Ill Niño
Enigma

By now it seemed like the release of Ill Niño's fourth album had turned into a discographic odyssey. And it couldn't be otherwise if we consider that "Enigma" should have seen the light almost a year ago (it was April 2007 when the first single, "The Alibi Of Tyrants", was released) and it was subsequently repeatedly postponed. However, this did not weaken the work, which was already ready, and now it can manifest in all its sonic brilliance.

The choice of the Latino/American band was to undertake a more catchy expressive path with further conviction. Not that their metal crossover (heavily contaminated by South American rhythmic and guitar influences) had never been melodic, but it was—especially originally—mixed with terrifying new metal explosions (and even live, the effect was remarkable), but now it is even more evident that the songs rest on structures that—at first instance—aim to be pop (I don't think we should hide behind other terms), and in this they succeed. In fact, the armor built around is always solid, certainly metal, enriched by a percussion work (both drums and traditional percussion) that leaves nothing to chance, with a highly diversified management of the guitar lines and with Cristian Machado's voice maneuvering wonderfully between Spanish and English and across various tones.

This produces songs that have the honor of being such in every creative outcome (including the excellent refrains) and this is a merit that deserves recognition. A sincere album, diversified, pleasant to listen to throughout its entire duration, demonstrating how Ill Niño maintain an unmistakable sound.