Dark, aggressive, ethereal, and derived from the depths of raw emotion- Deftones have perfected these sensations within their music since their formation in Sacramento, CA in 1988.
Deftones create a feeling, a mood, an addictive sensation of composed euphoria and anguish. They characterize the moments we cannot piece together in beautiful essays, but rather in simple lines invoked with raw emotion.
Deftones’ “private music,” dropped onto all major streaming platforms August 22nd, 2025, excited fans around the world downloaded the album. Overall, fans reactions to “private music” are highly positive, accrediting Chino Moreno, lead singer of Deftones, for continuing their sound from popular past albums “Adrenaline,” (October 3rd, 1995) and “Around the Fur” (October 26th, 1997). These albums carried intensive, adrenaline-coursing, raw synergy involved with the most human emotions: rage, love, and anguish.
The title, “milk of the madonna,” draws visuals from the medieval portrayal of the Madonna Lactans– paintings and sculptures that commemorate the Virgin Mary breastfeeding the infant Christ. This specific image symbolizes divine nurturing and sacrificial love, following Chino’s overlapping spiritual and religious exploration in albums prior. However, he clarified to The Skinny Magazine that he doesn’t write religious hymns with specific religious intentions; he writes them in appreciation of the emphasis on emotion and morals.
As simply put by Chino, “I wanted to react to the music and the visuals. What exactly are we trying to say? I don’t think there is a message… it’s more about moods and general ideas.”
Following Deftones’ themes of raw emotion and open interpretation, the single, “my mind is a mountain,” addresses the challenges involved with confronting mental health issues and seeking redemption.
Obstacles are symbolized by forces of nature, a challenge that becomes too overwhelming to ignore. “The storm implodes,” and with overcoming physical and mental obstacles like relationships, grants the person determination to the convictions of their life.
With “my mind is a mountain,” Chino expresses that to struggle, to lose, and to heal, is critical to being human.
Cleverly coordinated with their album cover, ecdysis– the process of shedding skin- poses as the metaphor for personal growth and transformation.
Like a snake, in order to become a better version of themselves, one must “shed” their skin, abandoning their past selves and superfluous attachments.
Chino conveys the rain and fire of life- the drastic challenges that destroy and create new possibilities- as what, “bathes our ghosts away”.
The journey we take to overcome our struggles, to grow morally, and to become a better person– that is the journey that will bring closure and “wash” away our past sins and regrets.
Review
There is no denying the success and popularity of the album. With fans posting to multiple “private music” singles, it’s obvious old and new fans alike are impressed, satisfied, and hungry for more Deftones.
For me, personally? It’s 5/5 stars because of its raw intimacy with mental health struggles, themes of self-transformation, and the ethereal and energetic sound.
For those struggling with emotional baggage, seeking release from toxicity, or the path to self-redemption and rebirth, listen to “private music.” It’s called private for a reason: it’s real.
If you want to listen to Deftones’s new album, click here: “private music”- Deftones.
(All lower case or “misspelled” titles are an artistic choice by Chino Moreno, and not by BHS Student Staff).
