Deftones [ tickets ] have begun pre-production for their next album, but the group's vocalist and drummer will use some of the band's December downtime to head out on the road for a joint tour with their respective side projects, Team Sleep [ tickets ] and Phallucy. The outing begins on Wednesday (12/12).

Team Sleep comprises Deftones frontman Chino Moreno and his friends Todd Wilkenson (guitar) and DJ Crook. Earlier this year, the trio recorded an album that will be released on Maverick Records in early 2002, according to Deftones' official website. Deftones producer Terry Date produced the album, which features guest appearances from Deftones members Abe Cunningham (drums), Stephan Carpenter (guitar) and Frank Delgado (turntables).

Phallucy, meanwhile, features Cunningham, bassist Dominic Garcia, guitarist Sonny Mayugba and singer David Garcia. The group released its debut album, "Valium" (Blackliner), last month.

"White Pony" (Maverick), the Deftones' most recent album, was released in June 2000.