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SPILLAGE - Phase Four - Reviewed By keep-on-rocking! Friday December 1 2023, 3:17 PM

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SPILLAGE - Phase Four - Reviewed By keep-on-rocking ! Check it out https://keep-on-rocking.com/2023/09/17/spillage-phase-four/

In 2013, guitarist Tony Spillman founded Spillage in Chicago, initially as a musical project.At least that's what the press release says.However, EncyclopaediaMetallumlists 2007 as the year it was founded.But the project developed into a stable rock band.Most of the members had known each other since childhood.But no matter when the band was formed, the self-titled debut album was released in 2015.After a live album two years later, the next two were released in 2019 and 2021.And this two-year rhythm was maintained.This year the fourth studio album “Phase Four” was released.

spillage press photo 300dpi“Intro / Phase Four” is an intro and first song in one.Yes, there is something like that too.OK, I could have easily done without the intro part.But after about 50 seconds it starts.Roasting guitars and a Hammond define the song.All in all, a rather quiet song that showcases Elvin Rodriguez's voice well.But then with “Nail Biter” the US boys pick up speed.“Love And Alchemy” is again of the calm variety, with a solemn melody lead.Later, heavy metal riffs can be heard again.And again and again the Hammond, which somehow reminiscent of the mentioned references Ur'ah Heep and Deep Purple, although not quite with their harshness.“Demon, I” follows seamlessly stylistically.Here the organ comes more into the foreground again.With “Rise Of Machines” you also feel like you are traveling back in time to the 80s of the last century.After the mid-tempo riff monster “Nothing To See” (with Bruce Franklin from Trouble as background singer), things get a little again with “The Eleventh Hour”.Mainly thanks to the riffs and drum work.The final song “Again” is very rhythmic and characterized by accentuated drums.Ballad style.

“Phase Four” is a very good album.The sound is rooted in the hard rock of the eighties.Although the heaviness of bands like Deep Purple or Uriah Heep is not quite achieved, the sound is often reminiscent of the aforementioned role models, especially thanks to the ever-present organ passages.The only thing I can't really get used to is the album cover.If you like that hard rock retro sound, you should definitely give Spillage and their albums a listen. keep-on-rocking

Release Date: September 8, 2023

FFO: Uriah Heep, Trouble, Deep Purple

Co- Produced By: Bruce Franklin - (Trouble)

Location: Chicago, USA

In 2013, SPILLAGE was born from a vision of guitarist Tony Spillman. Initially conceived as a musical "project", SPILLAGE developed into a solid riff-rock band, with its roots firmly planted in hard-rock, blues, jazz and other musical influences inherent in its members. SPILLAGE band members have known each other for the most part, since childhood playing in various bands in the Chicago suburbs for nearly 40 years. Tony Spillman had been touring with Earthen Grave for 5 years when Earthen Grave disbanded in 2013. Tony decided to fully focus on bringing his vision to life, creating SPILLAGE with drummer Chris Martins in April 2013. Drawing from songs written by Tony in his younger days, SPILLAGE released their debut album "Spillage" featuring Lothar Keller ( The Skull, Sacred Dawn ) on vocals, Nick Bozidarevic on guitar, Willie Max ( Mudfish ) on bass and featured guest musician Bruce Franklin (Trouble) on guitar and backing vocals on several tracks on the 2015 release. Paul Rau played keyboards on the album but did not tour with the band at that time.

Lothar and Willie left SPILLAGE in 2015 to pursue other musical projects, and Billy McGuffey who was friends with several band members, joined on bass. SPILLAGE was scheduled to play the Maryland Doomfest in 2016, and through connected circles, Tony offered Elvin Rodriguez (a singer from the Philadelphia area) an opportunity to learn their songs and audition for the band. Elvin basically had his audition during the Doomfest, quickly learning their songs prior to taking the stage, and effortlessly performed to a thrilled audience! Needless to say, Elvin became the new singer for SPILLAGE and the band lineup remains unchanged. In January 2019, SPILLAGE released their 2nd album, "Blood of Angels", which was well-received worldwide.

As the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, SPILLAGE continued to forge ahead writing epic new songs for their 3rd album "Electric Exorcist" which showcased a more mature, developed, and collaborative songwriting process while continuing to develop their evolving SPILLAGE style. Despite their plans to tour in Europe being cancelled due to travel restrictions during the pandemic, SPILLAGE successfully released Electric Exorcist in late October 2021 and they hit the ground running, bringing their fun and energetic performances to fans locally at the end of 2021 and made appearances in several US festivals and shows during the summer of 2022. SPILLAGE recorded their performance during RIFF FEST in July 2022, and their new SPILLAGE Live! Digipak became available March 31, 2023 to appease fans until their 4th album is scheduled to be released on September 8, 2023 (CD/Digital formats, Vinyl in Nov 2023) in celebration of ten years of SPILLAGE!

SPILLAGE has weathered decades of changes in the music industry. Diligent, professional, and committed to bringing their unique style of music to their fans, SPILLAGE is a force to be reckoned with, earning accolades and increasing their fanbase worldwide! Blending complex keyboard melodies with tight dual-guitar harmonics, progressive bass lines complimenting heavy hitting drums that set a solid foundation for a distinctive vocal style has secured SPILLAGE in the realm of original, one-of-a-kind music category that defies explanation. The creative and respected bond that the members of SPILLAGE share, catapults them into a level of musical fellowship envied by most, but maintained by few. SPILLAGE fans know, you just can’t stop listening to their music, their catchy riffs and meaningful lyrics will stand the test of time as music that offers something for everyone!

The new album ' Phase Four ' was co produced by Bruce Franklin from the band Trouble and also features Bruce on backing vocals for the track ' Nothing To See '!

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