"It's odd to find a group of younger individuals with a rooting in `70s and `80s rock and metal, groups like Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Ozzy [Osbourne], etc." says Chris Finster, engineer on Still Dead's upcoming EP. "Most people of that age group I speak with are big on Lamb Of God, As I Lay Dying and bands of the like."

Looking around the quartet's storage unit/rehearsal hall, Finster's observations are reinforced. Posters of KISS, Pantera and Faith No More watch over the four as they work on material, and CDs from other heroes sit on top of amps. Although the title to one of the group's more popular tracks, "Revelation (Father Dirt)," is a direct homage to Osbourne's classic"Revelation (Mother Earth)," the four point to interests outside of music for the basis of their songwriting.

"There's influences in anything we like -- horror movies, serial killers and bands, of course," says vocalist Tauren Black. "When I write, it's about things I'm intrigued by or things that give me the same feeling or effect I would get if I was watching a horror movie. That same reaction or response is what I would get from listening to this music."

Currently, Black, guitarist J, drummer Kyle Castronovo and bassist Josh Rommell are in the studio finishing up work on their debut EP. Finster defines that material as a "tight neat package of high octane chugga metal with blues rock influence."
It was only a few years ago that Black, J and Rommell first came together under the moniker 12 Gauge. That group evolved into Kill On Sight and established a strong following in the area.
When J grew disinterested in the music the group was writing, he split and began working on material with Castronovo. Black soon followed J's lead and joined the duo. Eventually the two returned to Kill On Sight, and the fledgling project lay dormant.
Last summer, Black left KOS for good and J exited the group soon after. This cleared the way for Still Dead's second chance, and the group filled out its roster by adding a second guitarist and a bassist to the lineup. The group soon learned it didn't need the dual guitar setup and returned to J being the sole guitarist. Later, the band parted ways with its bassist and started looking for a suitable replacement.

Over drinks with former KOS drummer Rommell, J jokingly suggested that his former bandmate should take up bass and join the group. What started as an offhand comment, however, began to take root and Rommell grew excited about the opportunity.

"I went home; hours later at three in the morning, he sent me a text that said, `Dude, I'll totally rock the bass,'" says J.
Solidifying Still Dead's membership has been important because the band has caught the attention of both audiences and booking agents. In just a few short months, the foursome has already opened shows for national acts like God Forbid, Trashlight Vision and Rikets. Next month, the band will get another high profile slot when it shares the stage with American Head Charge and Godhead.