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Ill Niño

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Band Timeline

1998

Formation and Early Years of Ill Niño

Ill Niño was formed in May 1998 in Union City, New Jersey, by drummer Dave Chavarri. Initially named El Niño, the band included vocalist Jorge Rosado, guitarist Daniel Gomez, and bassist Christian Machado. They released a self-titled EP before Gomez's departure led to various temporary guitarists. The group later renamed itself Ill Niño and underwent lineup changes with Machado becoming lead vocalist and the addition of guitarists Marc Rizzo and Jardel Paisante, along with bassist Lazaro Pina and percussionist Roger Vasquez. They built a following through college radio and local performances.
2000

Signing with Roadrunner Records and Recording Debut Album

In June 2000, Ill Niño signed with Roadrunner Records, which enabled them to start recording their debut full-length album by November of that year. The band gained growing exposure playing festivals and touring with notable bands like Soulfly and Kittie. Their unique fusion of nu metal with Latin percussion elements set them apart and began to attract attention in the metal scene, building anticipation for their upcoming album.
2001

Release of Debut Album Revolution Revolución

Ill Niño released their debut album, Revolution Revolución, on September 18, 2001. The album showcased a distinctive blend of nu metal and Latin influences, fueling their rise in popularity. It sold over 350,000 copies worldwide within the first two years, establishing the band as a significant act in the nu metal genre. The success of the album laid the foundation for their future endeavors and helped them expand their fan base internationally.
2003

Lineup Changes and Release of Confession

Early in 2003, Ill Niño underwent lineup changes, parting ways with guitarist Marc Rizzo and percussionist Roger Vasquez. Despite these shifts, the band recorded their second album, Confession, which was released on September 30, 2003. The album debuted at No. 37 on the Billboard 200, selling nearly 28,000 copies in its first week. The lead single, "How Can I Live," became their first to chart on Billboard, reaching No. 26 on the Mainstream Rock chart, signaling their growing mainstream recognition.
2005

Release of One Nation Underground and Ongoing Success

Ill Niño released their third studio album, One Nation Underground, on September 27, 2005. The album entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 101, highlighting the band's continued presence in the metal scene. Despite changes in the music industry and lineup shifts on the horizon, Ill Niño maintained momentum with this release, integrating heavy riffs with their signature Latin-infused metal sound.
2006

Departure from Roadrunner Records and Label Change

On July 15, 2006, Ill Niño parted ways with Roadrunner Records and guitarist Jardel Paisante. Shortly thereafter, they signed with the new label Cement Shoes Records, marking a new chapter in their career. Roadrunner Records released The Best of Ill Niño later that year without the band's input. The label change affected their distribution and promotion strategies, and the band began to focus on new projects under Cement Shoes Records.
2008

Release of Enigma and Continued Touring

In 2008, Ill Niño released their fourth studio album, Enigma, through Cement Shoes Records after overcoming multiple delays. The album debuted at No. 145 on the Billboard 200 and sold approximately 5,000 copies in its first week in the U.S. The record demonstrated the band's persistence and ability to evolve despite industry challenges, and they continued to tour and promote their music worldwide.
2010

Signing with Victory Records and Release of Dead New World

March 2010 marked another pivotal moment when Ill Niño signed with Victory Records. Later that year, on October 25, they released Dead New World, their fifth studio album. The production involved notable collaborators such as Sahaj Ticotin and Clint Lowery from Sevendust. This album helped the band to rejuvenate their sound and maintain relevance in the metal community.
2012

Release of Epidemia and Lineup Changes

Ill Niño's sixth album, Epidemia, was released on October 22, 2012. It would be the last to feature long-time percussionist Daniel "Danny" Couto, who left the band in late 2013. Couto's departure marked the end of an era regarding the band's characteristic percussion style, and he was succeeded by Oscar Santiago. The album reinforced the band's commitment to integrating Latin rhythms with heavy metal compositions.
2014

Release of Till Death La Familia and Anniversary Tour

The band's seventh studio album, Till Death La Familia, was released on July 22, 2014. Following this release, Ill Niño toured extensively to promote the new music. In 2016 and 2017, they embarked on the "15 Years Of Revolution" tour to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut album, Revolution Revolución. The tour highlighted the band's legacy and sustained appeal within the nu metal and Latin-infused metal scenes.

Albums

ill-niño_1st_album
Revolution Revolución
18 tracks
2001
ill-niño_2nd_album
Confession
17 tracks
2003
ill-niño_3rd_album
One Nation Underground
14 tracks
2005
ill-niño_4th_album
Enigma
13 tracks
2008
ill-niño_5th_album
Dead New World
12 tracks
2010
ill-niño_6th_album
Epidemia
10 tracks
2012
ill-niño_7th_album
Till Death, La Familia
11 tracks
2014
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Lazaro Pina

N/A

Ahrue Luster

2001

Cristian Machado

N/A

Dave Chavarri

N/A

Daniel Couto

N/A

Marc Rizzo

N/A

Jardel Paisante

N/A

Story of Ill Niño

Ill Niño: A Nu-Metal Force From New Jersey

Ill Niño, the American nu-metal band, burst onto the scene in 1998 from the gritty streets of Union City, New Jersey. Founded by drummer and percussionist Dave Chavarri, the band's name, Spanish for "ill child," reflects their raw energy and aggressive sound. While Chavarri remains the sole original member, Ill Niño has undergone numerous lineup changes throughout their history, showcasing a constant evolution in their musical journey.

Early Days and Formation

Initially known as "El Niño," the band's core lineup featured former Pro-Pain drummer Chavarri, Merauder vocalist Jorge Rosado, guitarist Daniel Gomez, and bassist Christian Machado. This formation released a self-titled EP, showcasing their signature blend of heavy riffs, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals. However, Gomez's departure led to a revolving door of guitarists, including future full-time member Marc Rizzo, Scott Roberts of Biohazard, and Derek Sykes of Demolition Hammer.

The "Ill Niño" Era and Beyond

After a brief period of inactivity due to Chavarri's temporary role in Soulfly, the band solidified its name as "Ill Niño" and began to carve their niche in the nu-metal scene. Their unique blend of aggression, Latin influences, and melodic elements resonated with fans, ultimately leading to the release of seven studio albums, two EPs, and a compilation album, selling over 1.3 million copies worldwide.

A Legacy of Nu-Metal

Ill Niño's legacy is built on a foundation of relentless touring, captivating live performances, and an unwavering commitment to their craft. The band's impact on the nu-metal scene is undeniable, inspiring a new generation of musicians while continuing to tour and release new music. Despite changes in lineup and musical direction, Ill Niño has maintained a loyal fan base and a reputation for delivering powerful, high-energy performances.

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