Deftones frontman Chino Moreno recently addressed the band’s comparison to Radiohead. He shared his thoughts on the “Radiohead of Metal” label in an interview with The Irish Times.
Moreno expressed his feelings about the flattering comparison while discussing the band’s approach to music and genre classification.
“It makes me smile, and it doesn’t annoy me at all,” Moreno said. “Can I see the correlation there? It’s hard for me, because I’m a big Radiohead fan, and I think they’re one of the most amazing bands of our generation. So it’s flattering, yes, to be compared to a band as great as them. Do I think that we are? Not necessarily.”
The vocalist went on to explain Deftones’ philosophy regarding musical genres and trends.
“I don’t think we’ve ever tried to fit into any certain genre or trend of any sort that has come and gone since the inception of our group, and because of that our music doesn’t sit in any specific area or time,” he continued. “We have let the music and the songs transcend all of that, because we’ve always followed our instincts and made the songs that we enjoyed making at that time.”
Moreno also discussed the band’s dynamic approach to songwriting and their new album.
“Even with the new album, it’s the way we have approached the music that makes it different dynamically,” he said. “A lot of my favorite groups have that vitality within the music. I rarely make a playlist that’s either even or all one thing. I love shifts of emotion that complement each other. Having those dynamics within our music, within a record, within a song – that release, that push and pull – helps keep things interesting to the listener and also to us.”
This comparison to Radiohead reflects Deftones’ unique position in the metal landscape. They have consistently defied genre conventions throughout their career.
Wikipedia reported that Deftones formed in Sacramento in 1988. They began as a nu metal band but gradually incorporated diverse influences such as shoegaze, electronic samples, and pop-inspired melodies into their metal framework. This adventurous blending of styles contributes to why critics often dub them “the Radiohead of metal.”
The band’s evolution became particularly evident with their third album, White Pony, released in 2000. Wikipedia noted that this album marked a key transition toward a more experimental sound. It won them a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance with the track “Elite.” The record showcased their willingness to explore atmospheric textures and unconventional song structures.
Like Radiohead’s ability to reinvent themselves with each release, Deftones have maintained relevance across multiple decades by refusing to be confined to a single sound. Their approach mirrors Radiohead’s experimental nature. Both bands prioritize artistic growth over commercial expectations.
The “Radiohead of Metal” label has gained traction among fans and critics who recognize both bands’ commitment to pushing boundaries within their respective genres. This comparison highlights how Deftones have successfully balanced accessibility with innovation. They create music that appeals to both mainstream and underground audiences.
