Trouble Review
February 13, 2021
Trouble’s self-titled is considered the band’s best work, but I consider it a large step back. To be clear, it’s still one of the best Trad Doom albums of its era, but that’s partly the problem. The Skull and Run to the Light were making bounds and leaps towards true Doom – the depressing, emotional atmosphere, the crushing riffs… They were certainly the closest the 80’s came to true Doom, and they were masterpieces.
Trouble is simply the band falling back into groovy Trad Doom territory. The progress of their last few albums is thrown aside in favor of a more “fun” traditional album. The songwriting is simplified, and there’s more focus on vocal melodies. Lyrics tend to be somber, but the delivery isn’t. In fact, it sounds like the band’s having a great time. Good for them, but I don’t want my Doom to sound like that!
All those gripes aside, I have to reiterate it’s probably the best pure Trad Doom put to record by the turn of the decade. Songs are interesting, varied, and fun. Eric Wagner sounds better than ever, though I prefer his more desperate delivery on earlier releases.
Trouble is simply the band falling back into groovy Trad Doom territory. The progress of their last few albums is thrown aside in favor of a more “fun” traditional album. The songwriting is simplified, and there’s more focus on vocal melodies. Lyrics tend to be somber, but the delivery isn’t. In fact, it sounds like the band’s having a great time. Good for them, but I don’t want my Doom to sound like that!
All those gripes aside, I have to reiterate it’s probably the best pure Trad Doom put to record by the turn of the decade. Songs are interesting, varied, and fun. Eric Wagner sounds better than ever, though I prefer his more desperate delivery on earlier releases.
Track listing (Songs)
| title | rating | votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | At the End of my Daze | 3:13 | 87.5 | 2 |
| 2. | The Wolf | 4:33 | 90 | 2 |
| 3. | Psychotic Reaction | 3:15 | 87.5 | 2 |
| 4. | A Sinner's Fame | 4:18 | 87.5 | 2 |
| 5. | The Misery Shows (Act II) | 7:21 | 85 | 2 |
| 6. | R.I.P. | 4:08 | 85 | 2 |
| 7. | Black Shapes of Doom | 3:47 | 87.5 | 2 |
| 8. | Heaven On My Mind | 4:09 | 90 | 2 |
| 9. | E.N.D. | 2:23 | 87.5 | 2 |
| 10. | All Is Forgiven | 5:12 | 90 | 2 |
Line-up (members)
- Eric Wagner : Vocals
- Bruce Franklin : Guitars
- Rick Wartell : Guitars
- Ron Holzner : Bass
- Barry Stern : Drums
2 reviews
| cover art | Artist | Album review | Reviewer | Rating | Date | Likes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | ▶ Trouble Review (1990) | 85 | Feb 13, 2021 | 0 | ||
 | | The Skull Review (1985) | 95 | Jan 5, 2020 | 2 |
1
The Skull Review (1985)
SilentScream213 95/100Jan 5, 2020 Likes : 2
Not incredibly impressed by Trouble’s debut album, their sophomore effort The Skull completely blew me away. I will say that this is the first Doom Metal album that makes the transition from Trad Doom to the more modern, melancholic Doom that I personally favor.
Musically, the lead guitar focuses on simple albeit effective melodies that add an extra layer of mood to the ba... Read More
