An incarnation of the underground heroes El Nino, Dave Chavarri (M.O.D., Pro-Pain) has reformed the band as Ill Nino and with Revolution Revolucion they deliver their first CD for Roadrunner. Unlike the previous bands he has been in, Ill Nino has not a lot in common with the hardcore scene. Aiming at a louder sound and more metallish riffs, they place themselves among another lot: "the idea is to be as heavy as possible and as melodic as possible - with a Latin twist". If categorized, Ill Nino would be placed amongst the Fear Factories, Machine Heads, Soulflys and Sepulturas of these days. Nothing wrong with that, but I can`t figure out why they would make such a big deal out of their Latin heritage.

Apart from an occasional Latin-guitar-based intro that lasts no more than five seconds, Ill Nino produces average songs that are neither really good nor really bad. The songs lack any real substance, even though I`m sure the individual members have the talents I am told by their press machine. Perhaps it`s time for bands to stop using their `foreign heritage` as a sales point, cut the crap, and just do what they are supposed to. All in all considered, Ill Nino has some interesting sounds to offer ("I Am Loco"), but due to the mediocrity of the album I`d recommend you`d stick with the latest Sepultura or Fear Factory, who also showcase a good songwriting element.