#9: Ankla
Ankla’s Latin metal, both aggressive and suave, makes them one of the best.
Background Info (consolidated from different websites)
Country of origin: USA
Location: Los Angeles, California
Status: Active
Formed in: 2001
Genre: Latin metal, groove metal, death metal, hardcore, alt metal
Lyrical themes: various
Current label: Bieler Bros. Records
Years active: 2001-present
There are many Latin metal acts/albums out in the New World, but I have a special liking for Ankla. Groove metal became close to my heart since after growing up listening to Pantera (and later, a little bit of Lamb of God); Ankla incorporates some groove qualities, as well as death metal especially in Steep Trails (2006). I also note a bit of hardcore punk (probably carried over from Puya, the Ankla founder’s earlier Latin metal band). Persistence is more folk/latin-leaning in terms of rhythm. But yeah, I like both albums (considering the fact that there are only two albums; the other’s an EP).
Overall, the music gives off a whole new listening experience that is truly enjoyable, thanks to the Spanish modes, rhythms and the folk instruments — percs like congas and timbales, and the Spanish guitars.
Favorite Albums:
- Persistence (2010)
- Steep Trails (2006)
Favorite Songs:
- Where We Belong (Persistence)
- No te Detengas (Persistence) — this is more folk-leaning song with a metal bridge, but I like how the band wrote it.
- Deceit (Steep Trails)
- Still Alive (Steep Trails)
