Mike Fillius Volume 1

1. The Nomad 5:03

2. Halls to Hell 3:51

3. Pipeline 4:50

4. Trespassing 4:23

5. Diminished 5:25

6. Bad Wiring 4:02

7. Down to Dirt 4:00

8. Spillway Jam 6:20

9. Saturn Return 5:51

10. In the Past 5:30

MUSICIANS AND PRODUCTION CREDITS FOR VOLUME 1 Recorded and Mixed at Soundtrack NY Musicians: Guitar - Mike Fillius Bass - Randy Gromley, Mike Fillius Drums - Lance Justis, Rich Berends RECORDING ENGINEERS: Guitar - Mike Fillius Bass - Steve Sola, Mike Fillius Drums - Steve Sola, Bill Berends Produced by - Mike Fillius Mixed by - Bill Kovatch, Mike Fillius Mastered by - Dominick Barbera Executive Producer John Khiel All songs written and arranged by Mike Fillius except "Pipeline" The Chantay's 1963 hit song"Pipeline." Dot Records obtained "Pipeline" by the Chantays (spelled "Chantay's" on the label) and released it nationally.It rode the wave to #4, prompting Dot to re-release the Chantays' Downey 1002 album. The Chantays were from Santa Ana, California, and included Bob Spickard on lead guitar, Brian Carmen on rhythm guitar, Rob Marshall on piano, Warren Walters on bass, and drummer Bob Welch. Spickard and Carmen had originally titled the song "44 Magnum," but renamed it after seeing a surfing film in 1962. After Dot obtained the single, they put on a PR press, and arranged for the group to appear on the Lawrence Welk television show. In 1966, the song became popular again, making top-10 in some cities like Chicago. Dot issued a second album by the Chantays that year called Two Sides of the Chantays, which featured one instrumental side and one vocal side. The Chantay's formed in Southern California in 1962. The following year, they came out with the hit instrumental "Pipeline." Originally released as a b-side to a vocal track, "Pipeline" became one of the most well known and covered surf instrumentals of all time. Although they didn't have any other great hits as well known as "Pipeline," the Chantay's came out with two albums. "Pipeline" (1963) was their first album, and "Two Sides Of The Chantays" was their last album.		Track by Track Review from www.theshredzone.com by Nick Martinelli
		Track one "The Nomad" is dark sounding number that blends many aspects of guitar playing in it. You'll soon hear his fusion influences come to the forefront in this track. The main melody line is melodic and eerie at the same time. I dug the speedy shred fest starting at 02:08, its a neo-classical sounding run that I literally had to rewind a few times to figure out what he was doing. After that, Mike hits you with a super clean arpeggio movement, it will for sure rip the skin off your back. Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Randy Gromley Drums Lance Justis
		"Halls to Hell" track two opens with a huge and evil sounding guitar riff, and that guitar riff really puts the title into perspective. Then after that, Mike backs off and brings in some nice melody lines. His playing is super clean throughout this track and I liked that he tossed in lots of rhythm guitar work in the song. Along with that, the lead spurts that start at 01:38 just rock, they're well written and played. This song displays the darker side of his guitar playing. Mike is a player that will defiantly leave you thinking: "what did he just do?" Also, pay attention to some of his clean playing near the end portion of the song. I loved his use of melody in the rhythm playing in that section. Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Randy Gromley Drums Lance Justis
		Song three "Pipeline" is one of the coolest songs on the cd. It really stands out, and after the opening line you'll know why. "Pipeline" is a total surf induced shred fest. Yes I said surf! Lookout Dick Dale, because here comes Mike Fillius. This song has lots of life and feel to it. I can just see myself surfing with the big kahuna in Hawaii, riding a gnarly wave dude! This tune gets an A+ in my book, it has great melody lines, and I also became of fan of surf guitar playing after hearing this number. The leads really fit the whole atmosphere of the tune as well. I suggest putting your player on loop a few hundred times. Remember to keep your ears peeled throughout the track for his great licks and speedy tricks. Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Mike Fillius Drums Rich Berends
		"Trespassing" track four opens with a massive guitar line that has that industrial machine type vibe to it. this song has some of the weirdest melodies I've ever heard. Check out the killer riffing at 01:44, Mike has his heavy metal rhythm chops fine tuned for sure. It took me a few listens to pickup all Mike's playing styles in this song as well. Lastly, don't forget to listen closely for some wild and interesting lead playing during the track. Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Randy Gromley Drums Lance Justis
		"Diminished" track five opens with a clean descending rhythm movement that falls into a dark and trans like state. This song has lots to it and I think you'll find it very interesting to listen to. Fillius's leads are tight and super clean. That's one thing you'll hear in every track. Mike's playing is well practiced and fine tuned. He comes across as being well versed in music and also guitar playing. Mike's style ranges hop around a lot throughout this record, which is a major plus. He doesn't drown you with he same licks every song. Mike tips on the boarders of good and evil in this song, and I think the evil prevails in this fight. The leads are very minor feeling and keep your ears open for diminished spots. Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Randy Gromley Drums Lance Justis
		Song six "Bad Wiring" is another one of my favorite songs from the cd. It opens with a huge sounding lead line. Mike elects to go more happier sounding for this one. It really stands out from the darker sounding tracks on the cd. I loved the main melody line, its really catchy and upbeat. During your listen check out how Fillius used the WAH pedal as an accent to his leads. It wasn't overdone at all. The presence of the WAH WAH effect added a new flavor to Mike's guitar tone. This song is well put together and performed. Even the drum playing had a positive effect on this songs atmosphere, they kept an upbeat feeling. "Bad Wiring" really captures the essence of instrumental guitar playing. Fillius covered all grounds and totally kept my attention. As a fan of instrumental guitar driven music songs like this keep me buying the records. This song could easily give Satch a run for his money. Its great to see that new guitarists have refreshing styles and flare that keep coming out of the wood work. Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Mike Fillius Drums Rich Berends
		"Down to Dirt" track seven, is a heavy jam number that pounds through with some down and dirty guitar playing. Mike's guitar playing lays the smack down without a doubt I liked the voiceovers he added in also. The leads are really energetic as well. Listen closely for his wild use of the tremelo. This song defiantly has a statement to make. And that statement is "Guitar riffing isn't dead!" Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Randy Gromley Drums Lance Justis
		Song eight "Spillway Jam" is a total all out blues jam. Mike displays yet another side of his playing spectrum. Fillius has a wide arsenal of licks and this song brings out his pentatonic chops. The leads in this song are way laid back, and he creates a great mood with them. Mike's guitar tone also contributes to the overall feeling of the song. Its a very clean, and crisp. Even the overdrive isn't over saturated. Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Mike Fillius Drums Rich Berends
		"Saturn Return" song nine is a calmer number opening with some delay and effects drowned guitar tones. This song is another one that will leave your senses numb. Mike tears it up and doesn't let you down in this one. If your a fan of atmospheric music than this one will hit right home for you. Mike creates a whole other world in this song. It truly feels like I'm on a return flight from Saturn. Fillius created a real technical feel with this one and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Mike Fillius Drums Rich Berends
		Lastly, song ten "In the Past" is a more mellow number that packs lots of bite. Fillius's leads are real calm and soothing and you'll soon find that this song will relax the hell out of you. I really enjoyed his playing in this one, finding out that he really can merge many styles into one song successfully. Keep your ears open for the lead lines and licks. Mike pumps this song full of juice, shred juice that is. The cool thing about his leads is that they don't go overboard, each section fits the songs movement perfectly. Guitar Mike Fillius Bass Randy Gromley Drums Lance Justis