††† (Crosses): “There were two options: either we don’t do this band at all, or we try it with just us two. We chose the latter”

Did you ever hear the legend of DJ Mantis? Don’t worry if not, Chino Moreno can fill you in. When Kerrang! catches up with him, he’s in the middle of a ​“little morning frolic” on the quiet residential streets of Bend, Oregon. Physically, he’s moving forward through the snow-blushed pavements, but his mind is otherwise traipsing down memory lane. Picture this: it’s around the turn of the millennium and Chino – iconic frontman of Deftones – is riding in the car of his friend and fellow rock luminary Shaun Lopez of Far. Mid-ride, a CD is produced bearing the name ​‘DJ Mantis’. “What the hell is this?” asks Chino, nonplussed. “Just listen to it,” urges Shaun. He presses play; the car fills with DJ Shadow-esque beats. “This is fucking rad!” enthuses Chino, moments befo...

unsplash-logoLilith Redmoon