The long-awaited Private Music album from Deftones has landed, and as expected, the internet is buzzing — or more accurately, Reddit is conflicted.
While the record has sparked excitement among longtime fans, many are asking the same question: is it just more of the same?
Is Deftones’ New Private Music Any Good? Here’s How Fans Are Reacting…
Familiar Sound, Divided Opinions
If there’s one thing fans can agree on, it’s that Private Music sounds… like Deftones. That’s not a dig but for some listeners, that signature dreamy heaviness and atmospheric layering feels a bit too predictable.
One top comment summed it up perfectly:
“It’s good, but it sounds like everything Deftones have ever done. So in that respect it’s kind of boring, but I appreciate the consistency.”
Across Reddit threads and fan forums, the reaction has been mostly positive — but it’s clear that Private Music hasn’t blown everyone away. Some listeners love the album’s familiar textures, while others hoped for a few more surprises.
Fan Favorites Emerging Early
Despite the mixed reactions, certain tracks are rising to the top. “Infinite Source” has been mentioned over and over again as a highlight — although not without controversy.
- “Infinite Source hit me like a ton of bricks. Definitely a top 10 song for me.”
- “Infinite Source might be one of the corniest sounding songs of theirs I’ve ever heard.”
Meanwhile, “Milk of the Madonna” and “Cut Hands” are also being singled out as standout tracks, with many praising Steph’s riff work and Abe’s always-tight drumming.
Is It Better Than Gore and Ohms?
That’s the other big debate. Plenty of fans are saying Private Music is a step up from the band’s last two albums, Gore and Ohms:
“Big step up from Gore and Ohms, feels like a real successor to what came before it.”
But not everyone agrees. A few loyalists are defending Ohms as one of the band’s strongest releases in recent years — and some think Private Music just doesn’t stack up.
The average fan rating? Reddit’s unofficial score seems to float around a 6 or 7 out of 10. Solid, but not a mind-blower.
A Soundtrack for Deftones Lifers
In the end, the album might be best appreciated by the fans who’ve been on the journey since the Adrenaline and White Pony days. Newcomers? They may want to start elsewhere.
One user said it best:
“If you love Deftones, you’ll love this album. But it’s not likely to convert anyone who doesn’t already care.”
That said, there’s also a sense of respect. For a band that’s more than 30 years into their career, staying this consistent is impressive — even if the surprises are fewer these days.
