Despite occasionally being lumped (wrongly) into the nu-metal movement, Sacramento alternative headbangers Deftones have enjoyed a long, prosperous career since forming in 1988. Frontman Chino Moreno is a passionate, gifted vocalist, and the group’s drop-tuned, repetitive barrage strikes all the right chords with fans. Deftones’ music is about channeling aggression and emotion into a whirlwind of loud-soft dynamics, which usually makes for an exhilarating, high-energy live show.

Michael Deeds