THE BEAST

SPILLAGE - Phase Four - (Feat. Bruce Franklin - Trouble) - Reviewed By Saiten Kult ! check it out here at this link: https://www.saitenkult.de/2023/08/11/spillage-phase-four/

Quite traditional what comes out of the speakers here after the long intro of 'Side A:Phase Four'. Hard riffs à la ACCEPT, powerful vocals like Jon Oliva once did, but also a good dose of bombast with the organ, which reminds of DEEP PURPLE. 'Love And Alchemy', the third song, combines all these virtues quite well and lies somewhere between DIO and SAVATAGE, even if singer Elvin Rodriguez doesn't quite reach the big role models.

Chicago's SPILLAGE have been flying the flag of traditional metal for a decade and 'Phase Four' is indeed the band's fourth album. They are not complete traditionalists, they always manage to introduce at least a few of their own original ideas into the historical music cosmos, even if real surprises remain in the minority. However, this usually seems very relaxed and not very strenuous. 'Demon, I' reaches deep into the metallic treasure chest again, can convince with a mighty riff and a good refrain. Even if every now and then I think I've heard it before.

Also 'Rise Of The Machine', again with keyboard interludes, can keep a decent to really strong level. Light Nu Metal elements are rarely integrated. Otherwise the music sounds like the musicians look: experienced and cool. You've been in the music business for a few decades now. The gloomy 'Nothing To See', over six minutes long, comes out of the speakers very sluggishly and vocally reminds one more of good old Jon Oliva. The two final titles are then again more compact and 'The Eleventh Hour' also a bit faster.

TROUBLE legend Bruce Franklin actually produced. And that is quite neat and appropriate to the genre. The rhythm guitars were thankfully given prominence alongside the vocals, as they were during his band's heyday – at least most of the time. Overall, this is a solid to strong release that sits somewhere between the aforementioned Hard Rock and Metal heroes. No more, but definitely no less either.

(7.5 points)

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 '! 

Check out the new video for the song 'Nail Biter' from 'Phase Four'!

Check out this live video of them performing last years Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest!

Check them out on Bandcamp and support!

Follow them on Spotify and add them to your playlists!

Follow the band at these links:

https://www.facebook.com/spillagerocks
https://spillage.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@spillagerocks2290
https://spillage-online.com/