After nearly two decades of speculation, recordings believed to be from Deftones' shelved album Eros briefly surfaced online, reigniting one of alternative metal's longest-running mysteries.

The leaked files reportedly included 11 unfinished songs from the band's 2008 recording sessions, along with demo material connected to Ohms. The recordings quickly spread through fan communities before many links were removed, but not before sparking widespread discussion over both their authenticity and whether fans should listen to music the band never intended to release.

Eros occupies a unique place in Deftones history. The album was recorded with longtime producer Terry Date and was intended to follow 2006's Saturday Night Wrist. Production came to a halt after bassist Chi Cheng suffered a devastating car accident in late 2008 that left him in a coma. Rather than complete the record, the band ultimately moved in a new creative direction, resulting in 2010's acclaimed Diamond Eyes.

Among the leaked material were working-title tracks reportedly named "Destiny," "Melanie," "Candy," "Electra," and the fan-favorite "Smile," the latter being the only song from the sessions that had previously been officially shared before it was later removed.

The appearance of the recordings has divided the Deftones fanbase. While many listeners have waited years to hear any portion of Eros, others argue that unfinished demos released without the band's approval should remain unheard out of respect for the group's artistic wishes and the emotional circumstances surrounding the project. Online discussions have reflected both excitement over hearing the material and concern about circulating recordings that were never meant for public release.

Guitarist Stephen Carpenter has since acknowledged the existence of the leak, noting that the material had been removed from many online sources shortly after it appeared. The band has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident.

Whether Eros will ever receive an official release remains uncertain. Over the years, band members have expressed differing opinions, with some showing interest in revisiting the recordings while frontman Chino Moreno has repeatedly suggested the unfinished album is unlikely to be completed or released in its original form.