Vocalist Chino Moreno, guitarist Stephen Carpenter, drummer Abe Cunningham and bassist Chi Cheng emerged from Sacramento's music scene in the 1990s. The foursome have known each other since childhood, and have toured the Bay Area with everyone from Korn to L7 to Bad Brains.
The band prides itself for its abstract sonics and lyrics, and cites a widevariety of influences, including Jane's Addiction, Bad Brains and theSmashing Pumpkins.
After surviving for years in a demo-to-demo existence, the Deftones landed a deal with Maverick Records to release their 1995 debut, Adrenaline. Bristling with determination, frustration and passion, the album features stand-out songs such as "Nosebleed," "Lifter" and "7 Words." Much of the album was recorded live, capturing the energy of the band's angst-ridden sound and Moreno's trademark screeching and howling. Adrenaline was produced by Terry Date, who has previously worked with White Zombie, Soundgarden and Pantera.
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