The Deftones' sixth album is inspired by tragedy: a car accident in 2008 that left bassist Chi Cheng barely conscious. The results recall the convulsive pummel of 2000's White Pony, which remains the standard for the thinking man's dreadlock metal. Frontman Chino Moreno sings about Cheng — and sometimes to him. Usually, though, his lyrics go for cathartic images (shaking coffins, fading faces) set to chopping riffage, whirlpool distortion and dark, soaring melodies that sound more like the Cure than Korn.

“Youth Knows No Pain”

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”