Dive into the best Deftones merch we’ve ever had in store Known for their visceral, distinctive blend of heavy metal, hardcore, and alternative rock, Deftones rose to prominence as one of the defining bands of the Nu-metal movement. Yet their sound stood apart—defying constraints of what a traditional Nu-metal band sounded like, and setting a new standard for innovation. Founded in 1988 in Sacramento, the band featured Chino Moreno on vocals, Stephen Carpenter on guitar, Abe Cunningham on drums, and Chi Cheng on bass, who joined in 1990. With hits such as “My Own Summer (Shove It)” and “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away),” 1997’s Around the Fur cemented them as a band capable of crafting songs that were both emotionally and sonically complex—a perfect balance of heaviness and intensity. At a time when other bands in the scene were churning out aggressive, one-note riffs, Deftones introduced a more layered and dynamic sound. This innovation propelled them into the mainstream, solidifying their reputation as atmospheric trailblazers. Their 2000 follow-up, White Pony, considered by many fans to be their magnum opus, marked a more experimental turn for the band. Pushing the boundaries of alternative metal, the album features iconic tracks like “Change (In the House of Flies)”—the band’s best-charting single—and “Digital Bath.” Deftones demonstrated their mastery of contrast, fusing raw, intrinsic rage with Moreno’s serene, near-whispered vocal performances. White Pony also earned them their first Grammy, with “Elite” winning Best Metal Performance, and became the first of three albums by the band to go platinum in the United States. To celebrate their greatness, we’ve gathered the top 10 must-have Deftones merchandise items from our archive. Consider this your definitive guide to the essential vintage merch every Deftones fan needs.