Troubled Minds

Trouble was formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1978 by Rick Wartell during his high school years. Initially, Wartell was the sole guitarist and singer, joined by bassist Mike DiPrima and drummer Mike Slopecki. The band's early style was heavily influenced by British heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, as well as psychedelic rock of the 1960s. Trouble played their first show that year at Gordon Technical Institute in Chicago, marking the start of their journey in the doom metal genre.

In 1981, Rick Wartell revamped the band's lineup after placing an ad in the Illinois Entertainer. The new lineup included guitarist Bruce Franklin, vocalist Eric Wagner, bassist Tim Ian Brown, and drummer Jeff Olson. This lineup shift was crucial in defining the band's unique sound, characterized by gloomy, down-tuned riffs and spiritually inspired lyrics. During this period, Trouble gained influences from Black Sabbath and integrated elements of psychedelic rock, setting them apart from other metal bands of the era.

On February 5, 1983, Trouble recorded a live show in Chicago, capturing their intense and atmospheric sound. Drummer Jeff Olson sent this cassette to Brian Slagel of Metal Blade Records, which helped the band secure their first record deal. Also, in 1983, bassist Tim Ian Brown was replaced by Sean McAllister. The band's music featured spiritual and biblical themes, leading Metal Blade to market Trouble as 'white metal,' contrasting with the rising black metal movement.

Trouble released their debut album, later referred to as 'Psalm 9,' in 1984 through Metal Blade Records. The album became a landmark in the doom metal genre due to its heavy, down-tuned sound and spiritual lyrical content. 'Psalm 9' set the foundation for Trouble's influential role in metal music and established their reputation for blending traditional metal with deeper thematic elements.

In 1985, Trouble released their second album, 'The Skull.' The album reflected vocalist Eric Wagner's struggles with substance abuse and internal turmoil within the band. These challenges led to the replacement of bassist Sean McAllister with Ron Holzner and the departure of drummer Jeff Olson. The spiritual and heavy themes continued, further cementing Trouble's status in the doom metal scene. Olson left to pursue studies at Berklee College of Music, where he graduated with honors.

Trouble released their third album, 'Run to the Light,' in 1987 with Dennis Lesh replacing Jeff Olson on drums. The album received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it disappointing compared to the band's earlier work. Nonetheless, Lesh supported the band on the album’s tour. This period marked continued transitions within the band's lineup and musical evolution, as they navigated challenges while maintaining their distinctive sound.

After a three-year hiatus, Trouble was signed by Rick Rubin’s Def American Records. In 1990, they released a self-titled album produced by Rubin himself. This album marked a significant moment of increased visibility for the band, showcasing their refined doom metal style. The collaboration with Rubin, a well-known producer, helped Trouble reach a broader audience and solidify their place in the metal music landscape.

Trouble went inactive following the departure of original singer Eric Wagner in 1997. Wagner’s exit marked a significant moment for the band, as he was a core member and primary lyricist whose spiritual influence shaped the band's identity. The hiatus reflected the band's uncertainty about their future direction without Wagner as the frontman.

Eric Wagner rejoined Trouble in 2000, revitalizing the band and their musical endeavors. His return allowed Trouble to reconnect with their original sound and fanbase, and enabled the band to resume activity after several years of inactivity. Wagner's comeback was pivotal for continuing the band's legacy and further contributions to the doom metal genre.

Eric Wagner left Trouble again in 2008, leading to new changes within the band. He was first replaced by Kory Clarke, and later by Kyle Thomas, who had previously filled in during Wagner's initial absence. These lineup changes signified a new chapter for Trouble as they continued to evolve while maintaining their signature sound.

Eric Wagner, the original singer and primary lyric writer of Trouble, passed away in 2021. His death marked the end of an era for the band and was a significant loss to the doom metal community. Wagner's spiritual and introspective lyrics, along with his distinctive voice and presence, were instrumental in defining Trouble's sound and influence within heavy metal music.