Ill Nino

Revolution Revolucion (Roadrunner)
by Scott Hefflon

Seeing as Sepultura are a pale imitation of the Brazilian giants they once were (not to mention the world’s moved on and dusted once-pioneering bands like them and Fear Factory), and knock-offs like Soulfly can only go so far (not to mention recent leaps made by melodic bands like Deftones and Tool, and [much] lesser innovative roarers like Mudvayne and Disturbed and wave after wave of nü metal, some of which nudges the bar just a little higher), there’s a need for melodic, roots-based Latino metal like Ill Niño.

Flamenco guitars are a new twist, authentic tribal drumming is always a welcome element, but I can really do without the cliché look and fashion (geez, it’s like they saw a photo of one of these nü metal buffoon bands and delegated aspects: “Me an’ Chico’ll wear bandannas, you and Hefe spike it out loud, and Chachi, you get nappy dreads. Then we’ll all wear urban sweats and look deep and intense and shit. Ready? Break!”). With really good grooves and a few tricks up their sleeves to differentiate them from the astounding number of angry nü metal boy bands flooding the scene, these Jersey boys oughtta do fine.
(902 Broadway New York, NY 10010)