Can you listen to a leaked album from your favorite band?

For ages, Deftones fans, like myself has fixated on the elusive lost album by the band, Eros. Over nearly two decades, this album has taken on a mythical status that it may not be able to live up to. I recall speaking to Chino Moreno about it before a Deftones performance at the Big Day Out, where he mentioned that Eros would likely never see the light of day. Against the band’s wishes, Eros leaked online earlier this week. When I stumbled upon the leaked album and hit play, a question lingered in my mind – is it morally acceptable to indulge in this music?

Feeling conflicted, I sought the opinion of a fellow Deftones enthusiast and friend, Chris Philpott, who graciously agreed to share his thoughts in this newsletter. Upon reflecting on my experiences with discovering Deftones and my musical journey, it becomes evident why the news of Eros leaking online excited me. As a Deftones aficionado since my teenage years, the idea of hearing this lost album was initially thrilling. However, as I began listening to the opening track, ‘Destiny,’ a sense of unease washed over me. It felt like a violation of the band’s intentions and my personal history with their music.

Despite the excitement surrounding the availability of Eros online and the enthusiasm within the Deftones community, I chose to refrain from delving further into the leaked album. The overwhelming influx of discussions, threads, and posts about Eros did not spark the same level of interest for me. Instead, I sought solace in revisiting an old favorite, ‘White Pony.’ While I respect individuals’ autonomy to listen to Eros, given the context of my connection to the band’s work and artistic integrity, I believe it is ethically questionable to indulge in this unreleased material.

Considering the ever-expanding digital landscape filled with a constant barrage of content, the distinction between consumable content and artistic expression becomes blurred. Deftones, as a band with a distinct creative vision, should not be reduced to mere content. Taking into account the band’s deliberate decision to withhold Eros from the public eye, I stand by the principle that artistic intention should be paramount when engaging with their work. Eros, an unfinished album that was never officially released by the band, should be treated with the same respect as any other unreleased material.

While some may argue that the availability of Eros online is an opportunity to explore a hidden gem from one of their favorite bands, I believe in honoring the wishes of the artists. As Chino Moreno expressed in a recent interview, the band had reservations about the release of Eros and indicated that it may never see the light of day. Upholding the band’s wishes and respecting their artistic decisions should take precedence over the allure of unreleased material. In essence, it is essential to acknowledge and value the integrity and intentions behind the art we consume.