Concert Reports

Alternative rockers Deftones brought their hard-hitting sound to Paso Roble’s Vina Robles Amphitheatre on October 30 in what proved to be a high octane finale to the summer season at the Central Coast’s premier outdoor venue

www.Deftones.com

www.VinaRoblesAmphitheatre.com

All Photos: Ray Soto/ Central Coast Rocks

Since Deftones’ inception, the multiplatinum, Grammy-winning alternative-rock band from Sacramento, CA have quietly been pursuing two paths, delivering songs defined by churning, double-fisted aggression while also testing the boundaries of music by incorporating elements of psychedelia and shoegaze.

The Los Angeles Times wrote of Deftones, “Hard rock thrives on conflict and chaos, and no band has found more beauty and soaring aggression within those ingredients than Deftones.” Deftones have released seven albums to date and have sold over 10 million albums worldwide.  

Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Chino Moreno, guitarist Stephen Carpenter, keyboardist/samplist Frank Delgado, drummer Abe Cunningham and bassist Sergio Vega, are currently working on their eighth studio album to be released in 2015.

When Deftones began work on the follow-up to Koi No Yokan, the emotionally charged alt-metal group's dramatic 2012 album, none of the band members had written any material. And that's just the way they wanted it. On August 21, 2015, it was revealed by Moreno in an interview that the new album's release had been pushed back to late November, as final mixes as well as the title, cover and liner notes were still being completed

In addition to the "lucrative" songwriting process (to quote the singer), Moreno has been enjoying working with producer Matt Hyde, who did production and engineering on Koi No Yokan. "We thought it would be good to have somebody there who knows us well and who can keep us on track," Moreno says. "He's done a great job." (The singer also beams about Hyde's C.V., since, in addition to Deftones, he co-produced the self-titled debut for Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell's Porno for Pyros project – "one of my favorites.")  

Although Deftones posted a photo of former Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward stopping by one of their writing sessions last year, prompting fans to speculate on whether he'd appear on the LP, it was just a friendly visit. "He toured with us a couple times," he says. "He stopped in to say hi. At this point, we don't have any guests lined up, but that could change any moment."  

Outside of Deftones, Moreno has spent the last decade fine-tuning the sophomore release by his side project Team Sleep. The group announced its return last year and invited fans to see its members – which count Death Grips drummer Zach Hill among their ranks – play a concert that included previously unreleased music. Now Moreno says the band is "sitting on" its sophomore album.  

"A lot of this stuff is actually newer stuff that we've written in the last couple years," he says. "All those guys pretty much have day jobs and live in Sacramento – and I live in Oregon now – but recently we were able to get together and got a lot of stuff finished." Moreno is waiting for the right time to put it out. "I'm not really too interested in starting another touring cycle and doing all the stuff to try and sell and market the record," he says of Team Sleep. "I feel like the music has this timeless quality to it. I'd love to just put it out and have it be on some legacy shit; just let it do what it does."  

At the moment, Moreno's other major side project — the dark, electronic-based group Crosses — is on hiatus until after Deftones are done recording, so he can work on it on that tour. "Recently, my head's been completely engulfed in the Deftones record, as it should be," he says. "It doesn't make sense right now for me to try and do three projects at one time, but when I am working on those, I have fun doing it."  

www.Deftones.com

About Vina Robles Amphitheatre  

Welcome to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, where European Inspiration meets California Character and the stars always shine. Here, two of California's great compositions meet, as exceptional wine and intimate live music are paired to create an unforgettable wine country experience.

The 3,300 seat boutique amphitheatre is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. With its opening in the summer of 2013, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre became one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County. Featuring a style reminiscent of the California missions, guests are able to immerse themselves in a unique and intimate concert adventure as they enjoy modern amenities and first class hospitality. The concert season runs from May through November and features top tier acts from around the world in all genres. Various seating options all within 150 feet from the stage, including regular, VIP and general admission lawn seating, make events accessible to anyone in the community. We look forward to sharing our love of wine and the arts with you soon. For more information about the Vina Robles Winery, Click Here  

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