The annual ‘Dia De Los Deftones festival in San Diego has always been an exciting affair for metalheads, but 2025 added a little exclusivity, too. The genre-bending rock band played four brand new songs from their new album, Private Music, while also pulling out a White Pony rarity that fans haven’t heard live in six years.

Taking the stage at Gallagher Square on November 2, Chino Moreno and Co. delivered a 21-song set packed with fan favorites, deep cuts, and live debuts to put fans in the mood. Kicking off with the atmospheric “my mind is a mountain,” Deftones quickly transitioned into “locked club,” the first of four songs performed live for the very first time.

The night’s other live debuts — “souvenir,” “cut hands,” and the encore opener “i think about you all the time” — gave fans a sense of what Private Music is all about…transformation, spirituality, and rebirth. Just like the snake on the album cover sheds its skin, us humans do too, and these new Deftones songs remind you that you’re not alone in your pain.

The crowd cheered nonstop for these live debuts, but it was an older track rising from the grave that served as the night’s standout. Halfway through the set, Deftones pulled out White Pony’s “Street Carp,” marking its first live appearance since 2019 — a deep cut that sent longtime fans into a frenzy. Alongside new material, the band balanced the night with staples like “My Own Summer (Shove It),” “Change (In the House of Flies),” and “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away),” creating a serene blend of nostalgia and new beginnings.

Call them nu metal, shoegaze, hard rock, or anything you want, it’s always been clear that Deftones know how to party. They do it every year at Dia De Los Deftones, after all, and somehow manage to balance celebrations with serenity in a way that only the Sacramento group can. Even if you weren’t there to witness the magic, you can still relive it again through videos & more! Check out the full Deftones setlist here.