Bad Wolves’ Tommy Vext recently discussed the different success stories in the rock and metal industry, using Deftones as a prime example of how bands can experience explosive success later in their careers. His comments were shared on The Joel Martin Mastery Podcast.
Vext explained how Deftones’ influence has shaped modern rock and metal bands, emphasizing their journey from smaller venues to headlining major arenas.
“Never quit before the miracle happens. Deftones are a perfect example of this,” Vext said. “They had a steady livable career. They were a big band, but they’re now headlining Madison Square Garden and arenas where I like always was accustomed to seeing them play, you know, clubs like 2,000 3,000 seaters and then it just it just went boom.”
He attributed their success to their pioneering sound and timing with generational shifts in music appreciation.
“It’s because they defined a sound. They were so ahead of their time. It took Gen Z to catch up with what they were doing,” he continued. “These bands like you know Bad Wolves are influenced by them by the Deftones. Nothing More is influenced by the Deftones. Periphery is influenced by the Deftones. Sleep token and Bad Omens are like literally it’s just a new version of the Deftones, right?”
Vext concluded by reflecting on persistence in the music industry and the importance of creating art for authentic reasons.
“And so, you know, that’s a success story where it’s like you’re good and then boom, you’re up here. Mine is like nothing’s happening and then boom, right?” he said. “It happens the way that it happens and it turns into last man standing. I think as long as you If you’re making art for the right reasons, eventually it breaks and all you have to do is not quit. Just don’t quit before the miracle happens.”
Vext’s observations about the Deftones influence on modern metal bands align with current industry trends and upcoming festival lineups that showcase this generational connection.
The connection between these bands will be on full display at major festivals this year. Louder Sound reported that Deftones will share the bill with Sleep Token and Bad Omens at Louder Than Life 2025. The lineup also includes acts like Avenged Sevenfold and Bring Me The Horizon. This lineup perfectly illustrates Vext’s point about the influence chain between generations of metal bands.
The musical similarities between these acts are evident in their approach to blending heavy and melodic elements. Lemon8 noted that Bad Omens master a balance of clean and harsh vocals with electronic elements, much like tracks such as “Just Pretend.” Sleep Token blends worship-like atmospheres with heavy instrumentals. This sonic approach mirrors the atmospheric heaviness that Deftones pioneered in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The influence of Deftones on contemporary metal has become so pronounced that some music commentators have coined terms to describe this new wave of bands. The emergence of what some call “baddie-core” or similar subgenres reflects how bands like Sleep Token and Bad Omens have taken the Deftones template and adapted it for modern audiences. They incorporate elements like electronic production and more diverse vocal approaches.
These newer bands have found success by building on the foundation that Deftones established, proving Vext’s point about the Sacramento band being ahead of their time. The current generation of metal fans has embraced the atmospheric, emotionally-driven approach that Deftones perfected. This allows both the originators and their spiritual successors to thrive in today’s music landscape.
