Ill Niño Reborn: New Frontman, New Fire And Their First Aussie Tour in 8 Years

Ill Niño recently announced Tommy Roulette of Jynx as their new frontman. Roulette made his live debut with the band on July 3rd at the Mercury Music Lounge in Lakewood, Ohio as part of their tour with Powerman 5000. Recording is already underway with Roulette on vocals. A new single, ‘Born To Suffer,’ is expected soon. After an eight-year hiatus from Australian stages, ILL NIÑO, the trailblazing Latin-influenced metal band that redefined heavy music, is set to return for a blistering run of shows across Australia.

ILL NIÑO, known for their explosive live performances and genre-defining fusion of heavy metal and Latin influences, will bring their unique sound to Australian venues in September 2025. The band’s return is highly anticipated, as they prepare to deliver a high-octane setlist filled with fan-favourite hits and new tracks. ILL NIÑO released their ground-breaking debut album Revolution Revolución in 2001. Whilst their sophomore album Confession boasting the U.S. smash hit single How Can I Live, hit the Billboard Top 40 and has gone on to sell over 600,000 copies.

ILL NIÑO are set to deliver an evening of hyped-up intensity, bringing a mix of heavy riffs, Latin infused percussion, emotionally engaging lyrics, and powerful performance that will make this an unmissable experience. Dave Chavarri and new singer Tommy Roulette speak to Hi Fi Way about the tour.

First Australian tour in eight years. You must be really looking forward to getting back?
David: Absolutely, dude. Everything about it, the people, the shows, the food. The only thing I’m not looking forward to is the sixteen-hour flight.

Tommy: Yeah, I can’t wait any longer.

David: Why can’t you guys be a little closer so we could come there twice a year?

We can try, but at the rate the tectonic plates move it might take a while.
David: Cool. I love Australia, man. It’s like my favorite place. Honestly, it really is.

Sixteen hours on a flight, how do you pass that time besides trying to sleep?
David: Funny story. My wife’s Australian, so I go every year. The second time I went I got so bored I actually shaved twice because I forgot I’d already shaved! You run out of things to do. Qantas is great with movies and entertainment, but can you really watch ten in a row? That’s when you wish you drank or smoked just to get through it.

Has the recent tour gone well?
David: We just finished a nearly sold-out co-headline tour with Powerman 5000, Hed PE and Priest. Every night was packed. It was Tommy’s first tour fronting the band and he crushed it.

Tommy: Thank you, brother. I’m very grateful. It was challenging at first, but by the end it felt natural. I’m excited for you guys to see it in Australia.

What does Tommy bring to the band that you didn’t have before?
David: He brings a modern twist and a heavier edge. We started as a hardcore band and he taps into that energy. We’ve got a new single coming out before Australia called Born to Suffer, it’s one of the heaviest songs we’ve ever done. Very Latin, very percussive, and Tommy shines on it. It’s classic Ill Niño on steroids.

Does it feel like the band has been reborn with a new front man?
David: Absolutely. This tour proved it. We gel as musicians and as people. The vibe is the best it’s been in years. We’re working on a new album straight away, and we’re going to Australia ready to crush.

Approaching a new album with fresh energy must be exciting?
David: For sure. We’re working hard to make it original. You can’t just release the same album every time, unless you’re AC/DC. They’re the masters of that. You hear the first chord and you know it’s them. That’s branding.

Tommy, how did you find the transition into the band?
Tommy: Honestly, it’s been the most fun and the most challenging tour I’ve ever done. More singing than I was used to, but I worked out ways to connect better with the crowd. By the end it just felt natural, like breathing. I can’t wait to bring that to Australia.

Do you worry about what diehard fans think?
Tommy: Not really. I avoid negativity. Ninety-five percent of the feedback has been love. Everyone’s been cool at shows. No one’s told me to fuck off yet, so I’d say it’s been very positive and rewarding.

Is this your first time touring Australia?
Tommy: Yeah. I’ve been touring since 2012 but never made it there. I can’t wait to try the food and drinks. Everyone says the scene is incredible.

In terms of the album, how does the new material compare to the last?
David: This time we’re recording as a band in the same room, not just sending files around. That organic energy is what made our first three albums so strong, and we’re bringing that back. Everyone’s contributing, it’s fresher, heavier, and more modern.

That must make the creative energy flow?
David: Totally. You can hear the difference when you’re pushing each other and having fun in the same space. That vibe is going straight onto the record.

Will it be out this year?
David: The single Born to Suffer will be out before we come to Australia. The album we’re aiming for October. Worst case, if the label pushes it, it’ll be February 2026, but we want it out before November.

After the Australian run, what’s next?
David: Busy times. We’ll finish the album, release the new video, tour Australia, then head to South America and Mexico. That’s one of our strongest markets, so we’re doing theatre-sized venues there. We’re also in talks with some friends for a co-headline tour.

Finally, favorite Australian bands?
Tommy: I’ve been saying it in every interview, Terminal Sleep, Alpha Wolf, Dealer, Speed, Northlane, Parkway Drive. The heavy scene in Australia is amazing. The shows always look insane, and I can’t wait to see it for myself.

Interview By Rob Lyon

Catch Ill Niño on the following dates, tickets from October Presents…

Sydney

Melbourne

Brisbane