Only The Eden Sessions could bring a band like alternative legends Deftones to the peaceful surroundings of Cornwall.
And frankly, dear reader, we’re not at all unhappy about it. And judging by the reception these American boys received when they strolled onto the stage at the Eden Project, there weren’t many people in the vicinity who were.
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On this warm night in the middle of June, Deftones hit the stage like a band with something to prove – not because they need to, but because they still want to.
From the first downstroke, it was clear that this was going to be a masterclass in atmosphere, intensity, and control. They’ve been at it for decades, but there’s still a real urgency to the way they perform. Chino Moreno’s voice was a force throughout – drifting with eerie calm one moment, then cutting loose with raw aggression the next.
What stood out most was how effortlessly they blended the old with the new. The set was packed with fan favourites, each one met with a wave of recognition. My Own Summer (Shove It) landed like a hammer early in the set, all crunch and swagger, while Change (In the House of Flies) was a slow-burn highlight – haunting, emotional, and delivered with real weight. The newer material didn’t just fill space, either. Tracks from recent(ish) long-player Ohms felt fresh and urgent, proving the band are still adding layers to their sound.
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Of course, with this being The Eden Project, the sound was razor-sharp.
The band shifted between crushing heaviness and ambient textures with ease, creating waves of sound that kept the entire crowd locked in. And what a sound it was – a roaring, rollicking, and undeniably infectious wave of sound that barely relented through the duration of the band’s set, it was hard not to be drawn into the energy from the moment they strode onto the stage.
It was the encore, though, that really brought the storm: Minerva shimmered with beauty, before 7 Words closed things out with pure, chaotic energy. This wasn’t just a strong performance – it was a reminder of why Deftones remain one of the most respected and influential heavy bands of the last 30 years.
Even after all these years, they’re still here, still weird, and still brilliant: long live Deftones.
