant as they were. Detractors of the album will be quick to point that there isn't really a single direction with this album that they have not explored before, but having said that, they've never explored these angles so well. The dream-pop loud ambiance of Rosemary, and a surely new fan favourite Goon Squad reignite those memorable intros and outros we all miss from White Pony. All in all the biggest problem here is in the albums comparison to that aforementioned masterpiece of post-grunge and nu-metal which the band was lumped with, and currently it would be stupid of me to choose a favourite. After all if understanding the Japanese title correctly, love at first sight is yet to begin, but it will. An essential purchase for anyone who has ever dabbled in the bands sound since their commercial ventures in the early 2000's.

    Current Standings (personally)

    1. White Pony
    2. Koi No Yokan
    3. Around The Fur
    4. Diamond Eyes
    5. Adrenaline
    6. Deftones
    7. Saturday Night Wrist    … Expand
  27. StaticSpine
    Nov 17, 2012
    9
    Every new Deftones album release is a BIG event. To be hones I'd like this album to be the continuation of Diamond Eyes in the way of heaviness. But actually it sounds a lot lighter and it has more romantic/lyrical/tender mood. Very atmospheric and soft. The vocal melodies catch you and follow you through all the 51 minutes of the album. Every new spin gives you an ability to find some newEvery new Deftones album release is a BIG event. To be hones I'd like this album to be the continuation of Diamond Eyes in the way of heaviness. But actually it sounds a lot lighter and it has more romantic/lyrical/tender mood. Very atmospheric and soft. The vocal melodies catch you and follow you through all the 51 minutes of the album. Every new spin gives you an ability to find some new features of this records. Once again, Bravo, Deftones!… Expand
  28. kglbltz
    Nov 19, 2012
    9
    This is a very solid album. Typical Deftones sound with some really awesome songs. The album has a great feel to it and is perfectly produced. Make sure to listen to it at least once with some decent over-the-ear headphones. The two singles "Leathers" and "Tempest" had already sold me on the record but I was afraid those might be the only two great songs on this record. NotThis is a very solid album. Typical Deftones sound with some really awesome songs. The album has a great feel to it and is perfectly produced. Make sure to listen to it at least once with some decent over-the-ear headphones. The two singles "Leathers" and "Tempest" had already sold me on the record but I was afraid those might be the only two great songs on this record. Not so..."Poltergeist" is a beast of a song and just kicks you right in the teeth. "Gauze" has that great mid-tempo Deftones feel to it. Chinos vocals on this whole record are just amazing. He is such a fantastic singer!! If you haven yet listen to this record, stop reading this review and get the album and enjoy!!!… Expand
  29. Il-Rev
    Nov 13, 2012
    9
    I discovered Deftones a while ago back on one of the soundtracks to the Matrix. Many good tracks here, definitely worth a listen. Tempest and Polterheist bring the heat!
  30. EricWayne
    Nov 14, 2012
    9
    This album is great from beginning to end. The first track "Swerve City" immediately draws you in. What I love most about the Deftones, is they have the perfect blend of aggression and melody. They're heavy but very calming at the same time. The Deftones deliver again with an album that is powerful and full of emotion.
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best Album of 2012
26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2012
27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. musicOMH.com
    Dec 20, 2012
    80
    It's an adventurous, seductive and plush exploration of the depths of progressive and popular metal.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Dec 11, 2012
    80
    A band with swagger once again. [Jan 2013, p.109]
  3. Kerrang!
    Dec 10, 2012
    100
    They still deliver their challenging music with effortless ease. [[10 Nov 2012, p.54]
See all critic reviews »