Deftones - Koi No Yokan [Black Vinyl LP]

Deftones delivered one of their most critically acclaimed works with Koi No Yokan, the Sacramento band's seventh studio album released in November 2012. The album's title, a Japanese phrase meaning "premonition of love," reflects the atmospheric and emotional depth found throughout its 11 tracks. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Rush), who also helmed their 2010 comeback Diamond Eyes, the album showcased bassist Sergio Vega's expanded creative contributions and marked the band's continued evolution beyond the tragic loss of original bassist Chi Cheng. Frontman Chino Moreno described the album as "dynamic" with a full range of noise, capturing Deftones' signature ability to blend crushing heaviness with ethereal beauty.

The album opens with "Swerve City," an explosive track that immediately establishes the record's contrasting dynamics between brutal riffs and Moreno's melodic vocals. Singles "Leathers" and "Tempest" exemplify the band's mastery of tension and release, with the latter building across six minutes of ascending guitar layers and harmonious melodies. "Romantic Dreams" delivers cascading walls of distortion reminiscent of shoegaze influences, while "Rosemary" ventures into darker, doom-laden territory. Other highlights include the haunting "Entombed," the aggressive "Gauze," and the prog-rock influenced "Poltergeist." The album received widespread critical acclaim, earning a Metacritic score of 86 and being named Album of the Year by Revolver magazine at the 2013 Golden Gods Awards.

This standard weight black vinyl pressing comes housed in a gatefold jacket with a lyric insert. The pressing captures the album's intricate production across both sides, preserving the loud/quiet dynamics that define Deftones' sonic approach. With its blend of alternative metal, shoegaze textures, and progressive rock elements, Koi No Yokan stands as one of the band's most accomplished works, demonstrating their ability to transcend genre boundaries while maintaining their distinctive sound.

• Format: Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Leathers," "Tempest," "Swerve City"
• Pressing details: Gatefold jacket, includes lyric insert
• Genre/style: Alternative Metal, Shoegaze, Progressive Rock, Post-Metal
• UPC: 093624947714

This album showcases Deftones at their creative peak, balancing visceral aggression with atmospheric sophistication across 51 minutes of sonic exploration.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Swerve City
2. Romantic Dreams
3. Leathers
4. Poltergeist
5. Entombed
6. Graphic Nature
   

Side B:

1. Tempest
2. Gauze
3. Rosemary
4. Goon Squad
5. What Happened To You?