The annals of rock history are replete with tales of unreleased masterpieces, but few carry the emotional weight and tantalizing mystery of Deftones’ fabled “Eros” album. Recorded during a period of renewed camaraderie for the seminal alt-metal band, this collection of tracks remains locked away, a poignant testament to an era tragically cut short.
Unlike the turbulent recording sessions for their 2006 album, which saw a producer change and internal struggles, the atmosphere surrounding the creation of “Eros” in 2007-2008 was one of profound harmony. The band, including frontman Chino Moreno and bassist Chi Cheng, found themselves enjoying each other’s company, allowing their friendships to flourish alongside their creative output.
Initial reports from the studio buzzed with excitement, as Deftones confirmed the album’s title, “Eros,” and hinted at an early 2009 release. Fans even caught a glimpse of new material when the track “Melanie” debuted during live shows in September 2008, amplifying anticipation for what promised to be a significant addition to their discography.
The collaborative spirit extended beyond musical creation. Chino Moreno fondly recalled extensive Risk board game sessions that often took precedence over recording. This era, overseen by original producer Terry Date, marked a period of deep reconnection among the band members, fostering an environment ripe for artistic exploration.
However, this period of creative flourishing was abruptly shattered by an unforeseen tragedy. In November 2008, bassist Chi Cheng was involved in a severe car accident, leaving him in a coma. The devastating news immediately halted all work on “Eros,” casting a long, dark shadow over the project.
At the time of the accident, approximately 11 or 12 songs for “Eros” were musically 75-80% complete, with lyrics roughly halfway finished. Despite the progress, Chino Moreno had expressed reservations about some of the material, acknowledging that while he had faith it would ultimately come together, the band never reached that critical point of refinement.
Chi Cheng’s passing in April 2013 solidified the band’s decision to indefinitely shelve “Eros.” The emotional weight of the project, coupled with the impracticality of having another bassist learn Chi’s intricate parts, rendered revisiting the sessions too painful and challenging. The album, an intimate reflection of their bond, became inextricably linked to their fallen bandmate.
While the full “Eros” album may never see the light of day as a complete body of work, members of Deftones have occasionally hinted at the possibility of individual tracks surfacing in various forms. The notion that “some really bad-ass stuff” exists within those unreleased recordings continues to fuel speculation among dedicated fans, keeping the legend of “Eros” alive within the rich tapestry of alt-metal history.
