Ill Nino – “Epidemia”

The first thing I noticed when I listened to this disc is that it’s heavy; much heavier I think than Ill Nino’s previous releases. The band’s trademark Latin flair that was so prevalent in past records seems to take a back seat now to the punishing, in-your-face riffs and rhythms. I am not sure this is a good thing (for me) as I sort of dug the interesting mix of metal and Latin Rhythms and sounds; I think it’s what defined the band back in the beginning. I understand the need to progress and grow, but an Ill Nino record without a lot of those elements for me is at the very least a bit surprising.

With that being said, Epidemia reviewed on its own merit is still pretty good. It is heavy and edgy with a strong percussive groove that propels things along nicely, creating a few more than memorable moments along the way. I particularly liked the title track and first single, “La Epidemia”. It’s a hard-hitting, groovy sort of number that really got under my skin.

This is the band’s sixth full-length release and I think overall it is a sold effort that should please old fans and go a long way towards securing them new ones too.

Track Listing:

01. The Depression
02. Only the Unloved
03. La Epidemia
04. Eva
05. Demi-God
06. Death Wants More
07. Escape
08. Time Won’t Save You
09. Forgive Me Father
10. Invisible People

Run Time: 37:25
Release Date: October 22, 2012

Check out the song: “La Epidemia”