Trouble: The Pioneers of Doom Metal

Trouble is an American heavy metal band from Chicago, Illinois, widely recognized as one of the foundational acts of the doom metal genre. Their 1990 self-titled album, often called "Trouble" or "The Skull" due to its cover art, achieved gold certification and solidified their cult status.

Early career

Trouble formed in 1979, emerging from the Chicago music scene with a sound that fused the heavy riffs of Black Sabbath with a distinct, melodic sensibility. Their early work was captured on their 1984 debut album, Psalm 9, released on Metal Blade Records, which immediately established their signature style of slow, crushing tempos and lyrical themes often rooted in Christian mysticism.

Breakthrough

The band's commercial peak arrived with their 1990 self-titled album on Def American Records, produced by Rick Rubin. This release, featuring a cleaner production and sharper songwriting, brought them wider recognition beyond the metal underground. The album's single At the End of My Daze received substantial airplay on rock radio, helping the record achieve gold status in the United States.

Key tracks

Psalm 9 — This title track from their debut defined their early doom sound with its monolithic riffs and spiritual lyrical approach.

At the End of My Daze — The band's most successful single, it became a staple on MTV's Headbangers Ball and mainstream rock radio formats.

The Skull — An epic, slow-burning anthem from their breakthrough album that remains a fan favorite and concert staple.

Assassin — This track from 1987's Run to the Light showcases their faster, thrash-influenced side while maintaining their heavy foundation.

Psychotic Reaction — A cover song that highlighted Trouble's ability to inject their doom-laden style into classic garage rock.

Following their early 90s success, Trouble continued to release albums like 1992's Manic Frustration and 1995's Plastic Green Head. The band experienced several lineup changes and hiatuses over the decades, with vocalist Eric Wagner remaining the constant, iconic voice until his passing in 2021. Their influence persisted, and they reunited for festival appearances and new music, including the 2013 album The Distortion Field.

Fans of Trouble's heavy, riff-centric sound should also explore Candlemass. This Swedish band shares the epic, melodic doom approach. Saint Vitus represents another crucial pillar of the American doom metal scene from the same era. The Obsessed delivers a similarly raw and powerful take on the genre. For a modern interpretation, check out Electric Wizard, who amplify the sludge and darkness of the classic Trouble sound.

Trouble's music maintains a steady presence on dedicated classic rock FM stations and specialty metal radio programs. Their signature songs are frequently featured on online rock radio streams that focus on deep cuts from the 80s and 90s metal heyday, as well as on independent music radio stations celebrating heavy music's legacy.

You can hear the powerful doom metal of Trouble on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their influential catalog, from Psalm 9 to their self-titled gold record, through the classic rock and metal radio stations available on onairium.com.