Deftones' 'Private Music' Tops Metal Charts

The Deftones' Private Music topped metal charts after its August 22, 2025 release, marking a defining moment in the band's career. It's their 10th studio album, featuring 11 tracks co-produced with Nick Raskulinecz. Lead single "my mind is a mountain" earned Zane Lowe's World Record on Apple Music. New bassist Fred Sablan reshaped the band's songwriting dynamics after joining in 2022. There's plenty more you'll want to know about this landmark release.

Key Takeaways

• *Private Music* is the Deftones' 10th studio album, released August 22, 2025, via Reprise/Warner Records, containing 11 tracks.
• Lead single "my mind is a mountain" earned Zane Lowe's coveted World Record designation on Apple Music.
• Co-produced with GRAMMY-winning Nick Raskulinecz, the album balances heaviness with dreamlike atmosphere for a focused sound.
• New bassist Fred Sablan fully contributed to the album's writing process, reshaping the band's songwriting dynamics.
• Immersive Pitchblack Playback listening events were held across eight global cities in complete darkness before the release.

Why 'Private Music' Is the Deftones' Most Anticipated Album in Years

After three decades of pushing alternative metal's boundaries, the Deftones are gearing up to release Private Music on August 22, 2025, via Reprise/Warner Records — their 10th studio album and arguably their most anticipated in years. Their multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning status raises the emotional stakes considerably, and the critical anticipation surrounding this release reflects that weight.

The lead single, "my mind is a mountain," already earned Zane Lowe's World Record distinction on Apple Music, signaling something special. The 11-track album explores themes of nature's beauty and peril, positive mindset challenges, and journeys beyond the physical sphere.

Co-produced alongside GRAMMY Award-winning Nick Raskulinecz — their third collaboration — Private Music positions itself as a defining new benchmark in the Deftones' already remarkable catalog. To celebrate the release, the band has organized private listening events across eight cities worldwide on August 19–21, 2025, giving fans a rare opportunity to hear the album in full before it officially drops.

What Makes 'Private Music' Sound Different From Ohms?

Nick Raskulinecz pulls the heaviness and the dreamlike atmosphere into genuine balance, and the 11-song set moves with a lean, masterfully paced confidence.

You'll also notice the lyrical sequencing lands differently this time — the band built the instrumental foundation first, then layered meaning on top, which lets the themes of nature, mindset, and transcendence feel earned rather than forced. The result is one of the most focused statements in the Deftones' career. Raskulinecz is no stranger to the band's sound, having previously helmed both Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokan, two of their most celebrated records.

How Fred Sablan Replaced Sergio Vega and Reshaped the Band

Sergio Vega's exit from the Deftones in March 2022 caught fans off guard, especially when a band photo surfaced on digital service providers without him — days before the contractual dispute became public. Fred Sablan stepped in, immediately shifting the band's touring chemistry and songwriting dynamics.

Here's what you should know about Sablan's impact:

• He made his live debut April 14, 2022, at Portland's Moda Center
• His prior work included Marilyn Manson, Chelsea Wolfe, and Peter Hook and the Light
• He co-founded punk-rock supergroup Heavens Blade in 2018
• He fully contributed to Private Musics writing process
• Drummer Cunningham confirmed Sablan's complete creative involvement

The tour supporting Sablan's debut also featured Gojira on the bill, bringing additional momentum to the band's long-awaited return after a pandemic-delayed run originally scheduled for 2020. You're seeing a bassist who didn't just fill a vacancy — he genuinely reshaped the band's creative foundation.

Why the Deftones Brought Back Producer Nick Raskulinecz

His talent for creative pushing also matters. Raskulinecz challenges artists to exceed their own expectations without stripping away what makes them authentic.

Guitarist Stephen Carpenter had already teased new music, signaling momentum. Bringing back a proven collaborator meant the band could build confidently on earlier successes rather than starting fresh with an unfamiliar voice guiding the process.

Raskulinecz first connected with the Deftones world through a career built on landmark rock and metal productions, including his work on Diamond Eyes in 2010, which helped establish the deep trust the band places in his instincts.

The Immersive Listening Events Behind 'Private Music's' Release

• August 19th: Amsterdam and Mexico City
• August 20th: Los Angeles, New York, London, and Melbourne
• August 21st: Paris and Berlin
• August 22nd: Amoeba Music hosted a release-day listening party at 5pm
• Tickets required for sign-up at all Pitchblack Playback events

You could experience the full album through premiere sound systems before it officially released, making each event an exclusive preview. The events were conducted in total darkness, eliminating all visual distractions to create a fully immersive audio experience.

Every Deftones Tour Date Supporting 'Private Music' in 2025 and 2026

With Private Music now out in the world, the Deftones have mapped out an extensive touring schedule across 2025 and into 2026. The tour routing spans regional clusters across North America, with arena run dates hitting cities like Vancouver, Milwaukee, and Kansas City between August and September. Festival appearances include Glastonbury and Rock Werchter during the international legs covering Europe in June and July.

Australia dates follow in May 2026, with ticket presales launching January 10 through the fan club. Previously announced US arena dates kicked off in March across Texas and Atlanta. Support acts joining on select nights include The Barbarians of California, Phantogram, and IDLES. Venue types range from mid-size arenas to iconic festival grounds, giving you multiple ways to catch the band live. The South American leg of the tour runs through March 2026, with stops in Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, including a headline date at Autódromo de Interlagos in São Paulo on March 20.