

Frontman Chino Moreno (pictured, centre) took time out from the band's recent UK tour to answer our questions.

But with ex- Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega drafted in, they have produced their strongest set since 2000's perspective-shifting White Pony, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. But the album, their sixth studio affair, emerged from a very dark period in the band's history - founding bassist Chi Cheng remains in a minimally conscious state since a car accident in November 2008, a situation which led many to assume Deftones would never regroup. Looking likely to have the most acclaimed rock release of 2010 under their belts in the form of Diamond Eyes (it's in my top five), Californian five-piece Deftones have enjoyed one of their best years yet, with sell-out shows complementing a veritable cavalcade of commendations for their recorded wares.

Recommended by: Zane Lowe, Rock Show with Daniel P Carter

What especially sticks out to us, though – and probably to all guitar fans – is that impending Vai/Polyphia link-up. It’s a credit list that certainly leans heavily into the hip-hop direction Polyphia are currently moving in, with the above producers’ resumes including the likes of Young Thug, Migos & Marshmello, Doja Cat, Kanye and Finneas. Polyphia have also announced Remember That You Will Die was produced by guitarists Henson and LePage, and features guest production from the likes of Rodney Jerkins, Judge, Y2K and Johan Lenox. Henson later reimagined both Playing God and Neurotica as flawless unplugged performances. ABC joins the album’s first two singles, Playing God – which debuted Henson and Scott LePage’s T-type Ibanez nylon-strings – and the rage beat-inspired Neurotica.
