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By the arrival of the new millenium, after two major label releases and numerous nationwide and South American tours (including Ozzfest 1999) with former band PUYA, Ramon Ortiz was feelingthe need to give life to a new heavier incarnation of his musical soul. Driven by a burning desire to take his trademark Latin Metal sound to a new level, the Puerto Rican guitar player put past achievements aside and set out on a new journey. ANKLA was officially formed in 2001 with a sound that features elements of hardcore, thrash and power groove metal while still incorporating the latin claves and caribbean swing that Ramon has been known for. After several different line ups changes and many shows in the U.S. , Puerto Rico, and Mexico the band finally signed with BIELER BROS RECORDS and released their debut CD "STEEP TRAILS" produced by BOB MARLETTE in 2006.The album was widely acclaimed by metalheads around the globe and the single "DECEIT" ended up in heavy rotation in satellite radio. STEEP TRAILS was 12 in the best metal albums of 2006 list of Sirius Satellite radio published in Revolver magazine. ANKLA was also invited to be a part of Ozzfest 2007, an event that marked the beginning of a new era in the history of latin metal. "ANKLA mixes all the elements of latin metal in a way that is not contrived or forced, to me this is what latin metal should be", said Jason Bieler, Bieler Bros. CEO. 2008 has found ANKLA writing the material for the second album, one that promises to be a monster and a culmination in the musical quest of Ramon Ortiz. ANKLA