Last month, whilst Ill Nino was elbow deep in the recording of their sophomore Roadrunner release, we told that percussionist Roger Vasquez and guitarist Marc Rizzo amicably parted ways with the band…Marc, of course, sticking around to record the new album – currently titled ‘Confessions’. Well, Ill Nino is pleased to announce that it has found new members in former Machine Head guitarist Ahrue Luster (who joins the band after a stint with Sacramento band, Juggernaut) and ex-point4hope/God Is I drummer, Danny Couto (now Ill Nino percussionist). “It’s a great new start,” says Chavarri. “Everyone in the band feels amazing about the two new guys and we can’t wait to get out on the road and fuck shit up.” Did You Know? Ahrue has been friends with Ill Nino for quite some time now, as they previously toured the U.S. and Europe together back when Ahrue was in Machine Head. True. Biggest reason for tagging Ahrue as the new guitarist? “From the first rehearsal…he fit in immediately,” tells Chavarri. The band tried out a half dozen guitarists, but chose Ahrue because – simply put – he was ‘the best.’ As Dave describes, “The tightest player and the person who most fit in with the Ill Nino sound.” And speaking of fitting with the Ill Nino sound, the band touts the other newbie Danny Couto as an “amazing percussionist.” Did You Know, pt I? Danny actually played all the Latin and Tribal percussion on the upcoming new record. True. Did You Know, pt II? Like Ahrue, Danny too has been a friend of the band for years. In fact, he actually came out of the same band that bred Jardel (point4hope). It’s true. Ahrue, Danny…welcome to camp Ill Nino.