Sevendust (feat. Chino Moreno) - Bender [FULL version]

About Sevendust

Sevendust is an American rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1994 by bassist Vinnie Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose, and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group. Following a few name changes, the members settled on Sevendust and released their self-titled debut album in 1997, which sold only 310 copies in its first week but ultimately achieved gold certification.

About This Footage

The 1999 footage of Sevendust's "Bender" featuring Chino Moreno is a rare gem that offers a glimpse into the collaborative spirit of two influential bands in the late 90s alternative rock scene. At this time, Sevendust was still riding high on the success of their debut album, which had achieved gold certification despite initial sales of only 310 copies in its first week.

The involvement of Chino Moreno from Deftones adds an extra layer of significance to this clip. In a 1999 MTV article, guitarist John Connelly recalled the impromptu decision to bring Chino on board: "We made the call that night... It was like one o'clock in the morning." This spontaneity speaks to the creative camaraderie between the two bands and their willingness to experiment with new ideas.

The song itself, "Bender," is a standout track from Sevendust's second studio album, "Home," released on August 24, 1999. The full-length video version of this clip offers a more comprehensive view of the band's performance, showcasing their technical prowess and emotional depth. With Chino's distinctive vocals woven throughout, "Bender" becomes an even more compelling example of the cross-pollination between Deftones and Sevendust.

Sevendust members Lajon Witherspoon and John Connelly have spoken fondly about the experience of working with Chino Moreno. In a 1999 interview, Witherspoon noted: "Chino came out at the end of the work process of the album... We all collaborated and sat down together and came out with a really tight song." This collaborative spirit is evident in the finished product, which seamlessly blends the styles of both bands.

The rarity of this footage makes it even more precious. The fact that Deftones Zone, the fan-run channel sharing the clip, has dubbed it "the longest video version" suggests that this may be one of the only surviving recordings from this session. For fans of either band, watching "Bender" is a treat that offers a unique glimpse into the creative process of two influential bands.

One aspect that stands out in this footage is the chemistry between Sevendust and Chino Moreno. Despite working under tight deadlines, the collaboration seems to have been a natural fit. The way the two bands blend their styles creates a unique sound that is both heavy and melodic. This synergy is a testament to the power of creative partnerships and the importance of taking risks in the pursuit of artistic innovation.

The context surrounding this footage also highlights the significance of 1999 as a pivotal year for alternative rock. With the rise of nu-metal and post-grunge, bands like Sevendust and Deftones were pushing the boundaries of what was possible within the genre. Their willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles helped shape the sound of the late 90s and early 2000s.

In conclusion, this footage of Sevendust's "Bender" featuring Chino Moreno is a rare and precious artifact that offers a glimpse into the creative process of two influential bands. With its blend of heavy riffs and melodic vocals, "Bender" remains a standout track in both Sevendust and Deftones' discographies. For fans of alternative rock, this clip is a must-watch, providing a unique perspective on the collaborative spirit that defined this era of music.

Curated from public records and music databases.