arcane-beautiful So here we have the genesis of one of the most loved bands to have survived the “nu-metal” wave. While I never really thought of Deftones as a “nu-metal” band, I do think without them, the scene wouldn't have been influenced as much and probably would have lost a lot of spark.

This album reminds me of System Of A Down's debut album. In many ways they have similar tones (with the latter being better produced slightly better) and are perfect examples of brilliant debuts. Not the bands best albums, but they are pretty damn good statements of a sound.

Musically the album is very much Deftones sound. Yes, it is very much in its infant stage but this is very much the blossoming of the bands sound. The best way to describe it is a mixture of early post hard core mixed with experimental rock and at the odd times rap influences. Lyrically Chino is very cryptic in this album, with the lyrics needing a lot of explaining.

One criticism I would have with this album would be the production. Now I'm not expecting outstanding production from a debut album in the early 90s, and I have to admit some of the production is pretty good at times, but it is a slight gripe. Vocally Chino is pretty great on this album, but I have to admit that at times he can go slightly off pitch. His odd use of whispering narratives at times can be a bit repetitive, but it usually tonally goes with the music of the track.

Opening track “Bored” is pretty much an anthem of teenage rebellion...the rebellion of boredom. With a pretty killer intro the song really shines when the chorus comes in and Chino sings his heart out.

“Minus Blindfold” shows influences from and edges towards rap metal. Lyrically Chino paints an interesting almost childish image and it really adds to the chaotic tone of the song.

“7 Words” is one of the most interesting tracks on the album. Starting off with a rather fun almost funky intro, the song explodes and implodes throughout with some interesting instrumental work throughout.

One of Chino's most impressive vocal moments on the album would have to be “Birthmark.” With a brilliant build up in the verse, the chorus is brought to newer heights with a very impressive high note sung by Chino, which sends shivers down my back everytime I hear it.

The albums final track “Fireal” is one of the most experimental tracks on the album. Mixing noise rock with some art rock moments, the chorus is a mad jabber of mad and distorted metal. Pretty epic at moments too.

Overall, this album is a pretty great debut. Deftones have always been a different yet energetic band, and this debut pretty much has them landing with their feet on the ground and running in the right direction. Packed full of tunes and having some pretty killer riffs, the band showed major potential on this album, and I think it may be a tiny little bit

8/10

Genres: Alternative Metal, Post Hardcore, Experimental Rock, Nu Metal, Noise Rock, Rap Metal

Country of origin: USA

Year of release: 1995

Phonebook Eater 5/10

"Adrenaline" is a debut that has some promise, but still isn't ready to maintain it.

Deftones have been very successful in these last years, but their artistic pinnacle and the closest thing they've done to a masterpiece is "White Pony", a dark, haunting piece of work that make the band one of the best Alt metal bands. But "Adrenaline", their debut album, is nothing like "White Pony", and not even the prett good but still immature "Around The Fur". The fans don't mind this debut, and do consider it a very good starting point. But for me, it's just another average sounding debut that has some promise, but still isn't ready to maintain it.

What I like most about this band is their sound. Even here the sound is classic Deftones, very well mixed, boosting bass, sharp drums, and an overall crystal clean production. The music however is maybe a little too simple and banal, too plain, causing the album to be dull in many moments. If they are good moments, like the opener "Bored", possibly one of my favorite Deftones songs, the bad moments are a little more, like the very much overrated "7 Words", and possibly the worst song, "Birthmark". The energy here is almost an illusion for the lisener' you hear strong, powerful riffs, but they don't deliver anything most of the time, they kind of just stand there.

The album isn't all bad though: the best moments are "Bored" or "Minus Blindfold", the only songs that deliver anything. Another interesting moments is the longest song of the album, "Fireal", six minutes arranged pretty well.

Overall I wouldn't recommend this as a starting point for Deftones if you're new to the band. The band will get a lot more recognition with their following albums, like "Around the Fur" or "White Pony". Mostly for the fans.