Latin metallers Ill Niño have debuted their first song in in nearly five years. Titled “Sangre”, the track is also notable for being the group’s first with new members Shattered Sun frontman Marcos Leal, rhythm guitarist Sal Dominguez, formerly of Upon A Burning Body, and Sons of Texas‘ Jess Dehoyos on lead guitar. Regarding the lineup change, Ill Niño founder/drummer Dave Chavarri says:
“Sometimes being in a band is like being married – sometimes people grow apart and no longer see eye to eye, and a separation becomes inevitable. We wish our former members the best in their musical careers, and are pumped to move forward with our new band members. Not only have we toured with them, but they’re very respected, seasoned musicians, and dudes that have always been our ‘Familia’ since day one.”
Marcos Leal continues:
“Anyone who knows me knows the love I have for this band. I got my start singing Ill Niño covers in my younger years and this band has always held a special place in my heart. When the opportunity arose to front one of my favorite bands of all time, it was something I needed to consider.”
Leal will continue to do double-duty as vocalist for both Ill Niño and Shattered Sun. Ill Niño‘s “Sangre” can be heard below and purchased via iTunes, Google Play and Amazon.
The band have two full international tours in the works, with announcements coming soon. A new music video is also in the works along with the reveal of a new label home. Ill Niño first confirmed performances with the new lineup include appearances at the Reload and Neuborn Festivals in Germany in August.
The situation is more complicated than Chavarri let on. It wasn’t long after news broke that the “ousted” members spoke up on the matter. As pointed out by The PRP, the new member announcement didn’t specify the circumstances of longtime frontman Cristian Machado, guitarist Ahrue Luster and guitarist Diego Verduzco‘s departure, implying that they had left rather than being forced out. Turns out that’s not exactly the case. In a statement to Blabbermouth, Machado said:
To all our family, friends, and fans, contrary to what you may have heard, Ahrue, Diego and I have NOT left Ill Niño and remain very dedicated to the band and all our fans.
We’re excited to be working on new music, partnerships, and opportunities. We will have more info for you all soon.
Records indicate that Machado, Luster, and Verduzco filed a trademark application for the band’s name on November 6th, 2018. The following week, bassist Laz Pina filed a request for express abandonment “without the authorization, knowledge and consent of the LLC.” According to the “former” members, this was done in bad faith in order to help Chavarri acquire sole ownership of the group. Chavarri then filed his own application alleging ownership of the name. Machado, Luster, and Verduzco have since petitioned the director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to withdraw the express abandonment filed by Pina and reinstate the LLC’s original application.