Summary:The eight full-length studio release for the Sacramento alternative metal band features a guest appearance from Alice in Chain's Jerry Cantrell.
This is not simply Koi No Yokan 2.0: if anything, its true parallel is White Pony, another moment in the band’s history that seemed to find them catching lightning in a bottle, condensing all of the elements that made their early sound so intriguing together with as-yet-unheard influences and producing a classic in the process.
This is a record of sweeping complexity, that captures the raw energy Deftones have always thrived upon without eschewing the benefits of an intelligent eye being cast over the production.
Gore is a listen as complex and engrossing as we’ve come to expect from Deftones, and they continue to be a band that matures organically, becoming more and more fluid in their own craft.
Despite the promise of first single "Prayers/Triangles," most of Gore sits in the latter category--a hillock of doomy pop that cowers beside the band's formidable peaks.
Gore exceeds in places where even Koi No Yokan couldn't; Every track booms with solid cohesion and beautiful textures that haven't beenGore exceeds in places where even Koi No Yokan couldn't; Every track booms with solid cohesion and beautiful textures that haven't been matched on any Deftones album to-date. Prayers/Triangles starts the record off on a great melancholy note that is quickly subdued by the hardness in Acid Hologram. The main chorus within Prayers is memorable and exquisitely catchy, to say the least. Acid Hologram may be a bit more generic, but those feelings are quickly replaced by the anger in Doomed User, which even in being a generally heavy track already manages to go from beautiful highs-to-lows flawlessly. (L)MIRL is quite a stand-out track; It's atmospheric guitar riffs and mesmerizing drum track really compliment the tone of the song. But most importantly, the Phantom Bride/Rubicon track is by-far the most beautiful composition Deftones have ever formulated. It truly personifies the personality of Gore and drives home the overall tone in a memorable package that even puts White Pony to shame.
Gore is a golden record, one that truly staples the Deftones sound into new heights. This is a must-listen for any Deftones fan, or anyone interested in music to begin with.…Expand
This album goes above and beyond anything that they have ever put out. From sweeping tracks like (L)MIRL and Phantom Bride, to heavier tracksThis album goes above and beyond anything that they have ever put out. From sweeping tracks like (L)MIRL and Phantom Bride, to heavier tracks like Doomed User and Pittura Infamante, this album doesn't fail to hook you instantly. Even the simpler tracks like Prayers/Triangles and Xenon provide a nice change of pace from the complex soundscapes that this album offers. This album is a must listen for any fan of Deftones. I would even go as far as saying that this album can be enjoyed by anyone that listens to more alternate styles of rock and metal.…Expand
Another great record from Deftones. Lush atmospheres, vocals that croon and soar and buzzing guitar work makes for a record that has aAnother great record from Deftones. Lush atmospheres, vocals that croon and soar and buzzing guitar work makes for a record that has a signature Deftones sound most fans will love, but throws more than the occasional curve ball as far as predictability goes. Its a very refreshing listen that gets better with each spin and fits nicely within the band's other work. Some of Chino's best vocal performances are featured and take center stage due to a more creative approach to the signature chugging that is provided by Stephen. This record turns it down a little in some ways, but manges to redefine heavy with a mixture of the band as a whole. Its a beautifully dark album and is a must have by any Deftones fan. Some stand out tracks include Acid Hologram, Doomed User, Geometric Headdress, Hearts/Wires, Phantom Bride - which features an awesome guest solo by Jerry Cantrell, the title cut, Gore and the near perfect closer Rubicon.…Collapse
A painful release. A great band with great albums, but this definitely isn't their best. Gore comes across as an awkward hiccup in a sea ofA painful release. A great band with great albums, but this definitely isn't their best. Gore comes across as an awkward hiccup in a sea of marvelous achievements for Deftones. The production seems to be lacking the most as each song has great elements that just don't tie together cohesively.…Expand
"It's as though the band set out to compile their various influences into the worst combinations possible. Boring in its best moments,"It's as though the band set out to compile their various influences into the worst combinations possible. Boring in its best moments, frequently dischordant to the point of being nothing more than noise.…Expand