In the mid-90s, the overall Metal scene would undergo one of the most impactful transformations for ‘True’ followers: the incorporation of urban and electronic elements into the genre, along with a new style of dressing that broke the established paradigms set by Heavy Metal giants and their derivatives in previous years.
Nu Metal emerged, led by bands like Korn, and Deftones. Both are now considered legendary bands and respected by even the most purist followers. At the time, it caused a stir due to the absence of guitar solos, the focus on groove, and especially the Rap-style vocal delivery—an aspect loved by many and rejected by many others. This, despite the fact that Aerosmith had collaborated with the rappers RUN DMC in 1986, specifically with a rendition of “Walk This Way.”
In 1997, Deftones released “Around The Fur,” their second studio album, a pivotal record in their discography that defined their sound.
What can we listen to?
“Around The Fur” presents a notable departure from their debut album, “Adrenaline,” which is arguably one of the heaviest in their entire discography. This second album reflects the band’s realization that Nu Metal would be predominantly accepted and praised by new generations. It steers them more towards the realm of “Alternative Metal,” characterized by a combination of brutal passages and melodic vocals and instrumentals in ear-pleasing harmonies.
Much of this blend can be attributed to Chino Moreno’s incredible vocal work. He can powerfully scream and sing with an atmospheric relaxation that differs but complements the heaviness of the music, as evident in tracks like “Lotion.” Truth be told, in almost 30 years, there hasn’t been a band quite like Deftones, positioning them as a band that was genuinely pioneering in their time.
In “Around The Fur,” rap is undoubtedly present, particularly in tracks like “Lhabia” or “Headup.” However, unlike bands such as Limp Bizkit, they don’t approach it explicitly. Instead, they take a more discreet approach oriented towards metal, somewhat comparable to what Korn did in their time.
Around The Fur, a pivotal album for alternative metal
Deftones has never been afraid to experiment with calm and soothing sounds, as evidenced in tracks like “Mascara,” a song that leans more towards an emotional state of contemplation. Conversely, they invite the mosh pit in songs like “Rickets,” a track that undoubtedly had a significant influence on bands like Slipknot in later years.
The album features drumming with a lot of groove, without double pedal, leaning more towards urban genres but exploding to the fullest when the songs demands it. The guitars are deep with a rhythmic role and riffs that don’t demand complexity but focus on groove and tone, as seen in “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away).” As for the bass, it doesn’t complicate at all and focuses on being the band’s foundation to tie everything together.
And, of course, when it comes to hits, we find the track “My Own Summer (Shove It),” which opens the album and represents an immediate impact from the start. It features an innocent yet malevolent riff, capturing the essence of the entire album and showcasing Chino Moreno’s capabilities. The album concludes with “MX,” a song with two hidden tracks, separated by silences—a practice employed by various bands, such as Nirvana, to surprise those who let the album play through.
One of the most important albums in Nu Metal
“Around The Fur” would define the foundations of Deftones’ style in their subsequent studio albums. In our view, this album has influenced various bands in Groove Metal, Metalcore, and even Post-Hardcore. It opened up a range of possibilities for further experimentation within the Metal genre, breaking with convention and leveraging the diverse elements that music inherently provides.
Furthermore, Deftones contributed to breaking social stereotypes associated with the typical “Metalhead,” who was expected to dress in black and limit themselves to a specific subgenre.
What are your thoughts on “Around The Fur”? Do you consider it an iconic album? Share your comments!
