Deftones' Saturday Night Wrist is the fifth studio album by the iconic alternative metal band Deftones. Released on October 31, 2006, it was the band's first album without longtime producer Terry Date, and was instead produced by Deftones' guitarist and founding member Stephen Carpenter, along with the help of renowned record producer Bob Ezrin.
The album features a mix of heavy, riff-driven tracks and more atmospheric, experimental pieces. It also marked a departure from the band's previous work, with a greater emphasis on melody and dynamics. Critics praised the album's innovative sound and inventive songwriting, and it was hailed as one of the best alternative metal albums of the year.
Some standout tracks on the album include "Hole in the Earth," a driving and dynamic rocker that showcases the band's signature blend of heavy riffs and soaring melodies; "Cherry Waves," a moody, atmospheric track with dreamy vocals and shimmering guitars; and "Rivière," a hauntingly beautiful piece that builds to a dramatic crescendo.
Saturday Night Wrist received critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising the band's growth and experimentation on the album. It debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200 chart and has since been certified Gold by the RIAA.
The album's cover art, featuring a photograph of a man with a crucifix-shaped hole in his hand, has been interpreted in various ways by fans and critics alike. Some see it as a representation of the band's struggles with drug addiction and personal demons, while others view it as a commentary on religion and the nature of faith.
Overall, Saturday Night Wrist remains a beloved and influential album in the alternative metal genre, and a testament to Deftones' creative vision and musical prowess.