Hubbry Logo
Breed 77Breed 77Main
Open search
Breed 77
Community hub
Breed 77
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Breed 77
Breed 77
from Wikipedia

Breed 77 (pronounced "Breed Seven-Seven") are a Gibraltarian rock band formed in 1996. Their music blended elements of alternative metal, flamenco, and other Latin influences, creating a distinctive sound. The band gained recognition in the early 2000s, releasing several albums and touring extensively. Known for their energetic live performances and their fusion of diverse musical styles, Breed 77 contributed to the nu metal and alternative rock scenes of the era. The band officially disbanded in 2015.

Key Information

Origin

[edit]

Breed 77 comes from the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. Old Gibraltarian school friends Paul Isola, Danny Felice, and Stuart Cavilla met up in London and became informally known as the Gibraltarian Mafia. When, in late April 1996, this circle of friends formed a band, they wanted a name to reflect their joint origins and called themselves simply Breed. The band were forced to change their name because it was previously registered by Steve Hewitt (formerly of Placebo) on his vanity record label. Stuart Cavilla, the band's bass player, had previously worked as a motorcycle courier under the call sign of Kilo 77 or K77, and the band became Breed 77.

Awards

[edit]

In 1998, Kerrang! readers voted Breed 77 the 'Best Unsigned Band'. In 1999, they won both the Metal Hammer and Kerrang! awards for the best new band. Then in 2001 they signed a five-album deal with Albert Productions, the renowned Australian publisher of AC/DC.

Music releases

[edit]

In November 2009, the band self-released their fifth studio album, Insects.[2] This was followed by a re-release of the album in 2010 by German label EarMusic, and the release of a Spanish language version of the album in mainland Europe.

In March 2013, the band released its sixth studio album "The Evil Inside".[3] through Frostbyte Records, following a successful PledgeMusic campaign and the release of 2012 acoustic EP Under The Skin. The first music video from the album, titled "Bring On the Rain", was released on the band's website on 6 March 2013.[4]

The band headlined a UK tour in September 2010, joined by the Defiled and Transgression. The tour was called 'Infesting Britain'.[5]

On 28 August 2013, lead vocalist Paul Isola announced his departure from the band due to personal circumstances, detailing that he would not be participating in the band's upcoming summer tour. He revealed that his replacement would be Rui Lopez, who would be completing the lineup for the four dates and joining the band thereafter.[6]

Members

[edit]

Current lineup

[edit]
  • Paul Isola (Gibraltar) lead vocals, (1996–2013, 2014–2015, 2017, 2021-)
  • Danny Felice (Gibraltar) – guitars, backing vocals (1996–2015, 2017, 2021-)
  • Stuart Cavilla – bass (1996–1999, 2001–2014, 2017, 2024–)
  • Pedro Caparros López (Barcelona, Spain) – guitars, backing vocals (2001–2015, 2017, 2021-)
  • Adam Stanley - drums (2024–)

Former members

[edit]
  • Lawrence Bautista – drums (1996–1997)
  • Nick Beesley – drums (1997–1998)
  • Charlie Gomez – bass (1999–2000)
  • Dan Wilkinson – bass (2000)
  • Peter Chichone – drums and other percussion (1998–2006)
  • Adam Lewis – drums and other percussion (2006–2007)
  • Óscar Preciado Zamora – drums and other percussion (2007–2010, 2017 (one-off))
  • Rui Lopez (Lisbon, Portugal) – lead vocals (2013–2014)
  • Ben Edis (Nottingham, England) – bass (2014–2015)
  • Andre Joyzi (Lisbon, Portugal) – drums and percussion (2010–2015)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
[7]
UK
Rock

[8]
UK
Indie

[9]
SCO
[10]
Breed 77
  • Released: 1 December 2000
    4 April 2005 (reissue)
  • Label: Infernal Records (GB JAS UK 01)
  • Formats: CD, DL
Cultura 61 3 5 61
In My Blood (En Mi Sangre)
  • Released: 11 September 2006
  • Label: Albert Productions (JASCDUK031P)
  • Formats: CD, DL
112 9 8
Un Encuentro
  • Released: 7 May 2007
  • Label: Albert Productions (JASCDUK039)
  • Formats: CD, DL
29 34
Insects
  • Released: 16 November 2009
  • Label: LaRocka Records(LAROCCD002)
  • Formats: CD, DL
27 31
The Evil Inside
  • Released: 25 March 2013
  • Label: FrostByte Media Inc.(FRB-CD-120)
  • Formats: CD, DL

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
UK
[11]
UK
Rock

[12]
UK
Indie

[13]
SCO
[14]
"Karma" 2001 Breed 77
"La Ultima Hora" 2003 88 10 17 Cultura
"The River" 2004 39 6 45
"World's on Fire" 43 1 3 42
"Shadows" 2005 42 3 13 47 Breed 77
"Alive" 2006 91 6 11 57 In My Blood (En Mi Sangre)
"Blind"
"Look at Me Now" 2007
"El Mundo en Llamas" 2008 Un Encuentro
"El Rio"
"Wake Up" 2009 Insects
"Zombie"
"Drown" 2013 The Evil Inside
"Bring on the Rain"
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

EPs

[edit]
  • The Message (1998)
  • Vol. 1 (1999)
  • La Última Hora (2003)
  • Shadows (2005)
  • Under the Skin (2012)

Music videos

[edit]
  • "Karma" (2001)
  • "La Última Hora" (2003)
  • "The River" (2004)
  • "World's on Fire" (2005)
  • "Shadows" (2005)
  • "Blind" (2006)
  • "El Mundo en Llamas" (2008)
  • "El Rio" (2008)
  • "Wake Up" (2009)
  • "Zombie" (2010)
  • "Bring On the Rain" (2013)
  • "Fear" (2013)
  • "A Matter Of Time (Acoustic)" (2021)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Breed 77 is a British originating from , renowned for their distinctive fusion of and elements, often incorporating Mediterranean rhythms and bilingual lyrics in English and Spanish. Formed in April 1996 in by school friends Paul Isola (vocals), Danny Felice (guitar), and Stuart Cavilla (bass), the band initially operated under the name Breed before renaming to Breed 77 to avoid a conflict with another group, drawing inspiration from Cavilla's courier callsign "Kilo 77." Early recognition came swiftly, with awards including Kerrang!'s Best Unsigned Band in 1998 and accolades for Best New Band from both and Kerrang! in 1999. Signed to in 2001, they released their self-titled debut album in 2001, followed by Cultura (2004), which achieved international chart success, In My Blood (En Mi Sangre) (2006), Insects (2009), and The Evil Inside (2013). The band's live performances propelled them to prominence, supporting major acts such as , Korn, Metallica, , and The Melvins, while headlining tours across the , , Japan, Mexico, and Australia, and appearing at festivals like , Rock am Ring, and Wacken. After the release of The Evil Inside, original vocalist Paul Isola departed in 2013, leading to a decade-long hiatus, during which the band temporarily replaced him with Rui Lopes. In , Breed 77 reunited with Isola on vocals, alongside Felice and Cavilla, joined by Pedro Caparros and Adam Stanley, marking their return with the single "End of the Line" and subsequent releases "Outside" and "Just ." They completed sold-out headline tours in May and November with support from acts like Red Method and Seething Akira, performed at in August 2025 and other festivals, with their seventh studio slated for release in 2026.

History

Formation and early years

Breed 77 was formed in late April 1996 in by Paul Isola on vocals, Danny Felice on guitar, and Stuart Cavilla on bass, who were old school friends from that had relocated to the . The trio, informally known as the "Gibraltarian Mafia" due to their shared heritage, initially named the band Breed to reflect their joint origins. Shortly after formation, they were forced to rename themselves Breed 77 after discovering that "Breed" had already been registered by , drummer of , for his vanity record label, choosing '77' from Cavilla's motorcycle courier callsign 'Kilo 77'. The band quickly recruited Lawrence Bautista as their initial drummer, who played from 1996 to 1997, allowing them to begin intensive rehearsals and perform early local gigs in and back in . These grassroots performances helped solidify their sound, blending with flamenco influences drawn from their cultural roots, while they operated as an unsigned act throughout the late . Self-financed and determined, Breed 77 built a dedicated local following through persistent shows and word-of-mouth buzz in the underground scene, honing their high-energy live sets without major label support. Their breakthrough as an unsigned band came in 1998 when Kerrang! magazine readers voted them the Best Unsigned Band in a highly competitive poll, marking their first significant national exposure and validating years of hard work in the rock circuit. This win propelled them onto small tours across the , , , and , setting the stage for their professional signing in 2001.

Rise to prominence

Breed 77's visibility surged in the late through industry recognition as an emerging talent in the UK rock scene. In 1998, Kerrang! readers voted them the Best Unsigned Band, highlighting their potential amid a growing underground following. This momentum carried into 1999, when the band won Best New Band awards from both Kerrang! and , accolades that significantly boosted their profile and attracted label interest by affirming their innovative fusion of metal and flamenco elements. Building on the buzz from their demos and these honors, Breed 77 secured a pivotal five-album deal with in 2001, the renowned Australian label associated with . The signing marked their transition from independent status to commercial backing, enabling wider distribution and professional support. Their self-titled debut album, initially released as a limited edition of 1,000 copies on Infernal Records on 1 December 2000, captured their raw energy with tracks blending aggressive riffs and rhythmic flair. Re-released on in 2002 to meet demand, the album was produced by the band themselves in collaboration with engineer Mike Marsh at The Exchange in , resulting in a polished yet intense sound that resonated with nu-metal enthusiasts. Critics praised its dynamic production and emotional depth, describing it as a rapturous entry that distanced the band from genre clichés while earning strong public acclaim. The album's tracks, particularly "Shadows" and "Switch," secured airplay on UK rock radio stations like 1's rock shows, helping to propel the band into the mainstream nu-metal circuit. These singles showcased their melodic hooks and flamenco-infused guitar work, drawing comparisons to acts like while establishing a distinct identity. To capitalize on this exposure, Breed 77 embarked on extensive early tours, supporting larger nu-metal outfits such as and across Europe, which solidified their live reputation for high-energy performances. Their international reach expanded with initial forays into , where they built a dedicated fanbase through club shows and festival appearances, laying the groundwork for broader global appeal in the early .

Later career and hiatus

Following the success of their earlier albums, Breed 77 released their third studio album, Cultura, in May 2004 through . The record incorporated more pronounced elements alongside their nu-metal foundations, reflecting the band's Gibraltarian heritage. Two years later, in September 2006, they issued In My Blood (En Mi Sangre), also on , produced by and featuring bilingual tracks that deepened their fusion of heavy riffs and Latin influences. By 2009, the band had transitioned to LaRocka Records, releasing in November as what was described as a self-financed effort amid shifting industry dynamics. This album marked a heavier turn, with tracks like the title song delivering straightforward metal aggression and reduced emphasis on melodic interludes compared to prior works. Lineup stability faced strain during this period, though the core members persisted through UK headline tours supporting the release. In 2013, Breed 77 signed with FrostByte Media Inc. for their sixth , The Evil Inside, released in March, which blended detuned riffs with vibrant melodies while exploring themes of inner conflict. The band promoted it with a headline tour starting that month, alongside European dates, including support slots with acts like . However, in August 2013, founding vocalist Paul Isola announced his departure due to personal circumstances, leading to temporary lineup adjustments with replacement singer Rui Lopes for subsequent shows. These developments culminated in mounting challenges, including label shifts and internal changes, contributing to declining momentum. In summer , following a 10th-anniversary tour for Cultura, announced an indefinite hiatus to pursue projects. A brief one-off reunion occurred in for Gibraltar's Tercentenary celebrations, performing for thousands before the group entered dormancy.

Reformation and recent activities

In February 2021, Breed 77 announced their reformation during the lockdown, with Paul Isola (vocals) and Danny Felice (guitar) reuniting to resume music creation after years of hiatus. The band cited a renewed passion for their flamenco-metal fusion sound as the driving force, marking the start of virtual collaborations and content production while live performances were postponed due to the . The lineup evolved in 2024 with the addition of drummer Adam Stanley for live and recording duties, followed by the return of Stuart Cavilla, restoring a classic configuration. This refreshed ensemble released their first new material in nearly a decade, beginning with the single "End of the Line" on March 7, 2024, a socially critical track blending aggressive riffs and elements. They followed with "Outside" on May 27, 2024, an anthemic piece emphasizing catchy hooks and rhythmic intensity, followed by "Just Act Like You Know" on 25 October 2024, signaling a return to their signature style. In August 2024, Breed 77 announced their seventh studio album, titled Seven, slated for independent release in 2026, with the band handling production to maintain creative control. Live activities ramped up that year, including a headline UK tour in November featuring dates in Glasgow, Sheffield, Manchester, and other cities, alongside support from Red Method. Festival appearances included Z! Live Rock Fest in June and Uprising Festival in May, with further shows at Sun and Thunder Festival in July 2025 and Bloodstock Open Air in August 2025. Looking ahead, the band confirmed a performance at Uprising Festival in 2026, underscoring their commitment to ongoing tours and new material.

Musical style and influences

Genres and characteristics

Breed 77's music is primarily classified as and , incorporating a distinctive fusion of techniques and Latin rhythms that set them apart from contemporaries. Their sound features aggressive, chugging riffs and tribal percussion elements drawn from Gibraltar's multicultural heritage, blending heavy rock aggression with Mediterranean folk influences. Key sonic characteristics include dual guitar leads performed by Danny Felice and Pedro Caparros, which create harmonized, intricate layers often evoking strumming patterns, as heard in tracks like "." The band frequently incorporates Spanish-language lyrics, such as in "La Ultima Hora," adding emotional depth and cultural authenticity to their bilingual songwriting. Acoustic elements, including nylon-string guitars and percussive rhythms inspired by traditions, provide dynamic contrasts to their heavier sections, enhancing live performances with rhythmic intensity. Over their career, Breed 77's style evolved from the heavy, riff-driven of their early self-titled and Cultura (2004), characterized by downtuned guitars and rap-inflected verses, to a more melodic approach in later releases like The Evil Inside (2013). This shift emphasized soaring choruses, acoustic interludes, and reduced reliance on tropes, allowing greater exploration of their flamenco-rooted melodies while maintaining core aggressive energy.

Key influences and evolution

Breed 77's musical influences encompass a diverse range of styles, rooted in both global rock traditions and regional cultural elements. The band draws heavily from guitarists like , whose intricate techniques inform their rhythmic complexity and melodic flair. acts such as Led Zeppelin, , and shaped their foundational hard rock structures, while Spanish progressive rock bands like Triana contributed to the fusion of Mediterranean folk elements. Additionally, nu-metal's aggressive energy and groove-oriented riffs from the late 1990s scene influenced their early sound, blending with rhythms to create a hybrid intensity. Their heritage profoundly impacts this fusion, infusing the music with Andalusian traditions and North African motifs due to the territory's proximity to southern and . This cultural crossroads manifests in bilingual lyrics—mixing English and Spanish—and thematic motifs reflecting identity and heritage, as seen in tracks with Spanish phrasing or full verses. Lyrically, Breed 77 explores social issues like , , and , alongside personal struggles with anger and disillusionment. Their themes often convey cynicism toward societal structures, portraying individuals as insignificant "insects" in hierarchical systems dominated by politicians and corporations. For instance, the 2024 single "End of the Line" delivers a damning of eroded , , and in modern society, emphasizing defiance amid personal and collective turmoil. The band's sound has evolved significantly across decades. In the 2000s, their music captured raw, high-energy nu-metal aggression tempered by flourishes, evident in debut efforts that prioritized live dynamism and groove. By the , they shifted toward experimental fusions, moving beyond nu-metal roots to darker, angrier tones influenced by global tours and economic unrest, incorporating broader progressive and folk elements for a more introspective edge. Their 2024 reformation brings a refreshed hybrid, blending refined flamenco-metal with evolved riff-heavy structures that highlight maturity and renewed vigor in singles like "End of the Line," "Outside," and "Just Act Like You Know."

Band members

Current lineup

The current lineup of Breed 77, as of 2025, consists of five core members who have been central to the band's and recent activities. Paul Isola serves as lead vocals. A native of , Isola co-founded the band in 1996 and has been its primary frontman through various periods, including the ongoing phase since the 2024 reformation. Danny Felice handles guitars and backing vocals. Also originating from , Felice is a founding member from 1996 and has contributed to the band's songwriting and live performances consistently since the 2024 reformation. Pedro Caparros López plays guitars and provides backing vocals. Hailing from , , he joined in 2002, bringing influences to the band's sound, and has been active since the 2024 reformation. Stuart Cavilla performs on bass. A native and co-founder from 1996, Cavilla is active since the 2024 reformation following the band's hiatus. Adam Stanley rounds out on , having joined in 2024 from his prior work with The Mariana Hollow. This configuration performed on Breed 77's November 2024 UK headline tour and is set to appear at in August 2025.

Former members

Breed 77 has seen numerous lineup changes throughout its history, particularly in the rhythm section, with multiple drummers and bassists contributing during different periods. Lawrence Bautista served as the band's drummer from 1996 to 1997 during its formation years. Nick Beesley (also listed as Nick Beefly in some sources) played drums from 1997 to 1998. Charlie Gomez handled bass duties from 1999 to 2000. briefly played bass in 2000. Pete Chichone (also known as Peter Chichon) was the drummer and percussionist from 1998 to 2006, contributing to several early albums including the self-titled debut and Cultura. Adam Lewis joined as drummer and percussionist from 2006 to 2007. Óscar Preciado Zamora performed on drums and percussion from 2007 to 2010. Andre Joyzi was the band's drummer from approximately 2010 to 2015, supporting tours and recordings during the mid-2010s. Rui Lopez served as lead vocalist from 2013 to 2014, stepping in as a temporary replacement for Paul Isola following Isola's departure due to personal circumstances announced on August 28, 2013. Lopez's tenure included live performances on the band's summer tour that year. Ben Edis played bass from 2014 to 2015 during a transitional period.

Membership timeline

Breed 77's lineup has evolved significantly since its formation, with periods of stability punctuated by key departures and additions driven by touring commitments and personal circumstances. The band's core has consistently revolved around founding members Paul Isola, Danny Felice, and Stuart Cavilla, though vocal and drumming roles have seen the most flux. The following table outlines the major membership changes chronologically:
YearKey Changes
1996Band formed in London by Paul Isola (lead vocals), Danny Felice (guitars, backing vocals), and Stuart Cavilla (bass). Early drummers included Lawrence Bautista (1996–1997) and Nick Beesley (1997–1998), though specific credits for initial demos remain undocumented in primary releases.
2002Pedro Caparros López joins as second guitarist and backing vocalist, establishing the core quartet of Isola, Felice, Caparros López, and Cavilla that remained stable through 2013, supported by rotating drummers such as Pete Chichone (on the 2002 self-titled debut and 2004's Cultura) and Óscar Preciado Zamora (2007–2010).
2010Andre Joyzi joins on drums and percussion, filling the role amid increased touring demands following the self-released Insects album.
2013Paul Isola departs as lead vocalist due to personal reasons after the release of The Evil Inside, with his final show on September 10; Rui Lopez joins as lead vocalist, completing dates and integrating into the lineup.
2014Rui Lopez exits; Paul Isola briefly returns for select performances, including anniversary shows for Cultura, before stepping away again.
2015Band enters hiatus following summer tours, effectively disbanding the active lineup of Felice, Caparros López, Cavilla, Joyzi, and temporary vocal support.
2021Band announced intention to reform via acoustic single "A Matter of Time."
2024Full reformation reuniting core quartet of Paul Isola (lead vocals), Danny Felice (guitars), Pedro Caparros López (guitars), and Stuart Cavilla (bass), with Adam Stanley joining as drummer for new single "End of the Line" and subsequent tours.

Discography

Studio albums

Breed 77's debut studio album, titled Breed 77, was initially released on 1 2000 through Infernal Records as a limited edition CD in the UK, with a wider release following on 26 November 2001 via Infernal Records, and a reissue in 2005 via . Produced and engineered by Paul Hoare, the 12-track album runs for approximately 49 minutes and features a fusion of and elements, with key tracks including "Shadows," "Rise," and "Karma." Available in CD and digital formats, it marked the band's introduction of their bilingual approach, incorporating Spanish influences reflective of their Gibraltarian roots. The second album, Cultura, arrived on 3 May 2004 via , peaking at number 61 on the and number 3 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. Co-produced by Paul Hoare, Paul Isola, Danny Felice, Pedro Caparros, and Guillermo Maya, the 11-track effort emphasizes work alongside heavy riffs, clocking in at about 46 minutes; notable songs include "La Última Hora" and "The River." Released primarily on with some vinyl editions, it highlighted the band's evolving cultural blend. In My Blood (En Mi Sangre), the third studio album, was released internationally on 11 September 2006 through (UK) and La Rocka Records in some markets, peaking at number 9 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart, representing a shift toward more melodic structures within their metal framework. Produced by —known for his work with and Tool—the 12-track album lasts around 48 minutes and includes bilingual tracks like "Alive" and "Look at Me Now," available on CD and digital formats. The band's fourth album, , emerged on 16 November 2009 as a self-released effort through La Rocka Records, peaking at number 27 on the Rock & Metal Albums Chart, incorporating experimental electronic and atmospheric elements into their signature sound. Co-produced by the band and Guillermo Maya, with mastering by Ryan Smith, the 11-track release spans 45 minutes and features songs such as "" and "Falling," distributed in CD and digital formats. The Evil Inside, released on 4 March 2013 via FrostByte Media as the fifth studio album, served as the band's final full-length before their hiatus, exploring darker, introspective themes with a brooding intensity. Self-produced by the band, the 11-track album runs for 48 minutes, including tracks like "Drown," "Bring On The Rain," and the title song, issued in CD digipak and digital editions. In 2024, Breed 77 announced their seventh studio album, titled Seven, slated for release in late or through an independent label, promising a return to their flamenco-metal fusion with modern production. Teaser singles "End of the Line" (March 2024), "Outside," and "Just " (November 2024) preview the album's style, expected in digital and physical formats including CD.

Singles

Breed 77 released their debut single "Karma" in 2001 through their independent , marking the band's entry into the rock scene with a blend of influences and heavy riffs. This was followed by a series of singles primarily through , many of which achieved modest chart success in the UK. The band's singles often featured bilingual versions in English and Spanish, reflecting their Gibraltarian roots, and were typically issued in CD and digital formats. B-sides frequently included acoustic or demo versions of tracks, enhancing the flamenco-metal fusion. Later singles from the mid-2000s, such as those from the album In My Blood (En Mi Sangre), continued this tradition, with digital releases becoming more prominent. After a hiatus, the band reformed and issued new material in 2024, focusing on digital distribution. The following table lists the band's key singles, including release years, UK chart peaks where applicable, labels, formats, and notable B-sides.
TitleRelease YearUK Chart PeakLabelFormatNotable B-Sides/Notes
Karma2001-IndependentCDDebut single; associated with self-titled album.
La Ultima Hora200388CD, EnhancedBilingual (English/Spanish); B-sides: "Calling Out" (demo), "Floods", "Floods" (live).
The River200439CDB-sides: "Switch" (acoustic), "Found" (demo).
World's on Fire200443CDFrom Cultura; bilingual version available.
Shadows200542CDFlamenco version included; B-sides: "Breaking the Silence" ().
Alive200691 (UK Singles), 6 (Rock)CD, Vinyl, DigitalFrom In My Blood (En Mi Sangre); high energy track with live B-side options in some editions.
Blind2006-Digital, CDr (promo)Download-only initial release; from In My Blood (En Mi Sangre).
Look at Me Now2007-DigitalFinal single from In My Blood era; includes remix B-side.
Wake Up2009-Self-releasedCDr (promo)Promotional single ahead of Insects.
End of the Line2024-Self-releasedDigitalPost-reformation release; themes of loyalty and trust.
Outside2024-Self-releasedDigitalFollow-up single emphasizing the band's return.
Just Act Like You Know2024-Self-releasedDigitalLatest single, highlighting ongoing evolution.

EPs

Breed 77 released several extended plays throughout their , primarily in their early years to build a following and later as promotional or special releases. These EPs often featured a mix of original tracks, demos, and alternative versions, showcasing the band's flamenco-infused sound while serving as bridges between full-length albums or fan exclusives. The band's initial EPs were self-financed or through small labels, reflecting their independent start before major deals. The band's first EP, The Message, was released in 1998 on Household Name Records as a three-track effort recorded at Ripley Studios. It marked Breed 77's debut official release, aimed at establishing their presence in the UK rock scene after forming in 1996. The EP highlighted aggressive nu-metal riffs blended with Spanish influences, helping secure attention from magazines like Kerrang!. Tracklist:
  • "The Message" – 4:03
  • "Downer" – 4:14
  • "A Choice Has Got To Be Made" – 4:22
Following quickly, Vol. 1 arrived in 1999 via Org Records, a four-track EP that expanded on the demo-like rawness of their prior work. Self-produced with engineering by and Nick Smith, it served as a promotional tool to attract label interest and live bookings, featuring longer, more experimental compositions. The EP's release coincided with the band winning Kerrang! and awards for best new band. Tracklist:
  • "Karma" – 4:54
  • "Zero" – 5:26
  • "Rise" – 4:54
  • "Valium" – 7:14
In 2003, La Última Hora was issued as a three-track enhanced CD single on Albert Productions, functioning as a promotional EP ahead of the Cultura album. It included bilingual elements reflective of the band's Gibraltarian roots, with a video for the title track to boost radio play and tour visibility. The release emphasized the band's evolving flamenco-metal fusion, bridging their debut era to more polished productions. Tracklist:
  • "La Ultima Hora (The Final Hour)"
  • "The Hole"
  • "Final Prayer (Spanish Version)"
    (Plus enhanced video content)
Shadows, released in 2005 on , served as a four-track enhanced single/EP promoting the reissue of their self-titled debut . It featured remixes and new mixes tailored for radio and international markets, including a Latin-infused version to appeal to broader audiences. This EP underscored the band's commercial push during their mid-2000s peak, with tracks like the extended "Mayhem Mix" highlighting heavier production. Tracklist:
  • "Shadows (Sombras Latinas Mix)"
  • "Shadows (Extended Mayhem Mix)"
  • "A Matter of Time (Metal Mix 2005)"
    (Plus enhanced video for "Shadows")
The acoustic-focused Under the Skin emerged in as an eight-track exclusive via a campaign, blending studio-recorded acoustic reinterpretations of classic songs with some live elements to reconnect with fans during a hiatus period. Self-released digitally, it provided a stripped-down look at the band's catalog, emphasizing melodic and aspects without heavy distortion, and acted as a precursor to their later comeback efforts. Specific tracklist details remain limited due to its exclusive nature, but it included reimagined versions of earlier hits like "The River" and "Blind." Additional promotional EPs appeared in Japanese editions of albums like In My Blood (En Mi Sangre) (2006), featuring bonus tracks and remixes not available elsewhere, tailored for the Asian market to expand international reach. These variants often included live recordings or demos, reinforcing the band's global appeal without standalone retail release.

Music videos

Breed 77's music videos serve as visual extensions of their flamenco-metal sound, often emphasizing intense performances, cultural motifs, and contemporary social themes. Early videos were promoted through MTV rotations, helping establish the band's presence in the alternative metal scene during the early 2000s. Later releases, particularly from 2024 onward, have been self-produced and uploaded to the band's official YouTube channel, reflecting a DIY approach amid their resurgence. The 2003 video for "La Ultima Hora," included as an enhanced track on the single's CD release, was a key promotional piece for the album Cultura. It aired on and is now accessible on . The video for "End of the Line," released on March 7, 2024, marks the band's return after a hiatus and features themes critiquing modern society. Directed, produced, and edited by vocalist Paul Isola and shot by Joey Ferro, it premiered on , where it has received tens of thousands of views. The video's narrative underscores the song's cynical lyrics about division and disconnection. In May 2024, the band released the video for "Outside," a foot-stomping video that uses A.I.-generated art by artist Carlos Del Corral to create vivid, otherworldly visuals complementing the track's uplifting yet urgent tone. Produced by , it was uploaded to and promotes themes of from isolation. The most recent video, for "Just ," debuted on November 18, 2024, produced by and edited by Paul Isola. It addresses the chaos of contemporary life through dynamic performance shots and abstract imagery, available exclusively on as part of the band's ongoing single releases. No awards have been reported for these videos, but they have contributed to Breed 77's renewed online engagement. Earlier videos, such as "" from 2010, follow a similar performance-driven style and are compiled in the band's official playlist, which serves as the primary archive for their visual .

Recognition

Awards and nominations

Breed 77 garnered significant early recognition in the UK and metal scene through reader-voted awards from leading publications, which helped propel their transition from unsigned status to a major label signing. In 1998, the band was voted Best Unsigned Band by Kerrang! readers, highlighting their potential amid a competitive field of emerging acts. The following year, in 1999, Breed 77 won the Kerrang! Best New Band award at the annual ceremony held in , where band members were photographed accepting the honor. They also received the Best New Band accolade in 1999 via a readers' poll, further validating their fusion of and influences. In 2006, the band was nominated for Metal Hammer's Best British Act. These wins and nominations marked key points of formal industry recognition, providing crucial exposure and momentum that contributed to their five-album deal with in 2001.

Tours and live performances

In the early , Breed 77 gained exposure through support slots on major tours across and the , sharing stages with prominent acts in the nu-metal and scenes. Notably, they served as support for Machine Head's "Through the Ashes of Tour" in late 2003, alongside bands like and Kill II This. They also performed alongside Korn, , , The , and during various shows and festivals, including appearances at in 2004, 2005, and 2006. These opportunities helped build their live reputation for high-energy performances blending flamenco influences with heavy riffs. Following the release of their second album Cultura in May 2004, Breed 77 embarked on headline tours in the UK and to promote the record, marking a significant step in their career as they transitioned from support acts to leading their own shows. The band played key venues such as Rock City in on October 16, 2004, and conducted a series of dates that extended into 2005, capitalizing on the album's chart success to draw larger crowds. This period solidified their presence in the rock circuit, with tours emphasizing tracks like "" and "World's Apart" as live staples. After entering a hiatus in 2013, Breed 77 reunited for a one-off performance on September 10, 2017, at Casemates Square in as part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum, drawing thousands of attendees and reigniting interest in the band. The show featured a mix of their catalog hits and served as an emotional homecoming event. In , following their full , Breed 77 launched a headline tour in , supported by Red Method, to mark their return to the stage. The seven-date run included stops at Slay in on November 15, Underground in Stoke on November 17, Corporation in on November 16, Star and Garter in on November 19, Nightrain in on November 20, The Castle & Falcon in Birmingham on November 21, and The Victoria in on November 22, with an additional London show at The on May 29 as part of earlier reformation activity. Earlier that year, they also performed at Uprising Festival in on May 25. The band's live momentum continued into 2025 with festival appearances, including a slot on the Sophie Lancaster Stage at on August 9 at Catton Park, . They also headlined at Sun & Thunder Festival on July 17 in , . Looking ahead, Breed 77 is scheduled for Uprising 2026 in , further extending their post-reformation touring schedule.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.