Sacramento’s alternative metal pioneers Deftones are back, and they’re more electrifying than ever. Today, the band has officially debuted “Milk of the Madonna”, the second single from their highly anticipated 10th studio album, Private Music, due out August 22, 2025. Following the release of the album’s powerful opener, “My Mind is a Mountain,” last month, this new track is an explosive reminder of why Deftones have remained at the forefront of alternative music for over three decades.
“Milk of the Madonna” is a seismic blend of down-tuned riffs, ethereal atmospherics, and the emotive wail of lead vocalist Chino Moreno. In the chorus, Moreno’s voice ascends into religious fervor with the lines, “Holy ghost / I’m on fire / Holy spirit / I’m on fire,” creating a spiritual energy that pulses throughout the track. The song surges forward with a wall of sound, pulling back into moments of introspection before launching into crushing power chords. This dynamic shift captures the band’s unique ability to balance brutal force with delicate emotion.
Deftones have long been known for their fusion of metal, shoegaze, and post-hardcore into something entirely their own. “Milk of the Madonna” leans into their heavier side while maintaining an atmospheric quality that adds depth to their evolving sound. It’s a signature move for the band, whose mastery of blending ferocity with vulnerability has made them one of the most influential acts in modern rock. As Moreno’s voice ebbs and flows with a chant-like quality, listeners are carried through waves of intensity and reflection—a feeling that’s bound to resonate even more powerfully in a live setting.
Private Music marks a new chapter for Deftones, with the band continuing their long-time collaboration with Nick Raskulinecz, the GRAMMY-winning producer who helped shape their albums Diamond Eyes (2010) and Koi No Yokan (2012). The record, recorded across various California studios, including Malibu and Joshua Tree, as well as in Nashville, promises to be another artistic peak for the band, whose sonic evolution has never shied away from creative risks.
The creation of Private Music marks a pivotal moment for Deftones, especially for Chino Moreno, who embraced a newfound clarity and focus after a difficult period during the pandemic. The band’s commitment to creative freedom and their rejection of commercial pressures are evident throughout the album. Moreno, who has struggled with substance use, channels his experience into the music, offering a more grounded and reflective version of the band’s sound. This emotional depth is woven throughout the album’s 11 tracks, with each song reflecting a sense of rebirth, both musically and personally. “Milk of the Madonna” is a prime example of this reinvention—fierce yet self-aware.
For fans eagerly anticipating the release, Deftones have already kicked off the promotional cycle with an extensive 14-date tour that begins on August 22 in Vancouver. The tour will stretch across North America, with the band making stops in major cities like Cleveland, Denver, and Kansas City. Alongside the tour, Deftones will also return to the festival circuit, with their highly anticipated Dia De Los Deftones festival scheduled for November 1st in San Diego at Petco Park, featuring performances by Clipse, Deafheaven, Rico Nasty, and others.
Stream “Milk of the Madonna” below and stay tuned for more from Deftones as they prepare to launch their most anticipated album yet.
Stream “Milk of the Madonna” here.
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