Deftones are a Grammy award-winning experimental alternative rock band from Sacramento, California. They have often been praised as one of the more innovative and unique rock bands of recent years. Johnny Loftus writes, "Rock critics usually reserve a special place for Deftones above or at least away from the rest of the turn-of-the-century metal movement... Deftones have always seemed more curious, more willing to incorporate traditionally revered sounds like dream pop or D.C. hardcore into their northern California alt-metal."

Chino Morenos poetic lyrics described by a Time magazine critic as "furiously intelligent"are often evocative, yet sparse enough to allow for multiple interpretations. Moreno has cited Morrissey, Weezers Rivers Cuomo, The Cures Robert Smith, Bad Brains H.R., and Depeche Modes David Gahan among his favorite singers, and, beyond an occasional similarity in vocal technique, these singers sweeping sense of drama is often evident in Morenos vocals.