A lot of my points were already mentioned by a couple people here.
I have been longing for a new Terry Date style record since Diamond Eyes. No matter how you look at it, and I know KNY is he favorite of a lot of the new fans, Terry is basically a member of the band. He is the only guy able to use the most potential out of the band's sound, because of his craft, his experience with the band, and also the unique bond they have together makes him the only person able to coach them properly while giving the right amount of liberty to what I personally see as their true sound. When Nick heard the Eros material before starting Diamond Eyes, he said "You're not putting that out". It worked out for them in the end commercially and Diamond Eyes is a very good rock record. But I'll never, ever be able to put it on the same level. Chi being gone played its part. Terry being absent made it worse.
This band needs a lot more of Stephen's input. He is the true leader of this band imo. I would trust him enough to be the decision maker, with the sound, the direction, the setlists, etc. The riff on Doomed User is awesome but ruined.
Chino needs to croon more. He has been struggling with high notes even before his vocal damage. He had trouble singing the high notes on Root even in 1995. We all know why Leathers was barely performed, or why 976-EVIL was played only once. That's two examples amongst many. Keep it low, show your vulnerable side, no need to overdo it with parts the fans won't even hear live.
Let Deftones be Deftones. My expectations are huge this time around and I seriously believe this record will give them the light they have always deserved.
And for crying out loud, put that snare back where it belongs in the mix.