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{{Short description|American doom metal band}} | {{Short description|American doom metal band}} | ||
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}} | {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}} | ||
{{for multi|the band's debut album originally released as Trouble|Psalm 9 (album)|the band's self-titled fourth album|Trouble (Trouble album)}} | |||
{{Infobox musical artist | {{Infobox musical artist | ||
|name = Trouble | | name = Trouble | ||
|image = Trouble - Jalometalli 2008 - 02.jpg | | image = Trouble - Jalometalli 2008 - 02.jpg | ||
|caption = Trouble at ] 2008 | | caption = Trouble at ] 2008 | ||
|landscape = Yes | | landscape = Yes | ||
|background = group_or_band | | background = group_or_band | ||
|origin = ], ], U.S. | | origin = ], U.S. | ||
|Instruments = | | Instruments = | ||
|genre = |
| genre = ] | ||
⚫ | | years_active = 1978–present | ||
* ] | |||
⚫ | | label = {{flatlist| | ||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/Metal/trouble-distortion_field|title=Trouble - The Distortion Field|first=Greg|last=Pratt|magazine=]|access-date=January 7, 2013}}</ref>}} | |||
⚫ | |years_active = |
||
⚫ | |label = {{flatlist| | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] |
* ] | ||
* Escapi Music | |||
|associated_acts = {{flatlist| | |||
* ]}} | |||
* ] | |||
⚫ | | spinoffs = ] | ||
* Wet Animal | |||
⚫ | | website = <!-- {{URL|http://www.newtrouble.com}} Site is down as of July 28, 2007 --> | ||
* Supershine | |||
⚫ | | current_members = Rick Wartell<br />]<br />Mark Lira<br />Kyle Thomas<br />Rob Hultz | ||
* ] | |||
⚫ | | past_members = ]<br />]<br />Kory Clarke<br />Sean McAllister<br />Dennis Lesh<br />Ron Holzner<br />]<br />]<br />Ian Brown<br />Chuck Robinson<br />Shane Pasqualla | ||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
⚫ | |||
* ]}} | |||
⚫ | |website = <!-- {{URL|http://www.newtrouble.com}} Site is down as of July 28, 2007 --> | ||
⚫ | |current_members = |
||
⚫ | |past_members = ]<br />]<br />Kory Clarke<br />Sean McAllister<br />Dennis Lesh<br />Ron Holzner<br />]<br />]<br />Ian Brown<br />Chuck Robinson<br />Shane Pasqualla | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Trouble''' is an American ] band from ], formed in |
'''Trouble''' is an American ] band from ], formed in 1978. They are often considered one of the pioneers of doom metal, and have been referred to as one of the genre's "big four" alongside ], ] and ].<ref> ]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=80887|title=Petition For Doom 'Big Four' Tour Circulating|website=Metalunderground.com|access-date=July 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://idioteq.com/the-big-4-of-doom-metal-tour-in-the-works/|title="The Big 4 of Doom Metal" tour in the works? » IDIOTEQ.com|first=Karol|last=Kamiński|date=May 11, 2012|website=Idioteq.com|access-date=July 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://chaospin.com/best-doom-metal-bands-of-all-time/|title=The 10 Best Doom Metal Bands of All-Time|website=chaospin.com|date=May 28, 2021|access-date=June 3, 2021}}</ref><ref name="houstonpress">{{cite web|url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/eric-wagner-lead-singer-of-doom-metal-legends-trouble-has-died-from-covid-19-11785165|title=Eric Wagner, Lead Singer Of Doom Metal Legends Trouble, Has Died From Covid-19|publisher=]|date=August 24, 2021|access-date=August 24, 2021}}</ref> The band created a distinct style, taking influences of the British heavy metal bands ] and ],<ref name="Edling">Leif Edling, Trouble interview, ''Trouble Live In Stockholm'' DVD.</ref> and ] of the 1960s. | ||
Trouble's first two albums, '']'' and '']'', are cited as landmarks of doom metal. To date, they have released eight studio albums. Although never officially disbanded, they went inactive after original singer ] left in 1997. He rejoined in 2000 and left again eight years later; he was first replaced by Kory Clarke and then by current vocalist Kyle Thomas, who had also filled in for Wagner during his initial absence from Trouble. Wagner died in 2021.<ref name="houstonpress"/> | Trouble's first two albums, '']'' and '']'', are cited as landmarks of doom metal. To date, they have released eight studio albums. Although never officially disbanded, they went inactive after original singer ] left in 1997. He rejoined in 2000 and left again eight years later; he was first replaced by Kory Clarke and then by current vocalist Kyle Thomas, who had also filled in for Wagner during his initial absence from Trouble. Eric Wagner died in 2021.<ref name="houstonpress"/> | ||
Core members include Wagner, guitarists Rick Wartell and ], and drummer ]. Early lyrics had a spiritual nature; ] initially marketed Trouble as "white metal" (in contrast to the rising ] movement) in the 1980s.<ref name="Trouble_Interview">{{cite web |url= http://metal-rules.com/interviews/trouble-jan2004.htm |title= Interview with Trouble|access-date=September 6, 2007 |author= Lahtonen, Luxi|website=Metal-rules.com}}</ref> | Core members include Wagner, guitarists Rick Wartell and ], and drummer ]. Early lyrics had a spiritual nature; ] initially marketed Trouble as "]" (in contrast to the rising ] movement) in the 1980s.<ref name="Trouble_Interview">{{cite web |url= http://metal-rules.com/interviews/trouble-jan2004.htm |title= Interview with Trouble|access-date=September 6, 2007 |author= Lahtonen, Luxi|website=Metal-rules.com}}</ref> | ||
== |
== History == | ||
=== Formation and Metal Blade years ( |
=== Formation and Metal Blade years (1978–1988) === | ||
Trouble was formed in |
Trouble was formed in 1978 by Rick Wartell and was joined by guitarist ], vocalist ], bassist Tim Ian Brown (not to be confused with lead singer of English band ]), and drummer ]. Ian Brown was replaced by Sean McAllister in 1983.<ref name="LarkinHR">{{cite book |title=] |date=1999 |publisher=] |isbn=0-7535-0257-7 |editor=] |edition=First |pages=456/7}}</ref> Drawing from Black Sabbath for inspiration (with occasional nods to the psychedelic sounds of the late 1960s), the band used gloomy down-tuned riffs and spiritual, often openly Bible-inspired lyrics,<ref name="LarkinHR"/> which led Metal Blade to market the band as "white metal" as opposed to black metal.<ref name="Allmusic"/> "I was brought up ]", vocalist and primary lyric writer Wagner explains in the liner notes of ''Psalm 9'' re-issue (2006), "but you have to remember, back in the early 1980s, all the metal was kind of satanic, and I did not get into that vibe." Wagner has implied that Metal Blade came up with the term in the first place, which the band rejected: "I think it was more like Metal Blade trying to be cute or something, with everything being called black metal, why not call us white metal, which is a bunch of crap."<ref>Popoff, Martin. Interview with Eric Wagner. Liner notes of Psalm 9 re-issue 2006. Escapi Music.</ref> | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
The band toured throughout the Midwest during the early 1980s. On February 5, 1983, the band recorded ''Trouble Live in Chicago''. Drummer |
The band toured throughout the Midwest during the early 1980s. On February 5, 1983, the band recorded ''Trouble Live in Chicago''. Drummer Jeff Olson mailed the cassette to ] of Metal Blade Records and the band landed their first record deal. Trouble released their eponymous debut (later referred to as '']'') with Metal Blade Records in 1984.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> '']'' followed in 1985,<ref name="LarkinHR"/> and reflected singer Wagner's struggles with substance abuse, as well as growing turmoil within the group. This led to the replacement of bassist McAllister with Ron Holzner.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> Drummer Jeff Olson also departed.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> Reports suggested that Olson had left the band to become a preacher,<ref name="Allmusic"/><ref name="Supershine">{{cite web |url= http://www.battlehelm.com/interviews/Supershine.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110707214835/http://www.battlehelm.com/interviews/Supershine.html |archive-date= July 7, 2011 |title= Supershine |access-date= November 29, 2007 |author= Siva, Shan}}</ref> but he had actually decided to pursue studies at ] in Boston, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree cum laude in Film Scoring.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.battlehelm.com/interviews/retrograve.htm|title=Retro Grave Interview|date=January 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107123347/http://www.battlehelm.com/interviews/retrograve.htm|access-date=July 22, 2021|archive-date=January 7, 2009}}</ref> Dennis Lesh was drafted as his replacement for 1987's '']''.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> In comparison to earlier recordings, the critics thought ''Run to the Light'' was "disappointing".<ref name="Allmusic"/> ] played drums during Trouble's ''Run to the Light'' tour. Kirkpatrick later formed the Christian metal band ] in 1990.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tourniquet.net |title=Official Tourniquet website (band information page)|access-date=November 13, 2022}}</ref> | ||
=== Rise to popularity and hiatus (1989–1996) === | === Rise to popularity and hiatus (1989–1996) === | ||
A three-year hiatus occurred before the band was snapped up by ]'s Def American Records, for whom they recorded a second self-titled album ('']'') in 1990 with Rubin producing.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> More experimental than previous efforts, the album |
A three-year hiatus occurred before the band was snapped up by ]'s Def American Records, for whom they recorded a second self-titled album ('']'') in 1990 with Rubin producing.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> More experimental than previous efforts, the album featured new drummer ], formerly of ]). <ref name="LarkinHR"/> | ||
The group embarked on a year-long tour before returning to the studio. In 1992, '']'' was released,<ref name="LarkinHR"/> delving into Beatlesque psychedelia and featuring some of Trouble's most aggressive, energetic performances ever. But after the album failed to connect with a wider audience, the band was ultimately dropped by their record company, which was experiencing financial problems.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> | The group embarked on a year-long tour before returning to the studio. In 1992, '']'' was released,<ref name="LarkinHR"/> delving into Beatlesque psychedelia and featuring some of Trouble's most aggressive, energetic performances ever. But after the album failed to connect with a wider audience, the band was ultimately dropped by their record company, which was experiencing financial problems.<ref name="LarkinHR"/> | ||
The band issued '']'' through the ] label in 1995,<ref name="LarkinHR"/> with the return of founding drummer |
The band issued '']'' through the ] label in 1995,<ref name="LarkinHR"/> with the return of founding drummer Jeff Olson. | ||
] | ] | ||
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Even though Trouble had gone on an extended hiatus after Wagner's departure, rumors of an eventual re-formation persisted. From 1997 to 2000, Wagner was replaced by former ] singer Kyle Thomas, who played four public gigs with Trouble. | Even though Trouble had gone on an extended hiatus after Wagner's departure, rumors of an eventual re-formation persisted. From 1997 to 2000, Wagner was replaced by former ] singer Kyle Thomas, who played four public gigs with Trouble. | ||
On January 26, 2002, Wagner, Franklin, Wartell, Holzner, and Olson performed a short set in Chicago where during their smoking rendition of Black Sabbaths' Children of The Grave with Scott Davidson sitting in on the drums, the P.A. gave out and left the crowd in a stunning uproar. Since that time, the band has played individual gigs throughout the Chicago area and headlined metal festivals in Europe and the U.S. while working on a new album. |
On January 26, 2002, Wagner, Franklin, Wartell, Holzner, and Olson performed a short set in Chicago where during their smoking rendition of Black Sabbaths' Children of The Grave with Scott Davidson sitting in on the drums, the P.A. gave out and left the crowd in a stunning uproar. Since that time, the band has played individual gigs throughout the Chicago area and headlined metal festivals in Europe and the U.S. while working on a new album. A concert in Stockholm, Sweden in 2005 produced the live DVD "Trouble – Live in Stockholm" with members ], Rick Wartell, ], ], and Chuck Robinson. | ||
In February 2004, ] of ] and the ] released a tribute album that paid homage to his metal roots. Entitled ], the disc featured various vocalists, including Eric Wagner, who sang on the track "My Tortured Soul". |
In February 2004, ] of ] and the ] released a tribute album that paid homage to his metal roots. Entitled ], the disc featured various vocalists, including Eric Wagner, who sang on the track "My Tortured Soul". In the album's liner notes, Grohl wrote that buying '']'' was like buying '']''. | ||
Holzner left the band soon after, to be replaced by Chuck Robinson, who played on the band's newest studio album, '']'', which was released in Europe on April 3, 2007, by Escapi Music. |
Holzner left the band soon after, to be replaced by Chuck Robinson, who played on the band's newest studio album, '']'', which was released in Europe on April 3, 2007, by Escapi Music. The band toured internationally in support of its release,<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.newtrouble.com/ |title= Trouble.com |access-date= November 29, 2007 |archive-date= August 14, 2003 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20030814091753/http://www.newtrouble.com/ |url-status= dead }}</ref> but were not able to secure a U.S. release date for the album until over two years later. An unplugged album was later released through the band's website and, more recently, Escapi Music. | ||
=== New singers and ''The Distortion Field'' (2008–present) === | === New singers and ''The Distortion Field'' (2008–present) === | ||
] | ] | ||
In May 2008, it was announced that |
In May 2008, it was announced that Eric Wagner had left the band and had been replaced by Kory Clarke of ].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/warrior-soul-s-kory-clarke-is-the-new-trouble-singer/ |title= Warrior Soul's Kory Clarke is the new Trouble singer |access-date= September 5, 2016 |year= 2008 |website=Blabbermouth.net }}</ref> Jeff Olson also announced his departure from the band in July 2008 to continue with his own band, ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/drummer-jeff-oly-olson-quits-trouble/ |title=Drummer Jeff 'Oly' Olson Quits Trouble |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=July 31, 2008 |access-date=March 8, 2012 }}</ref> Olson's last show with Trouble was, coincidentally, at a rock club called, "The End" in Memphis, Tenn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.RetroGraveMusic.com |title=Retro Grave – Welcome to Retro Grave |website=Retrogravemusic.com |access-date=March 8, 2012}}</ref> Olson was replaced by Wet Animal's Mark Lira for the band's upcoming U.S. East Coast tour.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/trouble-recruits-wet-animal-drummer-for-upcoming-tour/ |title=TROUBLE Recruits WET ANIMAL Drummer For Upcoming Tour |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 7, 2008 |access-date=March 8, 2012}}</ref> | ||
In a September 2008 interview with Rock N Roll Experience, guitarist Rick Wartell mentioned that Trouble had written "eight or nine songs" for their next album, and would begin recording it after touring.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/trouble-recruits-wet-animal-drummer-for-upcoming-tour/ |title=TROUBLE Guitarist On New Singer KORY CLARKE And METALLICA's 'Death Magnetic' |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=September 18, 2008 |access-date=March 8, 2012}}</ref> When asked which direction is the new music going in, Wartell replied, "I know people have said this a million times and I know you've heard this a million times, but it's pretty fucking heavy, let's put it that way! The music end of it that Bruce and I are writing is getting heavier and heavier...it's getting heavier, and then we want Kory to incorporate his style into what we are doing, that's basically all that we really want out of this." | In a September 2008 interview with Rock N Roll Experience, guitarist Rick Wartell mentioned that Trouble had written "eight or nine songs" for their next album, and would begin recording it after touring.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/trouble-recruits-wet-animal-drummer-for-upcoming-tour/ |title=TROUBLE Guitarist On New Singer KORY CLARKE And METALLICA's 'Death Magnetic' |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=September 18, 2008 |access-date=March 8, 2012}}</ref> When asked which direction is the new music going in, Wartell replied, "I know people have said this a million times and I know you've heard this a million times, but it's pretty fucking heavy, let's put it that way! The music end of it that Bruce and I are writing is getting heavier and heavier...it's getting heavier, and then we want Kory to incorporate his style into what we are doing, that's basically all that we really want out of this." | ||
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] | ] | ||
In February 2012, Kory Clarke left Trouble.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/trouble-taps-former-exhorder-singer/ |title=Trouble Taps Former Exhorder Singer |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 7, 2012 |access-date=March 8, 2012}}</ref> Kyle Thomas, who was with the band from 1997 to 2000, took his place. Also in February 2012, two original members of Trouble — vocalist Eric Wagner and drummer Jeff Olson — joined forces with the band's longtime bassist Ron Holzner in a new heavy rock/doom metal act called ]. According to a statement on the band's Facebook page, "The Skull is here to do one thing... rock you with the sounds and spirit of Trouble — past, present, future.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-trouble-bassist-on-the-skull-we-want-to-go-out-and-have-fun-and-play-the-old-songs/ |title=Former Trouble Bassist On The Skull: 'We Want To Go Out And Have Fun And Play The Old Songs' |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 12, 2012 |access-date=July 28, 2014}}</ref> The Skull |
In February 2012, Kory Clarke left Trouble.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/trouble-taps-former-exhorder-singer/ |title=Trouble Taps Former Exhorder Singer |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 7, 2012 |access-date=March 8, 2012}}</ref> Kyle Thomas, who was with the band from 1997 to 2000, took his place. Also in February 2012, two original members of Trouble — vocalist Eric Wagner and drummer Jeff Olson — joined forces with the band's longtime bassist Ron Holzner in a new heavy rock/doom metal act called ]. According to a statement on the band's Facebook page, "The Skull is here to do one thing... rock you with the sounds and spirit of Trouble — past, present, future.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-trouble-bassist-on-the-skull-we-want-to-go-out-and-have-fun-and-play-the-old-songs/ |title=Former Trouble Bassist On The Skull: 'We Want To Go Out And Have Fun And Play The Old Songs' |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 12, 2012 |access-date=July 28, 2014}}</ref> The Skull did a thirty-year celebration tour of Trouble's debut album, ''Psalm 9'', in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-skull-featuring-former-trouble-members-performs-in-hollywood/ |title=The Skull Featuring Former Trouble Members Performs In Hollywood |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=October 25, 2013 |access-date=July 28, 2014}}</ref> | ||
On February 16, 2013, Jeff Olson announced that he would be playing some keyboard intros on the new album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=186353 |title=Original Trouble Drummer Jeff 'Oly' Olson To Play Keyboards On Band's Next Album |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 16, 2013 |access-date=July 28, 2014}}</ref> In May 2013, it was announced that the new album, ''The Distortion Field'', was scheduled to be released July 16 in North America and July 26 in Europe. This |
On February 16, 2013, Jeff Olson announced that he would be playing some keyboard intros on the new album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=186353 |title=Original Trouble Drummer Jeff 'Oly' Olson To Play Keyboards On Band's Next Album |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 16, 2013 |access-date=July 28, 2014}}</ref> In May 2013, it was announced that the new album, ''The Distortion Field'', was scheduled to be released July 16 in North America and July 26 in Europe. This was the first release to feature Kyle Thomas and was produced by Bill Metoyer. Shortly after its release, Rob Hultz of ] and Godspeed joined the band as a bassist.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=190020 |title=Trouble To Release 'The Distortion Field' In July |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=July 28, 2014}}</ref> | ||
In 2014, Wartell announced that Trouble had begun working on new material for the follow-up to ''The Distortion Field''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/trouble-working-on-new-material/ |title=Trouble Working On New Material |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 4, 2014 |access-date=August 4, 2014}}</ref> No news or progress on the album had been reported until July 2022, when the band entered the studio to start recording it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/trouble-begins-recording-first-studio-album-in-nearly-a-decade|title=TROUBLE Begins Recording First Studio Album In Nearly A Decade|publisher=]|access-date=August 2, 2022|date=August 1, 2022}}</ref> | In 2014, Wartell announced that Trouble had begun working on new material for the follow-up to ''The Distortion Field''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/trouble-working-on-new-material/ |title=Trouble Working On New Material |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 4, 2014 |access-date=August 4, 2014}}</ref> No news or progress on the album had been reported until July 2022, when the band entered the studio to start recording it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/trouble-begins-recording-first-studio-album-in-nearly-a-decade|title=TROUBLE Begins Recording First Studio Album In Nearly A Decade|publisher=]|access-date=August 2, 2022|date=August 1, 2022}}</ref> | ||
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== Music and image == | == Music and image == | ||
Trouble's music lies with a traditional doom metal style, although their albums since |
Trouble's music lies with a traditional doom metal style, although their albums since 1990s '']'' showcase a more ] oriented style. Band members have cited influences by the early heavy rock bands of the 1970s such as ], ], ], and Black Sabbath.<ref name="Supershine"/> Trouble have also incorporated elements of ] to their style. Their use of slow tempos was notable at a time when ] and ] bands were increasingly incorporating fast-picking and speed into their songwriting.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |url= {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p5703|pure_url=yes}} |title= Trouble |access-date= November 29, 2007 |author= Rivadavia, Eduardo |website=] }}</ref> While most slow songs by metal bands border into the area of ballads, all of the tracks on Trouble's second album '']'' are as heavy as they are slow, with a distinctive fuzzy distortion and melodic, integral (rather than superfluous or ostentatious) guitar solos. The band could best be described as combining the riffs and tempos of Black Sabbath with the twin guitar attack of ]. | ||
Eric Wagner's lyrics deal with different themes, but the early Trouble albums, such as their debut ], are known for biblical references. Especially because such themes were relatively uncommon in mainstream metal music of the 1980s, Trouble were then often classified as ]. Other songs deal with social issues; "Bastards Will Pay", for instance, criticizes politicians as hypocritical. From '']'' onwards, more lyrical references have been made to psychedelia, drugs, and hallucinations;<ref name="Supershine"/> "Hello Strawberry Skies" and "Mr. White" stand out as two examples. Corresponding with the increase in psychedelic lyrical themes, Trouble's overall sound has also had a noticeably stronger psychedelic component.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/manic-frustration-mw0000080017|title=Manic Frustration - Trouble | Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=]}}</ref> |
Eric Wagner's lyrics deal with different themes, but the early Trouble albums, such as their debut '']'', are known for biblical references. Especially because such themes were relatively uncommon in mainstream metal music of the 1980s, Trouble were then often classified as ]. Other songs deal with social issues; "Bastards Will Pay", for instance, criticizes politicians as hypocritical. From '']'' onwards, more lyrical references have been made to psychedelia, drugs, and hallucinations;<ref name="Supershine"/> "Hello Strawberry Skies" and "Mr. White" stand out as two examples. Corresponding with the increase in psychedelic lyrical themes, Trouble's overall sound has also had a noticeably stronger psychedelic component.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/manic-frustration-mw0000080017|title=Manic Frustration - Trouble | Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=]}}</ref> Unlike other metal acts of the 1980s, Trouble's members dress in ripped jeans, tight T-shirts, wear round sunglasses and have ] and outfit accessories more characteristic of the hippie movement such as bandanas and knee patches.<ref>Edling, Leif. Trouble Interview on Live in Stockholm DVD. 2006.</ref> | ||
== Reception == | == Reception == | ||
Problems with both the ] and ] labels made it impossible for Trouble to achieve large commercial success.<ref name="Allmusic"/> Even though their music videos were aired on ] in both the U.S. and Europe, ''Manic Frustration'' was the only album that sold close to 100,000 copies.<ref name="Lahtonen">{{cite web |url= http://metal-rules.com/interviews/trouble-jan2004.htm |title= Trouble |access-date= November 29, 2007 |author= Lahtonen, Luxi |year= 2002 |website=Metal-Rules.com}}</ref> However, Eduardo Rivadavia of ] wrote that "their preservation efforts nevertheless rescued metal's original blueprint from disuse, and carved it in granite for subsequent exploration by each new generation of doom bands that followed."<ref name="Allmusic"/> It was said that Trouble took up where ] had left off after their split with vocalist ].<ref name="Schlimm"/> ''Psalm 9'' and ''The Skull'' are often cited as the cornerstones of doom metal<ref>Christe 2002, chapter 20</ref> as well influencing other bands of the uprising metal movement during the mid-1980s. A famous story states that ] and ] of ] entered Trouble's stage after a concert, trying to figure out how their amplifiers were set to produce their unique sound.<ref name="Schlimm">{{cite web |url= http://www.trouble.de/|title= Trouble |access-date= November 29, 2007 |author= Schilmm, Patrick |year= 2002 |website= Trouble.de}}</ref> | Problems with both the ] and ] labels made it impossible for Trouble to achieve large commercial success.<ref name="Allmusic"/> Even though their music videos were aired on ] in both the U.S. and Europe, ''Manic Frustration'' was the only album that sold close to 100,000 copies.<ref name="Lahtonen">{{cite web |url= http://metal-rules.com/interviews/trouble-jan2004.htm |title= Trouble |access-date= November 29, 2007 |author= Lahtonen, Luxi |year= 2002 |website=Metal-Rules.com}}</ref> However, Eduardo Rivadavia of ] wrote that "their preservation efforts nevertheless rescued metal's original blueprint from disuse, and carved it in granite for subsequent exploration by each new generation of doom bands that followed."<ref name="Allmusic"/> It was said that Trouble took up where ] had left off after their split with vocalist ].<ref name="Schlimm"/> ''Psalm 9'' and ''The Skull'' are often cited as the cornerstones of doom metal<ref>Christe 2002, chapter 20</ref> as well influencing other bands of the uprising metal movement during the mid-1980s. A famous story states that ] and ] of ] entered Trouble's stage after a concert, trying to figure out how their amplifiers were set to produce their unique sound.<ref name="Schlimm">{{cite web |url= http://www.trouble.de/|title= Trouble |access-date= November 29, 2007 |author= Schilmm, Patrick |year= 2002 |website= Trouble.de}}</ref> | ||
Trouble's first two albums were critically acclaimed and are respected in the metal scene.<ref name="Blabbermouth_Psalm_9">{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/psalm/ |title= Trouble – Psalm 9 |access-date= September 5, 2016 |author= Bergman, Keith |year= 2007 |website=Blabbermouth.net}}</ref> The following album ''Run to the Light'', however, was said to be "disappointing",<ref name="Allmusic"/> but a different direction was taken during the Def American era, when ] helped the band to develop a new, unique style. The self-titled album gained "magnificent reviews in all the major heavy metal rags"<ref name="Allmusic"/> and the ] ''Manic Frustration'' was a "critically lauded, cult-raved heavy metal masterpiece".<ref name="Allmusic"/> The 1995's ''Plastic Green Head'' received good reviews and "the album's songs also exuded a palpable sense of wary acceptance."<ref name="Allmusic"/> However, Trouble was never thought of as a completely unique group; some critiques dismissed the band as a "poor man's Black Sabbath".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.noise.fi/levyarvostelut/index.php?id=5698 |title= Trouble – Psalm 9 |access-date= November 29, 2007 |author= Gao |date= May 18, 2006 |website=Noise.fi |language= fi }}</ref> Nevertheless, Trouble's influence on the metal movement is unquestioned,<ref name="Blabbermouth_Psalm_9"/> with groups such as ],<ref>{{cite web | |
Trouble's first two albums were critically acclaimed and are respected in the metal scene.<ref name="Blabbermouth_Psalm_9">{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/psalm/ |title= Trouble – Psalm 9 |access-date= September 5, 2016 |author= Bergman, Keith |year= 2007 |website=Blabbermouth.net}}</ref> The following album ''Run to the Light'', however, was said to be "disappointing",<ref name="Allmusic"/> but a different direction was taken during the Def American era, when ] helped the band to develop a new, unique style. The self-titled album gained "magnificent reviews in all the major heavy metal rags"<ref name="Allmusic"/> and the ] ''Manic Frustration'' was a "critically lauded, cult-raved heavy metal masterpiece".<ref name="Allmusic"/> The 1995's ''Plastic Green Head'' received good reviews and "the album's songs also exuded a palpable sense of wary acceptance."<ref name="Allmusic"/> However, Trouble was never thought of as a completely unique group; some critiques dismissed the band as a "poor man's Black Sabbath".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.noise.fi/levyarvostelut/index.php?id=5698 |title= Trouble – Psalm 9 |access-date= November 29, 2007 |author= Gao |date= May 18, 2006 |website=Noise.fi |language= fi }}</ref> Nevertheless, Trouble's influence on the metal movement is unquestioned,<ref name="Blabbermouth_Psalm_9"/> with groups such as ],<ref>{{cite web |author=Campagna |first=Tom |date=January 23, 2018 |title=Interview: Mike Dean of Corrosion of Conformity |url=https://www.invisibleoranges.com/interview-mike-dean/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125151422/https://www.invisibleoranges.com/interview-mike-dean/ |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2021 |website=]}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.metalunderground.com/interviews/details.cfm?newsid=130910 |title= PHA|access-date= January 23, 2018 |author= Cowan, Darren |date= January 18, 2017 |website=www.metalunderground.com/}}</ref> ],<ref name="Kerrang!">{{cite web |url= https://www.kerrang.com/features/trouble-eric-wagner-doom-metal-finest-voices/ |title= Kerrang! |access-date= August 26, 2021 |author= Ruskell, Nick |year= 2021 |website=Kerrang.com}}</ref> ],<ref name="Blabbermouth">{{cite web |url= https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/cathedral-frontman-lee-dorrian-pays-tribute-to-troubles-eric-wagner/|title= Lee Dorrian |access-date= August 27, 2021 |year= 2021 |website= blabbermouth.com}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=810134885676366&set=a.773724142650774|title=Trouble|publisher=Facebook|date=November 15, 2014 |access-date=August 27, 2021}}</ref> ],<ref name="Kerrang!"/> ],<ref name="Kerrang!"/> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earache.com/WickedWorld/interview/confessor/confessor.html|title=Confessor|publisher=earache |author= Tobin, Dan |date= October 16, 2006 |website=earache.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016003716/http://www.earache.com/WickedWorld/interview/confessor/confessor.html|archive-date=October 16, 2006}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2014/05/14/inside-the-shredder-s-studio-11-eric-cutler-of-autopsy/|title= Eric Cutler Interview|publisher=decibel magazine |author= Norton, Justin |date= May 14, 2014 |website=decibelmagazine.com/}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2019/02/21/five-heavy-albums-that-changed-my-life-with-leif-edling-of-candlemass/|title= Leif Edling Interview|publisher=decibel magazine |author= Pratt, Greg |date= February 21, 2019 |website=decibelmagazine.com/}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uglybass.wordpress.com/2016/09/27/jo-bench-bolt-thrower-collected-interview-snippets/|title= Jo Bench Interview|publisher=uglybass |website=uglybass.wordpress.com/|date= September 27, 2016}}</ref> citing them as an influence. | ||
== Members == | == Members == | ||
Line 98: | Line 87: | ||
{{col-2}} | {{col-2}} | ||
'''Current''' | '''Current''' | ||
* |
* Rick Wartell – guitars (1981–present) | ||
* |
* ] – guitars (1981–present) | ||
⚫ | * Kyle Thomas – vocals (1997–2000, 2012–present) | ||
* Mark Lira – drums (2009–present) | * Mark Lira – drums (2009–present) | ||
⚫ | * Kyle Thomas – vocals (1997–2000, 2012–present) | ||
* Rob Hultz – bass (2013–present) | * Rob Hultz – bass (2013–present) | ||
Line 107: | Line 96: | ||
'''Former''' | '''Former''' | ||
* ] – vocals (1981–1997, 2000–2008; died 2021) | * ] – vocals (1981–1997, 2000–2008; died 2021) | ||
* Ian Brown – bass ( |
* Ian Brown – bass (1981–1983) | ||
* ] – drums |
* ] – drums (1981–1986, 1993–2008) | ||
* Sean McAllister – bass (1983–1986) | * Sean McAllister – bass (1983–1986) | ||
* Ron Holzner – bass (1986–2002) | * Ron Holzner – bass (1986–2002) | ||
* Dennis Lesh – drums (1986–1987) | * Dennis Lesh – drums (1986–1987) | ||
* ] – drums (1987–1989) | * ] – drums (1987–1989; died 2022) | ||
* ] – drums (1989–1993) | * ] – drums (1989–1993; died 2005) | ||
* Chuck Robinson – bass (2002–2009) | * Chuck Robinson – bass (2002–2009) | ||
* Kory Clarke – vocals (2008–2012) | * Kory Clarke – vocals (2008–2012) | ||
Line 121: | Line 110: | ||
=== Timeline === | === Timeline === | ||
{{#tag:timeline| | {{#tag:timeline| | ||
ImageSize = width: |
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:18 | ||
PlotArea = left:90 bottom:80 top:10 right:10 | PlotArea = left:90 bottom:80 top:10 right:10 | ||
Alignbars = justify | Alignbars = justify | ||
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy | DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy | ||
Period = from:01/01/ |
Period = from:01/01/1981 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}} | ||
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy | TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy | ||
Legend = orientation: |
Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom | ||
ScaleMajor = increment: |
ScaleMajor = increment:4 start:1981 | ||
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start: |
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1981 | ||
Colors = | Colors = | ||
id:Vocals value:red legend: |
id:Vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals | ||
id: |
id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitars | ||
id:RGuitar value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar | |||
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass | id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass | ||
id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums |
id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums | ||
id:Lines value:black legend: |
id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_album | ||
id:EP value:gray(0.55) legend:Other_release | |||
id:bars value:gray(0.95) | |||
BackgroundColors=bars:bars | |||
LineData = | LineData = | ||
at:01/01/1980 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:01/01/1982 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:01/01/1983 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:01/09/1983 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:10/03/1984 color:black layer:back | at:10/03/1984 color:black layer:back | ||
at:01/01/1985 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:18/03/1985 color:black layer:back | at:18/03/1985 color:black layer:back | ||
at:15/07/1987 color:black layer:back | at:15/07/1987 color:black layer:back | ||
at:10/08/1990 color:black layer:back | at:10/08/1990 color:black layer:back | ||
at:01/01/1991 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:01/01/1992 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:16/06/1992 color:black layer:back | at:16/06/1992 color:black layer:back | ||
at:01/01/1994 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:10/07/1995 color:black layer:back | at:10/07/1995 color:black layer:back | ||
at:12/05/2007 color:black layer:back | at:12/05/2007 color:black layer:back | ||
at:15/12/2007 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:03/12/2008 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:22/11/2010 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:22/11/2010 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:06/02/2011 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:04/03/2011 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:09/09/2011 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:10/10/2011 color:EP layer:back | |||
at:16/07/2013 color:black layer:back | at:16/07/2013 color:black layer:back | ||
Line 175: | Line 143: | ||
bar:Wartell text:"Rick Wartell" | bar:Wartell text:"Rick Wartell" | ||
bar:Franklin text:"Bruce Franklin" | bar:Franklin text:"Bruce Franklin" | ||
bar:DiPrima text:"Mike DiPrima" | |||
bar:Brown text:"Ian Brown" | bar:Brown text:"Ian Brown" | ||
bar:McAllister text:"Sean McAllister" | bar:McAllister text:"Sean McAllister" | ||
Line 182: | Line 149: | ||
bar:Pasqualla text:"Shane Pasqualla" | bar:Pasqualla text:"Shane Pasqualla" | ||
bar:Hultz text:"Rob Hultz" | bar:Hultz text:"Rob Hultz" | ||
bar:Slopecki text:"Mike Slopecki" | |||
bar:Olson text:"Jeff Olson" | bar:Olson text:"Jeff Olson" | ||
bar:Lesh text:"Dennis Lesh" | bar:Lesh text:"Dennis Lesh" | ||
Line 191: | Line 157: | ||
PlotData= | PlotData= | ||
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4) | width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4) | ||
bar:Wagner from: |
bar:Wagner from:start till:01/03/1997 color:Vocals | ||
bar:Thomas from:01/ |
bar:Thomas from:01/03/1997 till:01/07/2000 color:Vocals | ||
bar:Wagner from:01/ |
bar:Wagner from:01/07/2000 till:01/02/2008 color:Vocals | ||
bar:Clarke from:01/ |
bar:Clarke from:01/02/2008 till:01/04/2012 color:Vocals | ||
bar:Thomas from:01/ |
bar:Thomas from:01/04/2012 till:end color:Vocals | ||
bar:Wartell from: |
bar:Wartell from:start till:end color:Guitar | ||
bar: |
bar:Franklin from:start till:end color:Guitar | ||
bar: |
bar:Brown from:start till:01/02/1983 color:Bass | ||
bar: |
bar:McAllister from:01/02/1983 till:01/07/1986 color:Bass | ||
bar: |
bar:Holzner from:01/07/1986 till:01/08/2002 color:Bass | ||
bar: |
bar:Robinson from:01/08/2002 till:01/10/2009 color:Bass | ||
bar: |
bar:Pasqualla from:01/10/2009 till:01/10/2013 color:Bass | ||
bar: |
bar:Hultz from:01/10/2013 till:end color:Bass | ||
bar: |
bar:Olson from:start till:01/07/1986 color:Drums | ||
bar: |
bar:Lesh from:01/07/1986 till:01/11/1987 color:Drums | ||
bar: |
bar:Kirkpatrick from:01/11/1987 till:01/05/1989 color:Drums | ||
bar: |
bar:Stern from:01/05/1989 till:01/08/1993 color:Drums | ||
bar:Olson from:01/ |
bar:Olson from:01/08/1993 till:01/02/2008 color:Drums | ||
bar: |
bar:Lira from:01/02/2008 till:end color:Drums | ||
bar:Kirkpatrick from:01/01/1987 till:01/01/1989 color:Drums | |||
bar:Stern from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1993 color:Drums | |||
bar:Olson from:01/01/1993 till:01/01/2008 color:Drums | |||
bar:Lira from:01/01/2008 till:end color:Drums | |||
}} | }} | ||
Line 267: | Line 229: | ||
=== EPs === | === EPs === | ||
* ''Knocking on Heavy's Door'' (1992; split with |
* ''Knocking on Heavy's Door'' (1992; split with ], ], Megalomaniax) | ||
* ''Unplugged'' (2007) | * ''Unplugged'' (2007) | ||
Line 279: | Line 241: | ||
=== DVDs === | === DVDs === | ||
* ''Live in Stockholm'' ( |
* ''Live in Stockholm'' (2005) | ||
* ''Trouble Videos'' (2007) | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
{{Commonscat}} | |||
{{Commons|Trouble|Trouble}} | |||
*{{allmusic}} | |||
* | |||
*{{discogs artist}} | |||
* {{musicbrainz artist|id=2bfd6269-90a6-405e-8ce2-db6ad23a489c|name=Trouble}} | * {{musicbrainz artist|id=2bfd6269-90a6-405e-8ce2-db6ad23a489c|name=Trouble}} | ||
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Trouble}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Trouble}} | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] |
Latest revision as of 20:12, 7 December 2024
American doom metal bandFor the band's debut album originally released as Trouble, see Psalm 9 (album). For the band's self-titled fourth album, see Trouble (Trouble album).
Trouble | |
---|---|
Trouble at Jalometalli 2008 | |
Background information | |
Origin | Aurora, Illinois, U.S. |
Genres | Doom metal |
Years active | 1978–present |
Labels |
|
Spinoffs | The Skull |
Members | Rick Wartell Bruce Franklin Mark Lira Kyle Thomas Rob Hultz |
Past members | Eric Wagner Jeff Olson Kory Clarke Sean McAllister Dennis Lesh Ron Holzner Barry Stern Ted Kirkpatrick Ian Brown Chuck Robinson Shane Pasqualla |
Trouble is an American doom metal band from Aurora, Illinois, formed in 1978. They are often considered one of the pioneers of doom metal, and have been referred to as one of the genre's "big four" alongside Candlemass, Pentagram and Saint Vitus. The band created a distinct style, taking influences of the British heavy metal bands Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, and psychedelic rock of the 1960s.
Trouble's first two albums, Psalm 9 and The Skull, are cited as landmarks of doom metal. To date, they have released eight studio albums. Although never officially disbanded, they went inactive after original singer Eric Wagner left in 1997. He rejoined in 2000 and left again eight years later; he was first replaced by Kory Clarke and then by current vocalist Kyle Thomas, who had also filled in for Wagner during his initial absence from Trouble. Eric Wagner died in 2021.
Core members include Wagner, guitarists Rick Wartell and Bruce Franklin, and drummer Jeff Olson. Early lyrics had a spiritual nature; Metal Blade Records initially marketed Trouble as "white metal" (in contrast to the rising black metal movement) in the 1980s.
History
Formation and Metal Blade years (1978–1988)
Trouble was formed in 1978 by Rick Wartell and was joined by guitarist Bruce Franklin, vocalist Eric Wagner, bassist Tim Ian Brown (not to be confused with lead singer of English band The Stone Roses), and drummer Jeff Olson. Ian Brown was replaced by Sean McAllister in 1983. Drawing from Black Sabbath for inspiration (with occasional nods to the psychedelic sounds of the late 1960s), the band used gloomy down-tuned riffs and spiritual, often openly Bible-inspired lyrics, which led Metal Blade to market the band as "white metal" as opposed to black metal. "I was brought up Catholic", vocalist and primary lyric writer Wagner explains in the liner notes of Psalm 9 re-issue (2006), "but you have to remember, back in the early 1980s, all the metal was kind of satanic, and I did not get into that vibe." Wagner has implied that Metal Blade came up with the term in the first place, which the band rejected: "I think it was more like Metal Blade trying to be cute or something, with everything being called black metal, why not call us white metal, which is a bunch of crap."
The band toured throughout the Midwest during the early 1980s. On February 5, 1983, the band recorded Trouble Live in Chicago. Drummer Jeff Olson mailed the cassette to Brian Slagel of Metal Blade Records and the band landed their first record deal. Trouble released their eponymous debut (later referred to as Psalm 9) with Metal Blade Records in 1984. The Skull followed in 1985, and reflected singer Wagner's struggles with substance abuse, as well as growing turmoil within the group. This led to the replacement of bassist McAllister with Ron Holzner. Drummer Jeff Olson also departed. Reports suggested that Olson had left the band to become a preacher, but he had actually decided to pursue studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree cum laude in Film Scoring. Dennis Lesh was drafted as his replacement for 1987's Run to the Light. In comparison to earlier recordings, the critics thought Run to the Light was "disappointing". Ted Kirkpatrick played drums during Trouble's Run to the Light tour. Kirkpatrick later formed the Christian metal band Tourniquet in 1990.
Rise to popularity and hiatus (1989–1996)
A three-year hiatus occurred before the band was snapped up by Rick Rubin's Def American Records, for whom they recorded a second self-titled album (Trouble) in 1990 with Rubin producing. More experimental than previous efforts, the album featured new drummer Barry Stern, formerly of Zoetrope).
The group embarked on a year-long tour before returning to the studio. In 1992, Manic Frustration was released, delving into Beatlesque psychedelia and featuring some of Trouble's most aggressive, energetic performances ever. But after the album failed to connect with a wider audience, the band was ultimately dropped by their record company, which was experiencing financial problems.
The band issued Plastic Green Head through the Music for Nations label in 1995, with the return of founding drummer Jeff Olson.
Reunion and Simple Mind Condition (1997–2007)
Even though Trouble had gone on an extended hiatus after Wagner's departure, rumors of an eventual re-formation persisted. From 1997 to 2000, Wagner was replaced by former Exhorder singer Kyle Thomas, who played four public gigs with Trouble.
On January 26, 2002, Wagner, Franklin, Wartell, Holzner, and Olson performed a short set in Chicago where during their smoking rendition of Black Sabbaths' Children of The Grave with Scott Davidson sitting in on the drums, the P.A. gave out and left the crowd in a stunning uproar. Since that time, the band has played individual gigs throughout the Chicago area and headlined metal festivals in Europe and the U.S. while working on a new album. A concert in Stockholm, Sweden in 2005 produced the live DVD "Trouble – Live in Stockholm" with members Eric Wagner, Rick Wartell, Bruce Franklin, Jeff Olson, and Chuck Robinson.
In February 2004, Dave Grohl of Nirvana and the Foo Fighters released a tribute album that paid homage to his metal roots. Entitled Probot, the disc featured various vocalists, including Eric Wagner, who sang on the track "My Tortured Soul". In the album's liner notes, Grohl wrote that buying Psalm 9 was like buying Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Holzner left the band soon after, to be replaced by Chuck Robinson, who played on the band's newest studio album, Simple Mind Condition, which was released in Europe on April 3, 2007, by Escapi Music. The band toured internationally in support of its release, but were not able to secure a U.S. release date for the album until over two years later. An unplugged album was later released through the band's website and, more recently, Escapi Music.
New singers and The Distortion Field (2008–present)
In May 2008, it was announced that Eric Wagner had left the band and had been replaced by Kory Clarke of Warrior Soul. Jeff Olson also announced his departure from the band in July 2008 to continue with his own band, Retro Grave. Olson's last show with Trouble was, coincidentally, at a rock club called, "The End" in Memphis, Tenn. Olson was replaced by Wet Animal's Mark Lira for the band's upcoming U.S. East Coast tour.
In a September 2008 interview with Rock N Roll Experience, guitarist Rick Wartell mentioned that Trouble had written "eight or nine songs" for their next album, and would begin recording it after touring. When asked which direction is the new music going in, Wartell replied, "I know people have said this a million times and I know you've heard this a million times, but it's pretty fucking heavy, let's put it that way! The music end of it that Bruce and I are writing is getting heavier and heavier...it's getting heavier, and then we want Kory to incorporate his style into what we are doing, that's basically all that we really want out of this."
On November 18, 2008, Trouble announced, via their website, that they were in the process of writing songs for an album that would likely be released in the summer of 2009. A live bootleg recording featuring the new line-up was released via the band's website in 2008, then worldwide by Escapi Music about one year later. On March 4, 2009, Trouble revealed on their website that the new album would tentatively be called The Dark Riff. On September 9, 2010, the band announced that they are "getting ready for the studio now. have been making preliminary recordings and working out things to bring the best possible Trouble release." Bruce Franklin later said in a 2009 interview that The Dark Riff would not be the title of the forthcoming album.
In February 2012, Kory Clarke left Trouble. Kyle Thomas, who was with the band from 1997 to 2000, took his place. Also in February 2012, two original members of Trouble — vocalist Eric Wagner and drummer Jeff Olson — joined forces with the band's longtime bassist Ron Holzner in a new heavy rock/doom metal act called The Skull. According to a statement on the band's Facebook page, "The Skull is here to do one thing... rock you with the sounds and spirit of Trouble — past, present, future. The Skull did a thirty-year celebration tour of Trouble's debut album, Psalm 9, in 2014.
On February 16, 2013, Jeff Olson announced that he would be playing some keyboard intros on the new album. In May 2013, it was announced that the new album, The Distortion Field, was scheduled to be released July 16 in North America and July 26 in Europe. This was the first release to feature Kyle Thomas and was produced by Bill Metoyer. Shortly after its release, Rob Hultz of Solace and Godspeed joined the band as a bassist.
In 2014, Wartell announced that Trouble had begun working on new material for the follow-up to The Distortion Field. No news or progress on the album had been reported until July 2022, when the band entered the studio to start recording it.
Original Trouble singer Eric Wagner died of complications from COVID-19 on August 22, 2021 at the age of 62.
Music and image
Trouble's music lies with a traditional doom metal style, although their albums since 1990s Trouble showcase a more stoner metal oriented style. Band members have cited influences by the early heavy rock bands of the 1970s such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Budgie, and Black Sabbath. Trouble have also incorporated elements of psychedelic rock to their style. Their use of slow tempos was notable at a time when NWOBHM and thrash metal bands were increasingly incorporating fast-picking and speed into their songwriting. While most slow songs by metal bands border into the area of ballads, all of the tracks on Trouble's second album The Skull are as heavy as they are slow, with a distinctive fuzzy distortion and melodic, integral (rather than superfluous or ostentatious) guitar solos. The band could best be described as combining the riffs and tempos of Black Sabbath with the twin guitar attack of Judas Priest.
Eric Wagner's lyrics deal with different themes, but the early Trouble albums, such as their debut Psalm 9, are known for biblical references. Especially because such themes were relatively uncommon in mainstream metal music of the 1980s, Trouble were then often classified as Christian metal. Other songs deal with social issues; "Bastards Will Pay", for instance, criticizes politicians as hypocritical. From Manic Frustration onwards, more lyrical references have been made to psychedelia, drugs, and hallucinations; "Hello Strawberry Skies" and "Mr. White" stand out as two examples. Corresponding with the increase in psychedelic lyrical themes, Trouble's overall sound has also had a noticeably stronger psychedelic component. Unlike other metal acts of the 1980s, Trouble's members dress in ripped jeans, tight T-shirts, wear round sunglasses and have fringes and outfit accessories more characteristic of the hippie movement such as bandanas and knee patches.
Reception
Problems with both the Metal Blade and Def American labels made it impossible for Trouble to achieve large commercial success. Even though their music videos were aired on MTV in both the U.S. and Europe, Manic Frustration was the only album that sold close to 100,000 copies. However, Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic wrote that "their preservation efforts nevertheless rescued metal's original blueprint from disuse, and carved it in granite for subsequent exploration by each new generation of doom bands that followed." It was said that Trouble took up where Black Sabbath had left off after their split with vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Psalm 9 and The Skull are often cited as the cornerstones of doom metal as well influencing other bands of the uprising metal movement during the mid-1980s. A famous story states that James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica entered Trouble's stage after a concert, trying to figure out how their amplifiers were set to produce their unique sound.
Trouble's first two albums were critically acclaimed and are respected in the metal scene. The following album Run to the Light, however, was said to be "disappointing", but a different direction was taken during the Def American era, when Rick Rubin helped the band to develop a new, unique style. The self-titled album gained "magnificent reviews in all the major heavy metal rags" and the psychedelic Manic Frustration was a "critically lauded, cult-raved heavy metal masterpiece". The 1995's Plastic Green Head received good reviews and "the album's songs also exuded a palpable sense of wary acceptance." However, Trouble was never thought of as a completely unique group; some critiques dismissed the band as a "poor man's Black Sabbath". Nevertheless, Trouble's influence on the metal movement is unquestioned, with groups such as Corrosion of Conformity, Down, Electric Wizard, Cathedral, Crowbar, Orange Goblin, At the Gates, Confessor, Autopsy, Candlemass, and Bolt Thrower citing them as an influence.
Members
Current
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Former
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Timeline
Discography
Studio albums
Title | Year of release | Label |
Psalm 9 (formerly 'Trouble') | 1984 | Metal Blade |
The Skull | 1985 | Metal Blade |
Run to the Light | 1987 | Metal Blade |
Trouble | 1990 | Def American |
Manic Frustration | 1992 | Def American |
Plastic Green Head | 1995 | Century Media |
Simple Mind Condition | 2007 | Escapi Music |
The Distortion Field | 2013 | FRW Records |
Live releases
- Trouble Live (1983, a live cassette sold by the band before being signed to Metal Blade Records, available on CDR through the band's website)
- Trouble Live Dallas Bootleg (1990, a live concert originally broadcast by radio during the band's tour for the self-titled album on Def American, available on CDR through the band's website)
- Live in L.A. (2008)
- Live in Palatine 1989 (2010)
- Live in Schaumberg 1993 (2010)
- Live 1983 (2011)
- Black Shapes of Doom (2011)
EPs
Demos
- 1980 Demo (1980)
- 1982 Demo (1982)
- 1983 Demo (1983)
- Live (1983)
- 1985 Demo (1985)
- One for the Road (1994)
DVDs
- Live in Stockholm (2005)
- Trouble Videos (2007)
References
- Doom Metal AllMusic
- "Petition For Doom 'Big Four' Tour Circulating". Metalunderground.com. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- Kamiński, Karol (May 11, 2012). ""The Big 4 of Doom Metal" tour in the works? » IDIOTEQ.com". Idioteq.com. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- "The 10 Best Doom Metal Bands of All-Time". chaospin.com. May 28, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
- ^ "Eric Wagner, Lead Singer Of Doom Metal Legends Trouble, Has Died From Covid-19". Houston Press. August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
- Leif Edling, Trouble interview, Trouble Live In Stockholm DVD.
- Lahtonen, Luxi. "Interview with Trouble". Metal-rules.com. Retrieved September 6, 2007.
- ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1999). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock (First ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 456/7. ISBN 0-7535-0257-7.
- ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Trouble". AllMusic. Retrieved November 29, 2007.
- Popoff, Martin. Interview with Eric Wagner. Liner notes of Psalm 9 re-issue 2006. Escapi Music.
- ^ Siva, Shan. "Supershine". Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2007.
- "Retro Grave Interview". January 7, 2009. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- "Official Tourniquet website (band information page)". Retrieved November 13, 2022.
- "Trouble.com". Archived from the original on August 14, 2003. Retrieved November 29, 2007.
- "Warrior Soul's Kory Clarke is the new Trouble singer". Blabbermouth.net. 2008. Retrieved September 5, 2016.
- "Drummer Jeff 'Oly' Olson Quits Trouble". Blabbermouth.net. July 31, 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- "Retro Grave – Welcome to Retro Grave". Retrogravemusic.com. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- "TROUBLE Recruits WET ANIMAL Drummer For Upcoming Tour". Blabbermouth.net. August 7, 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- "TROUBLE Guitarist On New Singer KORY CLARKE And METALLICA's 'Death Magnetic'". Blabbermouth.net. September 18, 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- "TROUBLE Preparing To Enter Studio". Blabbermouth.net. September 9, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- "Trouble Taps Former Exhorder Singer". Blabbermouth.net. February 7, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- "Former Trouble Bassist On The Skull: 'We Want To Go Out And Have Fun And Play The Old Songs'". Blabbermouth.net. February 12, 2012. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
- "The Skull Featuring Former Trouble Members Performs In Hollywood". Blabbermouth.net. October 25, 2013. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
- "Original Trouble Drummer Jeff 'Oly' Olson To Play Keyboards On Band's Next Album". Blabbermouth.net. February 16, 2013. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
- "Trouble To Release 'The Distortion Field' In July". Blabbermouth.net. May 16, 2013. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
- "Trouble Working On New Material". Blabbermouth.net. August 4, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- "TROUBLE Begins Recording First Studio Album In Nearly A Decade". Blabbermouth.net. August 1, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
- "Original Trouble Vocalist Eric Wagner Passes Away". metalunderground.com. August 23, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
- "Former TROUBLE Singer ERIC WAGNER Dies After Battle With COVID Pneumonia". Blabbermouth.net. August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
- "ERIC WAGNER (Ex-TROUBLE, THE SKULL) Has Died After Being Hospitalized With post COVID-injection Pneumonia". Metaladdicts.com. August 23, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
- "Manic Frustration - Trouble | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.
- Edling, Leif. Trouble Interview on Live in Stockholm DVD. 2006.
- Lahtonen, Luxi (2002). "Trouble". Metal-Rules.com. Retrieved November 29, 2007.
- ^ Schilmm, Patrick (2002). "Trouble". Trouble.de. Retrieved November 29, 2007.
- Christe 2002, chapter 20
- ^ Bergman, Keith (2007). "Trouble – Psalm 9". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved September 5, 2016.
- Gao (May 18, 2006). "Trouble – Psalm 9". Noise.fi (in Finnish). Retrieved November 29, 2007.
- Campagna, Tom (January 23, 2018). "Interview: Mike Dean of Corrosion of Conformity". Invisible Oranges. Archived from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
- Cowan, Darren (January 18, 2017). "PHA". www.metalunderground.com/. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
- ^ Ruskell, Nick (2021). "Kerrang!". Kerrang.com. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
- "Lee Dorrian". blabbermouth.com. 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
- "Trouble". Facebook. November 15, 2014. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
- Tobin, Dan (October 16, 2006). "Confessor". earache.com/. earache. Archived from the original on October 16, 2006.
- Norton, Justin (May 14, 2014). "Eric Cutler Interview". decibelmagazine.com/. decibel magazine.
- Pratt, Greg (February 21, 2019). "Leif Edling Interview". decibelmagazine.com/. decibel magazine.
- "Jo Bench Interview". uglybass.wordpress.com/. uglybass. September 27, 2016.
External links
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