Chuck Howard

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Chuck Howard

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Collection 15

Chuck Howard's Album Reviews

Chi, having been let in on the big secret so tragically, makes reviewing this album and rating it 5/5 feel slightly wrong, but plain and simple, it's one of the most sonic, deep, beautifully orchestrated, and perfectly produced albums in Deftones repertoire. Lyrically and melodically, Chino is at his best. Sergio Vega, Chi's replacement, locks in with Abe Cunningham in the same way Chi did while throwing down some ridiculously upfront bass playing in songs like Prince and Beauty School. And Abe is on his game on this recording. Some of my favorite moments are his ride work on Royal starting at 2:25,his control during Diamond Eyes during the last :30 seconds, the drum fill going into the chorus at 2:34 of You've Seen the Butcher, the drum fill leading into the chorus at 2:50 and his bass drum work through that entire chorus, and everything about the drums in Rocket Skates. Stephen Carpenter is more melodic and yet heavy in his playing than I've heard him in any other Deftones recording. To get an idea of what I'm talking about, listen to how beautiful the intros to You've Seen the Butcher and Sextape are and then listen to the last minute of Royal, Prince, and Diamond Eyes to hear how brutal his guitar playing can get. Can't get enough of this album.
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