New Blood: Breed 77

Better known for its monolithic limestone and Mediterranean climate, Gibraltar isn't exactly a hotbed of moshing activity. Granted, the mercurial Albert Hammond descends from its sanguine shores but in recent years the island has proved as impervious to the musical mainland as its dramatic landscape is to the elements.

However, in the brooding sound of Latino metal quintet Breed 77 the tides of change are beginning to immerse this colonial isle. Fusing Mexican flamenco with melodic metal, the group have taken the UK by storm with their chugging riffs and visceral vocals.

Formed in 1996, the group was originally monikered 'Breed' but tedious legal requirements prompted a swift alteration to the territorial sounding 'Breed 77'. Quickly establishing themselves as an engaging and experimental live act their energising performances captured the eye of Kerrang readers, who voted them 'Best Unsigned Band' in 1999. The release of 2001's eponymous debut LP was rapturously received by both public and critics. Distancing itself from backwards-looking Nickelback rock of the time, it was an eerily twisted record that culminated in the group being herald 'Best Band' by both Metal Hammer and Kerrang.

Steadily growing in stature, 2004's sophomoric 'Cultura' saw the band adopt a more rhythmically atmospheric approach to song structuring. Aided by Top 40 breakthrough hit The River, its claustrophobic mastery climbed to number three on the UK Rock Album Chart without the benefit of any commercial radio play.

New album 'In My Blood (En mi sangre)' sees the band's chasmal introversion documented by ex-Soundgarden and Tool producer Ron St. Germain. As complex and alluring as before, it's a sparse, desolate record that captures Breed 77 at their most evocative. With it's guttural guitars and warped experimentation 'In My Blood' is set to be one of 2006's most essential metal albums. And in its wake, Breed 77 will prove there's more than one rock to be found in Gibraltar.