Trouble
Psalm 9 (CD) 1984 Metal Blade
Trouble are a band from Chicago, Illinois. They are seen by many as one of the originators of doom metal together with Witchfinder General, Saint Vitus and Pentagram. Their sound is of course influenced a lot by Black Sabbath, but also by Judas Priest (the band say so themselves). The production of this album is very weak and obscure (the worst of their entire catalogue), but it fits very well with the overall gloom atmosphere and the lyrics that are dark and actually Christian inspired. The themes are maybe like traditional heavy metal themes, but with a positive perspective. Through the entire album, the guitar work of Bruce Franklin and Rick Wartell is excellent (especially on the instrumental 'Endtime'). They have their own unique style of riffing, influenced very much by Iommi except for soloing, which sounds more heavy metal like. The vocals may not be every one's cup of tea. I heard Eric Wagner being compared with Axl Rose, but I wouldn't go that far, maybe Robert Plant is a good reference point. I think his vocals are better on other albums (S/T and later), somewhat stronger with better vocal melodies. The track 'The Tempter' opens the album and stands as their slowest here, it is their 'Black Sabbath'. There's also a Cream cover of 'Tales of Brave Ulysses', which fits perfectly into the album. Overall, a classic doom metal album together with 'The Skull'. The others are also great albums, but they are less doomy and more rocking.	1. The Tempter 2. Assassin 3. Victim Of The Insane 4. Revelation (Life Or Death) 5. Bastards Will Pay 6. The Fall Of Lucifer 7. Endtime 8. Psalm 9 9. Tales Of Brave Ulysses Approx. 44 minutes
Guest review by: baron-sam
The Skull (CD) 1985/1990 Metal Blade
One classic Doom-metal band we at doom-metal.com unfortunately never paid the attention it deserves, is Trouble. Somehow they always got lost in between us promoting and talking about other bands. I hope to slightly even the score a bit by writing this review. Although no review can ever capture the pure doom power that is Trouble. Trouble was one of the most important early forces within doom-metal. Together with a band like Candlemass and St. Vitus they shaped an important part of what is doom-metal today. Together with 'Psalm 9', 'The Skull' is by most considered their best effort. An opinion I all too gladly share with my fellow doomsters and Trouble fans. 'The Skull' is the creme de la creme when it comes to traditional doom-metal, sitting side by side with Candlemass's 'Epicus Doomicus Metallicus'. Although Christian doom bands are a little more common these days, Trouble must have been one of the first. I believe during their heydays some magazines even classed them as "white metal"! Trouble's lyrics do have religious themes, but they don't preach or force themselves upon the listener. Whatever you may think of Trouble's religious beliefs, 'The Skull' is an absolute highlight in the history of doom-metal. Slow torturous riffs, emotional guitar solo's and songs that drag themselves forth at such a slow and brooding pace you can't help being captured by them. 'The Skull' also has some very nice melodic sections, often followed by long, mournful solo's. Simply superb! To put it simple, any self-respecting doom fan needs too at least once have heard this album and should actually own it as well! We may have overlooked Trouble when it comes to reviews, but that is not a reason to overlook them in your record collection. Of course, as always when dealing with traditional doom, fans of second-generation doom should listen first and then buy. It might be a bit too much "heavy metal" if you're only into romantic doom bands.	1. Pray for the dead 2. Fear no evil 3. The wish 4. Truth is - what is 5. Wickedness of man 6. Gideon 7. The skull Approx. 43 minutes
Reviewed by: Aldo Quispel