Deftones returned to Brisbane Entertainment Centre last night (May 7th) for a set that balanced atmosphere, heaviness, and restraint in a way few bands can still pull off three decades into their career.
Supported by Interpol and Ecca Vandal, the night was far from nostalgia based with the band playing seven tracks from their latest album ‘Private Music’, it felt more like they were actively shaping where they’re heading next.
One of the most noticeable things about the crowd was how many younger fans packed the arena alongside longtime followers, Deftones have clearly continued finding new audiences, and the reaction throughout the night reflected that, which is amazing to see.
With the set leaning heavily on material from their latest album ‘private music’, ‘my mind is a mountain’, ‘cut hands’, and ‘infinite source’ sitting comfortably beside older material, rather than disrupting the pacing, the newer songs added a darker and more textured mood to the night, especially in a live setting where the band’s layered sound really opened up.
Deftones ‘çut hands’ visualizer
Chino Moreno was in strong form throughout the evening, constantly moving across the stage, he brought a restless energy without overplaying it, while his vocals shifted smoothly between softer passages and harsher moments.
The band itself sounded tight all night, with the production helping elevate the experience without becoming distracting, lighting played a huge role in setting the tone. Deep colours, silhouettes, and minimal visual clutter kept the focus on the music, while the sound mix remained surprisingly clear for an arena show.
Every instrument had room to breathe, particularly during more expansive tracks like ‘Rosemary’ and ‘Entombed’.
While songs like ‘Change (In the House of Flies)’, ‘Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)’, and ‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’ naturally drew some of the loudest reactions, one of the standout moments came right at the end of the encore with ‘7 Words’ from 1995’s ‘Adrenaline’.
Deftones ‘7 Words’ video
Hearing something from that era felt like a reminder of how much ground the band has covered while still holding onto the intensity that made them stand out in the first place.
More than anything, the Brisbane show reinforced that Deftones remain one of heavy music’s most consistent live bands, the newer material feels fully integrated now, not just included out of obligation, and that balance gave the entire set a sense of momentum rather than repetition.
Deftones Setlist – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, May 7th
- ‘my mind is a mountain’
- ‘locked club’
- ‘ecdysis’
- ‘Swerve City’
- ‘Knife Prty’
- ‘Needles and Pins’
- ‘Rosemary’
- ‘Rocket Skates’
- ‘Entombed’
- ‘Rx Queen’
- ‘cut hands’
- ‘souvenir’
- ‘infinite source’
- ‘Change (In the House of Flies)’
- ‘Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)’
- ‘Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want’ (The Smiths cover)
Encore:
- ‘i think about you all the time’
- ‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’
- ‘Lotion’
- ‘7 Words’
Remaining tour dates
There are just three remaining chances to catch Deftones in Australia and New Zealand on this run, if you’re anywhere near a show, don’t miss it.
Remaining Tour Dates
Saturday, May 9th – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (sold out)
Sunday, May 10th – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Wednesday, May 13th – Spark Arena, Auckland
Further details are available here.
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