Van, pickup truck, pontoon, UFO, train, rickshaw, submarine, airplane or tour bus – ‘Still Standing’ will use any means necessary to keep touring

Identical twins Justin (Bass/Vocals) and Johnny Santoro (Guitar/Vocals), along with Alex Zarzycki (Drums), are Still Standing. After getting their start in Philly in 1998 they’ve recently moved to L.A. and developed a commercial modern rock sound that still stays true to their punk roots.

Their early work attracted the ears of acclaimed songwriter/producer Marti Frederiksen (who has worked with the likes of Aerosmith, Motley Crue, and Buckcherry) and he soon got on board to help the band record their latest album, “Black and White”.

Q:  There’s really something for every fan of modern rock on this album – hard rock, punk, plenty of catchy hooks – how has your sound evolved over the years?

A: Well, growing and evolving as a band has a lot to do with maturing as well as new inspiration and everyday life. New problems and new beginnings come and go. It’s been the three of us since we were teenagers and we each have our own lives and opinions on music, style and pretty much everything. All of these things play a huge part in our sound evolving through the years.

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Montesa Audio: A great sounding venture by a couple of Brits in Spain

I’ve put together the following mini feature to inform you all of a relatively new studio service based in Montesa near Valencia, Spain -  Montesa Audio. The studio is currently offering an amazing deal in order to get the business started: one full week of recording, complete with accommodation, is just £500, which compares to UK non-residential rates. Just picture yourself working on your latest and greatest material in a beautiful, scenic location in Spain, undoubtedly a very large bonus to rival all other studio experiences.

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CD Review: Orden Ogan “Easton Hope”

When you think of German power metal one band immediately springs to mind. Primal fear.

Well, here may be a band who are about to steal their thunder.

Orden Ogan formed way back in 1996 and released three demo tapes over the next three years, until 2004 when they unleashed their debut album “Testimonium a.d” to very positive feedback from the metal press.

Fast forward to this offering (their third), and it is clear to hear this is a band who have created a unique sound. Fusing huge operatic moments (“Requiem”), with the tried and tested formula of powerful vocals, machine gun drumming, and swathes of harmonious guitars.

Of all the eleven tracks on offer here it really is hard to pick a duffer. After “Rise and Ruin” sets up the album beautifully, “Nobody Leaves” delivers a crushing blow that continues through to the epic “Welcome Liberty”, and does not stop until closer “Of Downfall And Decline”, which is mind blowing to say the very least.

Orden Ogan have created a album that takes you on a journey of discovery. From the gargantuan and operatic vocal melodies to the almost thrash metal outbursts, “Easton Hope” is definitely a journey you do not want to miss.

Aaron Phillips

www.myspace.com/ordenogan