The six-piece metal band Ill Niño has definitely been on a musical rollercoaster since their debut album, Revolution Revolucîon, released back in 2001. The guys have been on three different labels and have seen several members come and go. They seemed to peak in 2003 with their release, Confession. They haven’t been able to recapture that lightning in a bottle since that album pushed them into the mainstream. All of that may change with their latest Latin infused style of metal entitled Epidemia.
This is the band’s second release for Victory Records and the follow-up to 2010’s Dead New World. It’s a solid and focused album that could very well help them recapture that magic from 2003. The album opens with “The Depression” – a the track slams its fist on the counter, demanding the attention of the listener. The riffs come in strong and aggressive as lead singer Cristian Machado volleys back and forth with an impressive mix of screams and melodic clean vocals. “Only The Loved” continues with more of the same unpolluted sounds of a band that’s found it’s solidly rooted foundation once again.
“Eva” is a standout track as it sets an eerie tone with a creepy riff from the start that would make the
song right at home in any slasher film. Machado delivers a solid vocal delivery on this one; mixing styles up, but coming off in a very convincing way. This track is a bit reminiscent of older Ill Niño and I think after one listen some of you may agree. “Death Wants More” also offers up a strong delivery in its melodious delivery that offers plenty of killer riffs. Another standout track would have to be “Forgive Me Father.” A primarily clean vocal delivery from Machado helps convey the emotional elements behind the lyrics in an effective way. The riffs may not be as aggressive as on other tracks, but that works to the song’s advantage, given the lyrical content. It still has that Ill Niño Latin flavor to it and it still manages to rock. It may be the most mainstream sounding track on the album.
So, after listening to the entire album I found myself wondering what the fans would think of it. I think the newer fans of the band will definitely be happy with it; their more defined sound from the last few years is definitely there. I also think older fans, and some who may have given up on the band, will find this to be a more solid release with elements of early Ill Niño throughout. Is it a perfect release? No, there are a few weak spots along the ride where the band seems to fall into a familiar pattern that some may find repetitive. Overall, it’s a more focused and strong release, and one that will please quite a few metal fans out there. Pick up Epidemia and crank it loud!
Johnny Price – Contributing writer, RockRevolt™ Magazine
Photo Credit: Cool World Photography
Ill Niño is: Cristian Machado, Dave Chavarri, Laz Pina, Ahrue Luster, Daniel Couto & Diego Verduzco
| For more information on Ill Niño, please visit: |
| Ill Nino on Victory Records |
| Ill Nino’s webpage |
| Ill Nino on Facebook |
| Ill Nino on Twitter |
