Twelve years. That's how long its been since we were last visited by the entity known as TROUBLE. From TROUBLE's earliest incarnation in 1979, they were destined for legend status; doom hadn't seen the likes of such golden sounds since SABBATH. Their first two records, “Psalm 9” and “The Skull” are at the top of so many all-time lists, it’s hard to keep track. When their sound shifted to a more stoner/psych groove with later releases, some were disappointed and some followed the evolution with open ears. The band has one of the most relevant, juicy and rocking discographies to date. One has to ask, however, what would twelve years do to a sound that has moved so many?

The answer, my friends, is NOT A DAMN THING! Following the tradition, (and picking up where they left off) TROUBLE has returned. They don’t need the money...or maybe they do! At any rate, they wanted to be whole and create as a band again. Create they did, using all their classic elements. Eric Wagner’s voice, so perfect for their music, is completely flawless this time around, hitting every note without aging a bit vocally. Wartell and Franklin’s guitar tones are as flowing and crunchy as they were on the “Plastic Green Head” release, and the songwriting is top notch. Songs like “Arthur Brown’s Whiskey Bar” supply the listener with a crash course in what makes a great TROUBLE tune. With its psychedelic riffing complimenting Wagner’s incredible voice, blooming into a dual guitar attack and blending in elements of the doom metal they helped perpetuate, it represents a perfect circle of a tune. There is nothing on this release that is earth-shattering, genre-bending, or flashy; it's just good damn metal. "Seven", which was going to be the original title of the record, has a great mid-period ST. VITUS riff structure, with melody that recalls TROUBLE’s awesome self-titled 1990 release. The solo here seems to demonstrate a Blackmore / RAINBOW vibe, representing a little stretching for Wartell and Franklin. Classic TROUBLE songs like “Misery Shows” or "Psychotic Reaction” would blend in well with this material. The inclusion of the LUCIFER’S FRIEND tune “Ride the Sky” is a great choice as well. TROUBLE has the talent and the punch to cover this obscure but potent classic. Looking for “Psalm 9”? Don’t look here, but if you are looking for a rocking slab in the vein of “Manic Frustration” or “Plastic Green Head”, this is your chance to grab one of this year’s best.

- Murtaugh

OFFICIAL SITE: www.newtrouble.com

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