Dead New World : Special Edition

Ill Niño aren't the only band that has brought a Latin influence to alternative metal. Dig deep into rock en español, and one can find Latin-American bands that write in Spanish exclusively and bring elements of salsa or cumbia to an alt-metal foundation. But the thing that separates Ill Niño from those alt-metal/rock en español bands in Latin America is the fact that they have brought Latin elements to a largely English-speaking audience, and they continue in that vein on Dead New World. This 2010 release isn't rock en español; "The Art of War," "Bleed Like You," and other hard-driving yet melodic tracks cater to English-speaking audiences. And even though "Es Mi Revolución" has a Spanish-language title, the lyrics are in English. But musically and rhythmically, the Latin influence is definitely there. Ill Niño don't beat listeners over the head with it, but listen closely, and one can hear the salsa/Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, or Spanish touches in the New Jersey band's crunching, chugging alt-metal attack. Although original material dominates Dead New World, there is one cover: Smashing Pumpkins' "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" (which was among the definitive anthems of Bill Clinton-era '90s alt-rock). If a band is going to record a cover, it is important to bring something different to the tune; otherwise, what's the point? And Ill Niño have no problem making "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" relevant to alt-metal; the song didn't come out of metal, but it definitely acquires a metal crunch when Ill Niño are done with it. Dead New World doesn't break any new ground for Ill Niño and isn't their most essential release, but it's a worthy effort from one of the more interesting alt-metal bands that emerged back in the late '90s. ~ Alex Henderson|