Deftones is a metal band from Sacramento who has been recording since 1988. They have been quite a consistent band over the years from the point of view of the quality of their output. As can be expected from a band that has been around this long, their music has gone through various phases: a more rap oriented phase early on, leading to a more shoegazey and proggy phase, and so on. Currently, they appear to be pulled in to the gravitational field of a heavier form of metal. Part of the Deftones mystique and a reason behind their durability has been their stylistic fluidity and eagerness for exploration. Being a veteran band, they know how to deliver the pounding drums, the thundering bass, the loud and aggressive guitars and a good hearty scream all of too well, but then they have always infused their songs with artier and dreamier segments.
Tool, Incubus, A Perfect Circle, Any of the Deftones side projects
Chino Moreno's side projects: Crosses, Team Sleep, Palms. Stephen Carpenter's side project: Sol Invicto Sergio Vega played with Quicksand before joining Deftones
They have often been called the Radiohead of metal.