Trauma
Formed: 1981
From:
San Francisco,
CA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Trauma News
Below is our complete Trauma news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Trauma Confirms New Album And First European Tour
Metal vets, Trauma, will be launching their first-ever European tour in May, when they join a bill also featuring Ross The Boss. Additionally, the band has completed work on their next album, Awakening, which will be released at some point this year. It marks the first Trauma album to feature new singer, Brian Allen, who replaced the group’s original vocalist, Donny Hillier (who passed away in 2020).
“Trauma is delighted to be going on tour in Europe with Ross The Boss,” says drummer Kris Gustofson. “As this is Trauma's first time touring in Europe, we cannot wait to play for the fans! It has been way too long. Fans can expect to hear and see Trauma performing some old tracks – 'Scratch And Scream,’ ‘From Here To Hell,’ and some tracks from the new album with new vocalist Brian Allen. High energy, Bombastic songs and a true heavy metal experience is what fans will receive.”
Trauma will also be appearing as part of the multi-act Alcatraz Hard Rock & Metal Festival in Belgium (which will also feature the likes of Testament, Hatebreed, Accept, etc.), which runs from August 12 - 14. More...
Trauma Reveals New Vocalist
Metal vets, Trauma, have announced that the band has welcomed a new singer, Brian Allen, into their lineup, and are currently at work on a new album.
“We welcome Brian Allen to the Trauma camp,” says the band in a statement. “We are very happy to have Brian as our new vocalist and look forward to recording and playing on stages around the globe soon. He came highly recommended by our producer Juan Urteaga after the unfortunate passing of Trauma's original vocalist Donny Hillier. We cannot wait to hit the stage.
“Trauma’s new album was being written during the pandemic of 2020. We decided to include songs that had faster heavier riffs, blast beats, perhaps just a more modern approach. September 2020, vocalist Donny Hillier passed away. We were shocked by this tragedy, Don, wanted the band to go on. We almost didn't. However through management and friends, we decided to move forward and even come up with heavier sounding material. Also the addition of vocalist Brian Allen has added a different dimension within the band that we are very excited about. We have many things in the works and are looking forward once again to the future, keeping the torch lit!!! We are hopeful the fans will like what will be available to them soon. Along with some live dates.”
The new Trauma lineup consists of Brian Allen - lead vocals, Kris Gustofson - drums, Greg Christian - bass guitar, Joe Fraulob - guitars and Steve Robello – guitars.
Kris also had the following to add about the addition of Brian: “We are delighted to have Brian Allen as our new vocalist. Our beloved brother, Donny Hillier, was not easy to replace, if not impossible. Brian is a veteran musician who has been on the scene for many years and was a member of Vicious Rumors, Dark Star Choir and others, and will be a new driving force within the band. Besides being a killer vocalist, He is a great guy and the perfect fit. We are looking forward to giving people a listen to what the new Trauma will sound like soon, along with live dates.” More...
Ross The Boss Cancels European Tour Dates
Former Manowar guitarist Ross The Boss has confirmed that his headlining tour across Europe, which was set to feature support from Burning Witches and Trauma, has now been cancelled. The dates will be rescheduled to take place next year. A statement from the band's official Facebook page reads as follows:
"Effective immediately the Ross The Boss Tour November / December 2020 across Europe is being rescheduled into 2021. Unfortunately due to the continuing Pandemic worldwide it is not possible to perform as scheduled for these November and December 2020 shows.
"The Band is fully committed to replacing these dates in the Fall of 2021 in
the same markets. We will shortly, once all the shows have been secured, announce all the new
details. The band is looking forward to returning and performing for all the fans."
In related news, Burning Witches has announced that it's unlikely they will appear on the rescheduled tour, due to conflicting schedules which includes work on their fourth album.
"The sad news about the @Rossthebossband tour cancellation was expected and it still it brings us sorrow. It would have been a killer package, now obvious circumstances force us to go new ways! Moving the tour again to a new yet unknown date in 2021 will most likely not work with our schedule for next year.
"We are currently working on the new album, that is planned to be released in April/May 2021 via Nuclear Blast records. We wanna wish Ross all the best and say cheers for the invitation, hopefully we can play together another time when the world is back on track! Stay safe everybody!"
Headline News
Trauma Vocalist Passes Away
San Francisco metal veterans Trauma has announced that the band's vocalist, Donny Hillier, has passed away after fighting a short illness. A statement from the band reads as follows:
"It is with immeasurable sadness that Trauma shares the news that our brother Donny Hillier passed away yesterday September 28, 2020 from a short illness. We are all grief stricken and send our deepest condolences to Donny's family and will respect their wishes for privacy at this time. Donny was the voice of Trauma since the beginning in 1981 and will be a hard act to follow."
Trauma's most recent album, "As The World Dies," was released in 2018 to strong reviews and marked their third album in their near forty year history. More...
Trauma Announce Rescheduled Tour Dates
Last year, Bay Area thrash vets Trauma announced their long-awaited comeback and new member additions. In advance of finishing their upcoming third album, Trauma are set to hit the road on a brief headline tour beginning April 13 in Cool, CA. Additional east coast and midwestern dates have also been added.
Trauma U.S. Tour Dates:
4/13 - Cool, CA @ Cool Beerwerks
4/20 - Milwaukee, WI @ NYDM Spring Bash
4/21 - Crest Hill, IL @ Bada Brew
4/22 - Lakewood, OH @ The Foundry
4/23 - Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
4/24 - Boston, MA @ Middle East - Upstairs
4/25 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Kingsland
4/28 - San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
Listen to TRAUMA's recently released new track, "The Rage", produced by guitarist Joe Fraulob, via Soundcloud below. The track will be featured on the band's upcoming third album, engineered by Juan Urteaga (Testament, Machine Head, M.O.D.).
Trauma Announces Tour Dates
Bay Area thrash vets Trauma announced the long-awaited comeback earlier this summer, and the band is set to hit the road next month on a brief headline tour, with dates being added as the kickoff nears. Four dates have been confirmed, and more are to be announced.
Founder/vocalist Don Hillier says,"Trauma is thrilled to be going back out to play live shows with our exciting new lineup. We are looking forward to seeing our West Coast fans!"
See below for all confirmed upcoming dates and stay tuned for more being added each day:
11/17 - Portland, OR @ Dante's
11/25 - Sacramento, CA @ The Boardwalk
11/30 - Hollywood, CA @ Whisky a Go Go
12/2 - Phoenix, AZ @ Pub Rock
More TBA.
Trauma Posts New Single, Recruits Bassist
Trauma is responsible for the classic '80s album, "Scratch and Scream," featuring cuts like "The Day All Hell Broke Loose" and "Lay Low." Three decades passed before the band emerged again in support of a re-mastered edition of that debut and then delivered 2015 follow-up, "Rapture and Wrath."
Now, staying true to that classic sound, Trauma s back with a merciless new track, "The Rage," which was produced by guitarist Joe Fraulob. The track will be featured on an upcoming third album - check it out below!
Trauma is furthermore pleased to announce the addition of Bay Area bassist Greg Christian (ex-Testament) to the band's line-up. "Trauma is thrilled to welcome Greg Christian to our band," says the band in a statement. "His creative bass guitar work completes our music."
"Having grown up in the Bay Area thrash scene, it's a huge honor for me to play in TRAUMA," adds Greg Christian. "After all, this was Cliff Burton's (R.I.P.) band. Respect! Style-wise, for me, it's a perfect fit and feels like I'm finally exactly where I'm supposed to be." More...
Trauma Working On New Material, Confirm New Show
U.S. cult metal act Trauma is confirmed for 2018 installment of the NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash, taking place on April 19-21, 2018. Furthermore, the band revealed that new songs are in the works and a new single will be issued soon:
"Here is a show we are confirmed on in 2018. We're also working on new killer songs!!!! A new single will be available soon.. horns up and stay tuned!"
Trauma was formed in 1980, having in the original line-up the iconic Cliff Burton on bass guitar, before he joined Metallica in 1982. The band quickly became well known throughout California, playing at all the legendary venues, and their first ever recorded track "Such a Shame" was included on Metal Blade Records, Metal Massacre II album in 1982. The "Scratch and Scream" (1984) album has long been considered a classic Heavy Metal collector’s item. Shrapnel Records re-mastered and re-released the album in October 2013, and Trauma reformed with a new line-up for the album re-release. In July 2014, Trauma played at the Headbangers Open Air Festival, furthermore the same year the band signed a world-wide contract with Pure Steel Records. The latest effort “Rapture and Wrath” was released on February 27, 2015. More...
Headline News
70000 Tons Of Metal: Line Up Complete
In exactly 9 days 3000 metal fans will be on board the 2017 edition of 70000 Tons Of Metal Cruise.
4 Days, 60 Bands, 1 Cruise Ship and only 3000 Tickets – Round 7 of The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise will sail February 2-6 from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Labadee, Haiti on board the "Independence Of The Seas".
Haven’t booked your ticket yet? Click here to book now! Don’t wait, only a select number of Single Tickets and Private Cabins are left. You don’t want to miss this trip of a lifetime!
Check out the entire 2017 line-up below: More...
Trauma Recruits New Guitarist
U.S. thrash metal outfit Trauma just announced Joe Fraulob as the band's new guitarist and songwriter. Trauma comments:
"Joe has been in many bands over the years and has toured the globe. He was in Danzig and Deconstruct. Trauma is very pleased to have Joe on board touring and writing new material!"
Just recently, Trauma was also confirmed for 7,0000 Tons of Metal taking place on February 2nd - 6th, 2017. Drummer Kris Gustofson states: “Trauma is delighted and honored to be playing on the 70000 tons of metal cruise with some of the best bands in Metal. This is going to be a blast and we look forward to putting the pedal to the Metal.” More...
Trauma Confirmed For 70,000 Tons Of Metal
U.S. group Trauma has been confirmed for the 2017 edition of the floating 70,000 Tons of Metal festival taking place on February 2nd - 6th. Drummer Kris Gustofson stated:
"Trauma is delighted and honored to be playing on the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise with some of the best bands in metal. This is going to be a blast and we look forward to putting the pedal to the metal." More...
Trauma Announces "Rising In The West" Tour
U.S. group Trauma has announced the “Rising in The West” tour alongside Taipan, with the band commenting: "Trauma is looking forward to getting back out on the road and greet our old fans and creating new ones."
Michael Black of Taipan adds: "Taipan is very honored to play shows with the original Bay thrash band. Its good to be part of history. We look forward to seeing everyone on the road."
October 6 - Scottsdale AZ The Rogue Bar *without Taipan
October 7 - Five Star Bar, Los Angeles, CA *without Taipan
October 8 – Thrash Bash Tijuana – Safari Club
October 14 – Long Beach – Blacklight District
October 15 – Las Vegas – OMD Theater
October 22 – Deadfest 2 – Dollhut Anaheim
October 28 – BlackThronSCREAM FEST – Pico Rivera Sports Arena
October 29 - The Elks Lodge- San Bernadino *without Taipan More...
Trauma Writing New Material
Trauma was formed in 1980, with the original lineup featuring the iconic Cliff Burton on bass guitar before joining Metallica in 1982. The band quickly became well known throughout California, playing at all the legendary venues, and Trauma's first ever recorded track “Such a Shame” was included on the Metal Blade Records "Metal Massacre II" album in 1982.
The band reformed in 2013 and the next year signed a worldwide contract with Pure Steel Records. Latest effort "Rapture and Wrath" was released on February 27th, 2015 and now the band is currently writing material for a new album.
Trauma also just signed a deal with Alpha Omega, with the management group commenting: "We're extremely thrilled to welcome Trauma to our family! We cannot wait to bring them on worldwide stages with their upcoming album, which promises great things both for old and new fans!" More...
Trauma Releases New Music Video "When I Die"
San Francisco traditional/speed metal act Trauma have released a music video for the new track "When I Die." The song appears on the upcoming new release "Rapture and Wrath," the band's first album in thirty one years, which is set for release on February 27th via Pure Steel Records.
The track listing is as follows:
1. Heart Of Stone
2. When I Die
3. The Long Way Home
4. Pain
5. The Walking Dead
6. Kingdome Come
7. Egypt
8. Under The Lights
9. Don't Tread On Me
10. Too Late
Check out "When I Die" here: More...
Trauma Details New Album 'Rapture And Wrath'
San Francisco traditional/speed metal act Trauma have detailed the upcoming new release "Rapture and Wrath," the band's first album in thirty one years. The sophomore effort and follow up to the 1984 debut "Scratch and Scream" is set to drop on February 27th via Pure Steel Records.
It’s all there: the powerful and charismatic high-pitched vocals of Donny Hillier, which can be described as a cross between Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickinson, the hard rockin’ guitars and many exciting melodic passages. This album has everything you need, satisfaction guaranteed! On "Rapture And Wrath," groove, anthemic melodies and catchy hook lines go hand in hand. Combine that with a clean, crisp production and you got yourself a hell of a good time.
The track listing is as follows:
1. Heart Of Stone
2. When I Die
3. The Long Way Home
4. Pain
5. The Walking Dead
6. Kingdome Come
7. Egypt
8. Under The Lights
9. Don't Tread On Me
10. Too Late More...
Trauma Recruits Dublin Death Patrol Bassist
Resurrected San Francisco speed metal act Trauma has named ex-Dublin Death Patrol member Steve Robello as the band's new bassist. Robello replaces outgoing member Marcel Eaton.
The band commented: "They put a couple of records out and played a bunch of festival dates a little while back. He was the Bassist who played with us at the HOA festival. We are glad to have him."
Trauma reformed in 2013 after a 28 year absence from the scene. The band will go down in history as being the late Cliff Burton's band before joining Metallica. Back in June, Trauma signed on with Pure Steel records for the release of as of yet untitled sophomore release due out later this year. It is the first release since the debut full length "Scratch and Scream" was issued 30 years ago.
The current lineup for Trauma is:
Donny Hillier - vocals
Kurt Fry - guitars
Kris Gustofson - drums
Steve Robello - bass More...
Trauma Signs With Pure Steel Records
U.S. traditional metal act Trauma signed on with Pure Steel Records. Formed in 1981, the San Francisco natives released the debut album "Scratch and Scream" in 1984 through Shrapnel Records. Now, 30 years later the band will issue its sophomore, yet untitled, release with a new 10 song album.
All songs were produced by the band. More news on the release is expected soon. The current lineup for Trauma is:
Donny Hillier (ex-Black Sunday Dream) - vocals
Kurt Fry (ex-Heist, ex-Mechanizm) - guitars
Kris Gustofson (ex-St. Elmos Fire, ex-Mechanizm, ex-Moon Dog Mane, ex-Dunmore, ex-Threat) - drums
Marcel Eaton (ex-Serpent & Sarrah) - bass More...