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Review |
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The band Ankla, founded by guitarist Ramon Ortiz formally known as PUYA
have already had two major label releases as well as numerous tours including
Ozzfest 99’. However, Ortiz felt he wanted to give life to a new
and more heavier style of music so he found himself four more band members
and a new latin-metalcore band known as Ankla officially formed in 2001.
The opening track ‘Intro / Sinking’ begins in a Latino like
style and also resembles the musical style of Sikth before a strong Max
Cavalera like riff kicks in followed by Ikaro Stafford’s heavy,
raw vocals. New, powerful riffs are then introduced throughout the duration
of the song as well as little melodic passages. This song is a great song
that keeps you listening as there is always a new bit being heard and
a very catchy chorus to look forward too.
‘Step Ahead’ is a fast track, yet the vocals are less growly
than the first track but are in more of a punk/hardcore like style apart
from in the chorus where there is some deep, death metal like growls within
it. ‘Deceit’ is a track where Ankla go back to their roots
and open this song in a very Puerto Rican style. This is then followed
by a long scream and a simple yet effective riff sets in before it is
plunged back into its original theme of the Puerto Rican style, with some
scalic and melodic guitar solos played over the top allowing guitarist
Ramon Ortiz to show off his technical ability. His talent is also reflected
in ‘Seasons never Change’, with fast guitar solos, squealing
and by playing extremely fast melodies moving up by semitone whilst still
maintaining a tight, crisp sound.
‘Still Alive’ is a heavy track with vocals containing melismas
giving a Breed 77 kind of sound. Towards the end of the track, the guitar
takes on a cleaner tone, which plays arpeggio motifs underpinning the
song whilst guitar solos are played over the top. Following is ‘Suelta
El Ankla’ which immediately reminds me of Machine Head and then
vocals are counted in just like Max Cavalera. ‘Your Grace Makes
Me Sick’ begins with guitar and cymbals, which build into a very
punchy guitar riff with fast double kick drumming. There are little Latino
interludes that contrast nicely with the riffs. The slow but strong guitar
and bass melodies have a slight likeness to Pantera.
The track ‘Glimpse’ starts off very disjointed sounding before
its final riff is settled. The vocals within the chorus are in a Trivium
like style and are generally more melodic than the other tracks whereas
the next track, ‘Flush’ has vocals in more of a hardcore style.
The overall song has a very strong sense of rhythm making it extremely
catchy. The final track ‘Steep Trails’ starts with hardcore
style vocals with a very strong rhythm in four running throughout the
track making it a song you cant help but tap your foot along too.
When I first heard this band I thought they were a little boring but as
I listened to them, I grew to really love this album. I can compare them
to so many bands such as Soulfly, Machine Head, Trivium, Sikth, Breed
77, Pantera and Hatebreed. It is difficult to define them as original
or unoriginal as they are a mish mash of many different styles within
the metal genre. Are they original for taking so many styles and combining
them together, or are they unoriginal for taking the style of other bands?
Either way they are a great band with obvious talent as there music is
tight and I think 99% of metal fans will love this band.
4/5
Review by Charlotte |
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Members |
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Ikara Stafford (Vocals)
Ramon Ortiz (Guitar)
Pepe Clarke Magana (Drums)
Oscar Santiago (Percussion)
Tony Castaneda (Bass) |
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Listing |
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1. Intro / Sinking
2. Step Ahead
3. Deceit
4. Seasons Never Change
5. Generacion Mutante
6. Still Alive
7. Suelta El Ankla
8. Your Grace Makes Me Sick
9. Glimpse
10. Flush
11. Scattered Existence
12.Steep Trails |
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Related Links |
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| Review
Score Code |
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- Top Cheese
- Brilliant
- Pretty damn good
- Ok I guess
-
What Was That? |
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