Deftones’ “private music” Launches a New Chapter with Bassist Fred Sablan

Deftones have returned with private music, marking their tenth studio album and their first in five years. The release is already being hailed as a renaissance moment.

The band welcomed back producer Nick Raskulinecz, who worked with them on 2010’s Diamond Eyes and 2012’s Koi No Yokan. private music is also notable for being the first to feature bassist Fred Sablan, who was hired after Sergio Vega was dismissed from the fold. The bassist, who has also worked with Marilyn Manson and Goon Moon, was brought on as a touring member. However, drummer Abe Cunningham confirmed that Sablan was a part of the entire process for the record.

“Fred has contributed to every song and was wonderful to write [with],” he told interviewer Igor Miranda. “He’s a very solid player. He’s very cognizant, very respectful of both [Chi Cheng]’s style and Sergio’s style too, and trying to be himself as well. Chi was more of a finger player where Sergio played with a pick. He’s trying to meld those two worlds while being respectful of both.”

One of Sablan’s standout moments on the album is on “ecdysis,” which has him locking with Cunningham to set up the main riff before the rest of the band enters. Check out his monstrous tone, too:

private music is out now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (Apple Music, and Amazon Music). Deftones have just kicked off a North American tour with Sablan carrying the low end. See below for their full list of dates.

private music Track Listing:

1. my mind is a mountain
2. locked club
3. ecdysis
4. infinite source
5. souvenir
6. cXz
7. i think about you all the time
8. milk of the madonna
9. cut hands
10. ~metal dream
11. departing the body

Deftones 2025 Tour Dates: