Once considered to be mainstays of the British underground metal scene, last years excellent ‘In My Blood’ saw Breed 77 go from strength to strength with success in countries such as Germany and the USA. ‘Un Encuentro’ (‘An Encounter’ )is not a traditional follow-up but eleven tracks all taken from previous albums that have been re-recorded and are now sung entirely in Spanish as the band go back to their roots.

The album kicks off in the same way as ‘In My Blood’ with the flamenco metal flourishes of ‘Petroleo’ and this one doesn’t really sound all that different from the original. But there are a number of moments here that have taken on a whole new life by being delivered in this way, notably the melodic metal ballad ‘El Rio’ (Top 40 hit ‘The River’ from 2004’s ‘Cultura’) which seems to have become even more atmospheric and emotional than the original. Another track to benefit in this way is ‘Quiero Vivir’ ( literally translated as ‘I Want To Live’ this is in fact ‘Alive’ from ‘In My Blood’ ) with Paul Isola’s vocal sounding even more eerie and powerful in his native tongue. ‘La Ultima Hora’ is still haunting and quick paced and the strong presence of the traditional influences conjure up images of being at a Mexican festival.

There are a couple of songs chosen from their self-titled debut release from 2001, ‘Diluvio’ (‘Deluge’, hence ‘Floods’) and ‘Sombras’ (‘Shadows’) that, if anything, show just how far this band have developed since that time in terms of actual song writing and structure. Whilst perfectly listenable they lack some of the maturity and spark of their more recent work.

A fascinating and inspired release from a band with huge potential and all credit to them for having the vision and determination to ensure it saw the light of day. It might be harder for some of us to sing along with but ‘Un Encuentro’ with this CD Breed 77 have proven once again that they are not afraid to push the boundaries of melodic metal music.

Breed 77 are on a club tour of the UK throughout April and have just released a third single from ’In My Blood’, the classy power ballad ‘Look At Me Now’. ‘Un Encuentro’ is issued on May 7^th.