Photo by Alternative Nation photographer Dustin Halter
Since his musical inception in 1988, there has been a consistent pedal-to-the-metal mentality for Chino Moreno. Known most notably for his efforts as lead vocalist and contributing guitarist in the Sacramento-based Alternative Metal kingpins Deftones, 2016 proved to be a busy year for Moreno – his track record over the last decade suggests this year should be no different.
Chino Moreno’s 2016 was certainly highlighted by the release of Deftones’ eighth full-length album Gore (arguably their best since White Pony 17 years ago), which received significant accolades and critical acclaim within the music industry. The album charted at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200; the highest-charting album since their self-titled Deftones in 2003. In addition to their high praise for Gore, Deftones also received the ‘Kerrang! Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 2016, and Moreno also became the first musician (on record) to perform inside of a volcano. Yes, an actual volcano; you read that correctly.
Since 2005, Moreno has helped craft four Deftones albums in addition to records with his side projects Team Sleep, Palms, and Crosses – all of which were greeted with a warm reception from their listeners. History has shown that the following year after Deftones release an album, Moreno will release new music with his side projects and/or collaborate with other artists on featured tracks (most recently with Lamb of God in 2015 on the song “Embers”). In April 2016, Moreno revealed that he has more new music coming soon in the form of his new side project super-group Saudade, featuring guitarist Dr. Know (Bad Brains) drummer Mackie Jayson (Cro-Mags), keyboardist John Medeski and bassist Chuck Doom (Crosses).
In an exclusive interview with TeamRock in June, Moreno was able to shed some additional light on the forthcoming material and revealed that the band has “12 to 13” songs written, and that most of the songs will be instrumental only. Moreno stated however that the plans for release have yet to render themselves fully complete at this point.
“Slowly but surely, they will probably come out – but it’s more likely to be something that I leak out or let people hear, as opposed to something we’ll package up and try to sell.”
There has also been discussion that there could be new material coming from Palms or Crosses sometime in the near future as well, as studio session photos surfaced from Crosses last January. Deftones have only announced a handful of overseas tour dates in 2017 which can be found below, but fans will be monitoring to see if any new dates get added and will also be keeping an eye open for additional news on Saudade and Moreno’s other side projects.
DEFTONES – Upcoming Tour Dates
April 18 – Gasometer (Vienna, Austria)
April 19 – Zenith (Munchen, Germany)
April 20 – Halle 622 (Zurich, Switzerland)
April 21 – Fabrique (Milan, Italy)
April 23 – STADTHALLE (Offenbach, Germany)
April 24 – 013 (Tilburg, Netherlands)
April 25 – Rockhal (Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg)
April 27 – Velodrom (Berlin, Germany)
April 28 – Sporthalle (Hamburg, Germany)
April 29 – Groezrock (Meerhout, Belgium)
May 1 – Palladium (Köln, Germany)
May 2 – Olympia (Paris, France)
May 3 – Olympia (Paris, France)
May 5 – Alexandra Palace (London, United Kingdom)
May 6 – O2 Apollo (Manchester, United Kingdom)
May 7 – SECC (Glasgow, United Kingdom)
May 9 – Vicar Street (Dublin, Ireland)
May 10 – Vicar Street (Dublin, Ireland)
