Upon its release and retrospectively, the album was met with critical acclaim, and is regarded by fans and critics alike as one of the band's most mature outings at that point. It was also the first Deftones album which Chino Moreno began to contribute rhythm guitar parts. White Pony was also the first recording to feature Frank Delgado as a full-time member of the band on turntables and synthesizer Delgado had previously worked with the band as a featured guest on their first two albums, producing sound effects on some songs.
The album marked a significant growth in the band's sound, incorporating influences from post-hardcore, trip hop, shoegaze, progressive rock, and post-rock into the alternative metal sound which they had become known for.
Recording sessions took place between August and December 1999 at Larrabee Sound Studios in West Hollywood and The Plant Recording Studios in Sausalito, California. It was produced by Terry Date, who produced the band's first two albums, Adrenaline (1995) and Around the Fur (1997). White Pony is the third studio album by American alternative metal band Deftones, released on June 20, 2000, through Maverick Records.
