Californian Metal band ANKLA was founded during 2001 featuring PUYA guitarist Ramón Ortíz alongside the ex-SOULFLY rhythm section of bassist Marcello D. Rapp and drummer Roy Mayorga with PUNCH singer Ikaro Stafford Santana. Membership changes would see both Rapp and Mayorga opting out. The band entered Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles in July 2004 with producer Bob Marlette to cut their debut album. ANKLA signed to Bieler Bros. Records in April 2006, issuing 'Steep Trails' that July.

Bass player Edgar Gonzales opted out for health reasons, having suffered a seizure after the band's set in Mokena, Illinois, and was replaced for concerts in December, supporting SEPULTURA on the 21st in Hollywood and DEVILDRIVER on New Year Eve in Fresno, by the DIVINE EMPIRE and MALEVOLENT CREATION credited John Paul Soars. That same year drummer Aaron Rossi also exited, being superseded by José Clarke Magaña.

The group joined the OZZY OSBOURNE headlined 'Ozzfest' extravaganza for arena dates throughout June and July 2007 across the USA. Eddie Macias took over as frontman from Ikaro Stafford Santana in 2008.