The Deftones issued an update on bassist Chi Cheng's condition (we was in a coma following a car accident last Nov.) as well as their progress in the studio. Here's the update from the band:
"First and foremost, we are all still praying and hoping for our brother's and bandmate's recovery. He continues to get hospital care, but often it feels as if we're no closer to knowing what is ultimately going to happen to him as he continues to fight off infections as part of an ongoing battle with his condition. We trust all of you have been following his progress at One Love For Chi; we have as well. Whenever we have significant information regarding his condition, we will share it with all of you. In the meantime, we're working on getting a benefit show together for Chi in Los Angeles this fall; details will follow very soon. Let's all continue to channel positive energy into the universe for Chi's recovery.

"There has been a lot of speculation lately about what is going on with the record: Eros for one, and Chi's parts, and this new record that we are currently tracking. The songs recorded for Eros are very special to us as they are the latest with Chi (and we certainly hope not the last); they have history and significant meaning to us. However, as we neared completion on Eros, we realized that this record doesn't best encompass and represent who we are currently as people and as musicians. And although those songs will see the light of day at some point, we collectively made the decision that we needed to take a new approach, and with Chi's condition heavy on our minds while doing so. We needed to return to the studio to do what we felt was right artistically. Our inspiration and unity as a band is stronger than it has ever been before and we needed to channel that energy into our music, and deliver to our fans what you rightly deserve: the best Deftones record that we can make.