Like 'Nosebleed', a hectic track from the Deftones' debut, the duo's brand of energetic electronic mayhem is reminiscent of Ho99o9, who played the same stage last year.

Youth Code is a manic, uncompromising twist of electronic and hardcore anguish. YOUTH CODE :: EBM/Industrial :: Los Angeles, CA Guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden and bassist Peter Mulders are impeccable musicians, but it's Mennaerts's soaring mezzo-soprano that devastates the stage before anyone else gets the chance. One can't help but be reminded of 'Kimdracula' by the dramatics of their set. They brood, they explode, and are probably just as likely to be caught listening to The Cure as Converge. Brutus is perfectly matched to the Deftones-curated festival. Led by drummer/vocalist Stefanie Mennaerts, Belgian trio Brutus opens the day on the Cavaleras (small) stage, whose stunning album Nest should already be near the top of your best albums of 2019 list. Brutus, by Tojo AndrianarivoīRUTUS :: Post-Hardcore :: Leuven, Belgium After all this it is the Deftones, but it's also a one of a kind festival featuring the clear skies of San Diego, Deftones' own microbrew, and a ton of Mexican culture (complete with an ofrenda largely dedicated to deceased Deftones bassist/founding member Chi Cheng) that adds up to an event that you miss at your peril. Instead, the Deftones have again curated a festival that simultaneously caters to their core audience (Gojira, Brutus) while also challenging them (Hum, Chvrches, Megan Thee Stallion).Ĭertainly this is still a 'darker' fest.

2019's second iteration, in what will hopefully become an annual tradition, could have easily have been made into an alt-metal invasion of San Diego’s Gaslamp District.

As a whole, Dia de los Deftones stands as one of the most compelling and unique music events in recent memory.

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