Oh Ill Nino, I haven’t listened to you in ages! I was once your biggest fan but I’ve moved onto deadlier, heavier music. The Killswitch Engage of Latin music has come back in 2012 with a brand new album called “Epidemia” through Victory Records. When I say I moved onto heavier music doesn’t mean I still do not enjoy Ill Nino’s unique sound. I mean they have always written brilliant music and I’ve always thought that Cristian Machado is one of the most underrated singers to come out in the past 10 years. His ability to scream is pretty good, yet he has a very awesome clean vocal style and I’ve always enjoyed hearing him sing those melodies. It’s safe to say that “Epidemia” is a good release and it’s a warm welcome back onto the scene.
I gotta admit, this record isn’t anything out of the ordinary for them but it’s almost refreshing hearing some good ol Ill Nino again. The music is as tight and heavy as I remember it. It’s melodic but dangerous. Creative drumming over some power chords being rung out, chugging palm muted greatness over screams and then those ever so sweet calm moment where it’s just a faint guitar chord, some drumming and soulful clean singing happening. Ah, it’s been so long and it’s still as good as I remember it being. Ill Nino does a very good job on grabbing their older fans such as myself and pulling them right back in. This will appeal to newer fans as well as it’s just different. After all of these years Cristian cans till sing so well and it’s so mind boggling that it’s been 10+ years and he can still carry a note so well.
While the tunes are in fact, awesome. One thing sticks out…..the lower/deeper vocals. I do remember there being some harsh vocals but not that low. I welcome that style! With that then the melodic clean vocals, I can dig that any day of the week! A modern day take on a style that developed over a decade ago, they aren’t getting old or irrelevant, they are still making a statement saying” This is how we make music, this is our style, this is our life.” and I enjoy the hell out of it. Ill Nino’s “Epidemia” is a powerful album and long time fans of the band will be pleased to know that this record is great!