Matt on Music: “Ohms”
My Take: I was not prepared for Deftones to give me an album that spoke to me emotionally more than a Sufjan Stevens album. Don’t get me wrong, I was excited for this album, more so than any other album release today, but it really blew me away! Chino Moreno’s vocals continue to be utilized at peak effect. Never overshadowing the insane instrumental, but used the right amount to pull listeners in and feel the intended emotions on any given track. From beginning to end, “Ohms” is a metal epic that is most definitely one of the best albums of 2020 (so far). I am already re-listening to the album while writing this review, and the tracks are hitting me in the same sweet spots as the first go around. To me, this is the sign of a truly great album. Nothing is lost, and there is nowhere but up for revisits. The dream-like trance that tracks like “Cermony” put the listener in, only to crash down the walls with a carefully orchestrated blaring guitar and somber screaming vocals impressed me to no end and shows that metal is more than just head-banging with chanting nonsense. “Ohms” is without a doubt a masterpiece of metal music and I strongly urge everyone to check it out, no matter what their preconceived notions are!
Three Standout Tracks: “Urantia,” “Pompeji” and “This Link Is Dead.”
Overall Score: 9.4/10