If you’re a Bands like Deftones fan, you know their music is more than just metal—it’s an emotional journey. Their unique blend of alternative metal, shoegaze, post-hardcore, and dreamlike atmospheres sets them apart.
But what if you’ve played all their albums a thousand times? If you’re looking for bands like Deftones, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 incredible bands that sound like Deftones. Whether you love their heavy riffs, moody atmospheres, or ethereal vocals, these bands will give you a similar experience.
Why Do People Love Deftones’ Sound?
Before diving into the list, let’s break down what makes Deftones special:
1. Atmospheric and Heavy Sound
Deftones blend crushing guitar riffs with ambient, dreamy soundscapes, creating a unique contrast between aggression and serenity.
2. Chino Moreno’s Vocals
Chino’s voice shifts from whispery, hypnotic singing to raw, emotional screams, making their music deeply expressive.
3. Shoegaze Meets Metal
Unlike many nu-metal bands, Deftones incorporate shoegaze elements—lush, reverb-heavy guitars and airy sound textures.
4. Experimental Nature
From the nu-metal of Adrenaline to the dreamy tones of White Pony and the heavy aggression of Ohms, Deftones constantly evolve.
If you love these elements, the bands below will fit perfectly into your playlist.
15 Bands Like Deftones You Should Listen To
1. Loathe
If there’s any modern band that truly captures the spirit of Deftones, it’s Loathe.
Why They’re Similar:
Loathe blends heavy, crushing guitars with dreamy, shoegaze-like soundscapes, much like Deftones’ contrast between aggression and atmosphere.
Best Songs:
- Two-Way Mirror – A song that sounds eerily like Deftones’ softer moments.
- Is It Really You? – A dreamy track reminiscent of Minerva or Cherry Waves.
Album to Check Out: I Let It In and It Took Everything (2020)
If you want a modern version of Deftones, Loathe is the perfect band for you.
2. A Perfect Circle
Maynard James Keenan (of Tool) created A Perfect Circle, a band known for its emotional depth and haunting melodies.
Why They’re Similar:
- Atmospheric, melodic alternative metal.
- Deep, poetic lyrics that evoke strong emotions.
- Beautiful, eerie soundscapes that resemble Deftones’ dreamier moments.
Best Songs:
- Judith – A heavier track with emotional depth.
- 3 Libras – A soft, haunting song with dreamlike melodies.
Album to Check Out: Mer de Noms (2000)
If you love the moody and artistic side of Deftones, A Perfect Circle is a must-listen.
3. Karnivool
Australia’s Karnivool blends progressive rock with alternative metal, creating a rich, immersive sound.
Why They’re Similar:
- Haunting vocals similar to Chino Moreno’s style.
- Heavy yet atmospheric guitar tones.
- Emotionally charged songwriting.
Best Songs:
- Goliath – A heavy track with progressive influences.
- New Day – A slow-burning, emotional masterpiece.
Album to Check Out: Sound Awake (2009)
If you love Deftones’ balance of complexity and raw emotion, Karnivool is worth exploring.
4. Team Sleep
Did you know Chino Moreno has a side project called Team Sleep?
Why They’re Similar:
- Chino Moreno is the lead vocalist!
- More electronic and ambient than Deftones but still retains their dreamy vibes.
- Perfect for fans of Deftones’ softer, experimental side.
Best Songs:
- Ever (Foreign Flag) – A hypnotic, slow-burning track.
- Ataraxia – Dark, moody, and deeply emotional.
Album to Check Out: Team Sleep (2005)
If you love Deftones’ ambient and ethereal side, you’ll enjoy Team Sleep.
5. Hum
One of Deftones’ biggest inspirations, Hum blends shoegaze with alternative rock and spacey vibes.
Why They’re Similar:
- Heavy, distorted guitars with dreamy vocals.
- A mix of grunge, shoegaze, and alternative rock.
- Deftones have cited them as a huge influence.
Best Songs:
- Stars – A classic shoegaze-meets-rock anthem.
- Isle of the Cheetah – Atmospheric, emotional, and heavy.
Album to Check Out: You’d Prefer an Astronaut (1995)
If you love Deftones’ shoegaze influence, Hum is a must-listen.
6. Glassjaw
For fans of Deftones’ more aggressive side, Glassjaw delivers raw, emotional post-hardcore.
Why They’re Similar:
- Passionate, chaotic energy like early Deftones.
- Heavy yet melodic, with intense emotional depth.
- Raw, unfiltered lyrics dealing with deep emotions.
Best Songs:
- Ape Dos Mil – A dreamy, yet intense track.
- Siberian Kiss – A fast-paced, aggressive song.
Album to Check Out: Worship and Tribute (2002)
If you love Deftones’ intensity, Glassjaw is a perfect match.
Other Bands Like Deftones:
1. Crosses (†††) – Chino Moreno’s dark electronic project.
2. Chevelle – Heavy alt-metal with Deftones-like melodies.
3. Will Haven – Sludgy, heavy, and dark like early Deftones.
4. Nothing – Shoegaze meets alternative metal.
5. Spotlights – Doomgaze with dreamy, heavy elements.
6. Dead Poetic – Post-hardcore with emotional depth.
7. Spiritbox – A modern band mixing metalcore and ambiance.
8. My Bloody Valentine – The pioneers of shoegaze.
9. Thrice – Alternative/post-hardcore with dreamy soundscapes.
Conclusion:
If you love Deftones, these bands will give you the same mix of heavy guitars, dreamy sounds, and deep emotions. Some, like Loathe and Chevelle, bring the heavy riffs, while others, like Hum and Nothing, focus on the soft, spacey vibes. No matter what you enjoy most about Deftones, you’ll find something special in these bands.
Music is all about exploring new sounds and feeling emotions deeply. Whether you want something hard and aggressive or soft and dreamy, this list has a perfect match for you. So grab your headphones, press play, and enjoy the journey into music that feels just like Deftones!
FAQs:
Q: What bands sound most like Deftones?
A: Bands like Loathe, Hum, Team Sleep, and Nothing have a similar mix of heavy riffs and dreamy atmospheres, making them great choices for Deftones fans.
Q: What genre is Deftones’ music?
A: Deftones blend alternative metal, shoegaze, post-hardcore, and experimental rock, creating a unique, emotional sound.
Q: Is Loathe similar to Deftones?
A: Yes! Loathe’s music, especially songs like Two-Way Mirror, has a very Deftones-like dreamy and heavy mix.
Q: What is Chino Moreno’s side project?
A: Chino Moreno has several side projects, including Team Sleep (ambient rock), Crosses (†††) (dark electronic), and Palms (post-rock).
Q: Which Deftones album has the most shoegaze influence?
A: White Pony (2000) and Koi No Yokan (2012) have the strongest shoegaze-inspired, dreamy sounds.
Q: Are Deftones considered nu-metal?
A: Deftones started in the nu-metal era, but their sound evolved beyond it, blending alternative, shoegaze, and experimental elements.