Ill Nino - ‘One Nation Underground’ (Roadrunner Records) Released 26/09/05

 

Ill Nino has had more than its fair share of criticism over its intense career so far. Debut album ‘Revolution, Revolucion’ was quickly hailed as one of the best metal albums of 2001 but follow up ‘Confession’ was hit with accusations of bandwagon jumping and unoriginality. Drummer Dave Chavarri admits the first two offerings weren’t truly representative of Ill Nino’s raw power and unique sound and says ‘One Nation Underground’ will set the record straight.

Opening track ‘This Is War’ proves beyond all doubt Ill Nino still have the ability to write pounding riffs with intense drum beats and brings their sound right up to date (some will scream “sell outs” but this is not the case). This is a classic Ill Nino track, with a beautiful bridge and a modern twist. ‘My Resurrection’ follows on in much the same way, as does ‘What You Deserve’, which is an unapologetic radio friendly track.

Through the classic tribal, flamenco and Spanish stylings of ‘Turns To Gray’ and ‘De La Vida’ to the hauntingly beautiful ‘My Pleasant Torture’ this album squares up and punches you right in the chest. With sing-a-long chorus on ‘All That I Ask For’ and plenty of mosh pit classics, this album has it all. ‘One Nation Underground’ is a rollercoaster ride of emotions through rage, beauty, disillusionment and savagery and is exactly what Chavarri wanted Ill Nino to be like from the beginning.

It’s obvious the band members have learnt a lot about each other’s abilities and tastes and they have managed to blend a whole array of different sounds and influences into a solid and original album. Gigwise’s only concern is that the disbelievers who gave up on Ill Nino after ‘Confession’ will be missing out on one hell of an album.