14 September 2025 – The Triffid, Brisbane – words and pictures by Luke Petty
Ill Niño, the pioneering Latin American nu-metal band, returned to Australia for the first time in over eight years. For many fans, this was a long-awaited homecoming. Since the release of their iconic album Revolution Revolución in the early 2000s, I’ve been a dedicated fan, but I never had the chance to see them live. The opportunity to finally witness their performance, even with a new lineup, was an exciting prospect. Unfortunately, the night saw a last-minute change in the lineup. The original support act, Adema, was forced to cancel their first-ever Australian tour. However, the unexpected substitutions were more than up to the task.
As the lights dimmed at The Triffid, I was curious to see how the band’s new era would unfold with fresh talent, including vocalist Tommy Roulette. The anticipation in the crowd was through the roof with fans screaming out for the band. It was a chance to reconnect with a band that had been a significant part of my musical journey for two decades. The energy of the night promised to be something special as we prepared to experience Ill Niño’s powerful blend of Latin rhythms and heavy riffs live on stage.
Kicking off the night was the dynamic two-piece band, Beast Machine. From the moment they hit the stage, their raw energy and commanding stage presence captivated the audience. They immediately launched into a wall of sound that was both powerful and infectious, proving to be the perfect choice to warm up the crowd. Their set was a high-octane affair that showcased their unique blend of heavy riffs and thunderous drumming. As their performance drew to a close, a guest singer joined them for an explosive Pantera cover. This surprise addition brought the house down and sent the crowd into a frenzy. As a final act of defiance against the aging process, the band’s frontman challenged the audience, declaring they were “not too old” encouraging a circle pit. While the crowd might not have been large in numbers, their enthusiasm and effort were undeniable, with a core group of fans responding with a spirited and energetic pit.
Beast Machine – The Triffid – photos by Luke Petty
Following the high-energy performance by Beast Machine, the stage was set for Gold Coast’s own These Four Walls. As the band members conducted a quick soundcheck, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. The crowd had grown significantly, now a sea of faces buzzing with excitement. When the house lights went down and the intro music began, the tension was at its peak.
The band exploded onto the stage with “Chaos,” a powerful opener that immediately established their presence and proved why they deserved a spot on the lineup. Frontman Gray Vickers commanded the stage with his signature blend of quirky movements and raw emotion, drawing every eye and holding them captive. His performance was a masterclass in connecting with an audience on a deeply personal level. The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites and new material.
These Four Walls – The Triffid – photos by Luke Petty
The crowd roared to life during “White Lies,” with hands in the air and voices singing along in unison. The energy was electric, but it reached a new level with their latest song, “Into the Ocean.” The band performed the track flawlessly, showcasing their evolution and songwriting prowess. By the end of their set, These Four Walls had solidified their reputation as a powerhouse of emotive, high-energy rock. The audience was visibly buzzing with excitement, a collective wave of happiness and exhilaration. Phones were held aloft, not just to capture the moment but to become part of the experience, as fans moved and sang along to every note. The band delivered a powerful performance that was both a celebration of their past hits and a bold statement about their future. Well done lads.
Finally the main attraction. The main reason everyone was out late on a Sunday night. The band people were willing to be red eyed and tired for at work the next day. Instantly exploding out onto the stage ready to finish this incredible run. After a small faux pas calling Brisbane Melbourne (which was shortly after corrected) new singer Tommy Roulette quickly showed why he is built for this band and this life. He was such a ball of energy on that stage and seemed to be loving it. Two step dancing, jumps, kicks, getting onto the barrier and getting the crowd involved as well as downright impressive vocals throughout the whole set. You really wouldnt beleive he is only a few months into this band. Seemed like he had been there since the beginning. Despite the various lineup changes over the years, the spirit of the original band was alive and well.
ILL NIÑO – The Triffid – photos by Luke Petty
The stage was filled with a vibrant “OG” energy, proving that the core of Ill Niño’s sound remains intact. ‘I Am Loco’, went off and the crowd were going crazy, a track where every beat, every riff, and every vocal delivery landed with stunning precision. The dual-percussion setup was a rhythmic force, providing a tribal, almost primal pulse that drove the heavy guitars and bass. The band then dove into the fan-favourite ‘Te Amo… I Hate You’, showcasing their ability to blend brutal aggression with soaring, melodic hooks. Bassist Lazaro Pina was a force of nature, his basslines providing a funky groove and flair that perfectly complemented the heavy guitars. He was a constant source of kinetic energy, punctuating every riff with his signature high kicks.
Meanwhile, founder Dave Chavarri held it all together from behind the drum kit. He was the humble, smiling anchor of the show, a steady and powerful presence who seemed genuinely happy to let the rest of the band take the spotlight and shine. The synergy on stage was palpable, a testament to the band’s enduring chemistry. The performance wasn’t just a concert; it was a journey back to the golden era of nu-metal, reminding everyone why Ill Niño has remained a staple in the genre for decades.
ILL NIÑO – The Triffid – photos by Luke Petty
The climax of the night was the powerful rendition of ‘How Can I Live’. This song, forever etched in the memories of nu-metal fans from its feature in the movie Freddy vs. Jason, was performed with a palpable passion. The blend of the heavy, driving verses and the emotionally charged chorus was a testament to the band’s unique sound. Every single track was a study in controlled chaos, proving that Ill Niño’s music has not only stood the test of time but still hits with the same intense passion as it did on day one.
