Trouble
Formed: 1979
From:
Chicago,
IL,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Trouble News
Below is our complete Trouble 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.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 56 1 2 3 Last
Trouble Announces New Album & Release Date
Legendary Chicago metal band Trouble announced that the long awaited return album will be entitled "The Distortion Field." The album is scheduled for release on July 16th (North America) and July 26th (Europe) via FRW Records. The album marks the first new album from the band since the 2007 LP "Simple Mind Condition."
"The Distortion Field" will also make history for the band as they welcome new lead vocalist, Kyle Thomas of Exorder and Floodgate fame.
Commenting on new vocalist is founder and guitarist Rick Wartell: "Kyle is one of the most impressive singers I've ever heard, and by far the most extraordinary singer I've ever had the pleasure of working with. He's got incredible range, incredible power, and an incredible knowledge of Trouble, as he's been a fan for 20-something years. We've known him forever, and he innately understands what Trouble is about. He's like the perfect guy to come in and do this job. It's awesome."
Veteran music Producer Bill Metoyer is once again lending his expertise, having previously worked with the band on "The Skull" and 'Trouble," both Metal Blade releases. More...
Jeff Olson To Appear On New Trouble Album
It's official, original Trouble drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson (Retro Grave, In-Graved) will appear on the next as-of-yet untitled Trouble album, set for a 2013 release. Olson wrote on his "Heady Metal With Jeff Olson" Facebook page:
"It's official... I'm going to be playing some keys on the next Trouble record. Been working on some intros. Don't know when the record will be released.
"I'm also going on tour with Victor Griffin's In~Graved this Spring playing keys... tour dates coming soon. After that, a new Retro Grave record with special guests guitar players. Can't wait!"
Trouble was recently covered in our Sunday Old School column here, and Jeff Olson will also be hitting the road with the new band In-Graved on the following dates: More...
Column
Sunday Old School: Trouble
Looking at how big and branched out the doom metal scene has become in recent years, one can't help but look back to the pioneers of the first wave of Black Sabbath/Coven worship. Besides Witchfinder General, Candlemass, St. Vitus and Pentagram, there is the almighty Trouble. I respect the hell out of this band for its sheer heaviness and iconic style, making them a true American treasure. I've had the pleasure of seeing this great band live three times in my life, each time a complete and total assault of my auditory senses.
Back in the late seventies, guitarist Bruce Franklin and vocalist Eric Wagner were in a high school band in Chicago by the name of Wisecrack and eventually joined guitarist Rick Wartell to form Trouble. The line-up was rounded out with Tim Brown on bass and Jeff 'Oly' Olson on drums. By 1983 the bass was taken over by Sean McAllister, who had ironically borrowed a bass guitar from the man who would become Trouble's bassist for sixteen years - Ron Holzner, who had went to school with Trouble's number one roadie. Jeff Olson was from Maine, but his family had relocated to Chicago where he attended high school. The rest is history. More...
Petition For Doom "Big Four" Tour Circulating
Smokin’ Johnny (apparently the same guy who’s responsible for the Danzig rumours) has created an online petition by asking its fans to help make a “Big 4 of Doom Metal” tour featuring Saint Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram and Candlemass happen. On why “The Big 4 of Doom Metal” tour should happen, the creator explains:
Since a Big 4 of thrash metal exists, how about a Big 4 of doom metal? Saint Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram and Candlemass all helped shape that genre and a Big 4 lineup featuring all of those bands would be one hell of a tour. They all excelled and made doom metal popular. Unlike the other three bands, Candlemass is from Sweden, but their music has become an important American phenomenon in over the last few decades, and yes, this is one reason why they’re in the lineup.Over a two year period, from 1984 to 1986, all four of the Big 4 bands released defining debut albums; Saint Vitus released their eponymous album, Trouble released "Psalm 9," Pentagram released "Relentless" and Candlemass released "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus." Not only did all of those albums give the scene a united front and further the awareness of doom metal as a genre, but they would influence and inspire many well-known later musicians.
Another thing in common about Saint Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram and Candlemass is that they all cite Black Sabbath as an influence. Candlemass recorded a track called “Black Sabbath Medley” on their 1988 album “Ancient Dreams," which is composed of both parts and lyrics to many of their songs, while Saint Vitus named themselves after a song from Black Sabbath’s 1972 album Vol. 4 called “St. Vitus’ Dance”. Seeing Saint Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram and Candlemass tour together would be such an honor. We, as fans, would love to thank all of them for their hard work and all the classics they’ve been putting out since the 1980's.
If you think the tour should happen, go here to sign the petition. “The Big 4 of Doom Metal” also has a Facebook page, go here to 'like' it.
The Skull Recruits New Guitarists
The Skull, the new band formed by two original members of Chicago doom legends Trouble— vocalist Eric Wagner and drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson — alongside the band's longtime bassist, Ron Holzner, has now recruited guitarists Lothar Keller and Michael Carpenter of the Chicago, Illinois-based progressive power metal band Sacred Dawn.
Glen Drover (MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, KING DIAMOND) will not join the band as the guest touring guitarist due to scheduling conflicts. Commented Wagner, Olson, and Holzner in a statement:
"We welcome the twin guitar attack of Lothar Keller and Michael Carpenter from SACRED DAWN. Both guitarists have been playing together for many years and that's a big plus. We are excited to begin rehearsing for our upcoming shows!"
The following festival dates have been confirmed so far (more dates will be announced soon):
June 16 - Days of The Doomed Festival - Cudahy, WI - with EARTHEN GRAVE/BLACKFINGER
July 21 - Hells Pleasure Festival - Pößneck, Germany
September 01 - SHoD (Stoner Hands of Doom) - New London, Connecticut - with RETRO GRAVE
November 10th - Hammer of Doom Festival -Würzburg, Germany
Trouble Enlists Former Exhorder Singer
Blabbermouth.net reports Kyle Thomas, former lead singer for Exhorder and Alabama Thunderpussy, has accepted the position as Trouble's front man. Thomas formerly donned Trouble's microphone for four live shows between 1997 and 1999. More...
Read the full article at Blabbermouth.
Kory Clarke Quits Trouble
Warrior Soul singer Kory Clarke has announced his departure from Chicago doom legends Trouble to form a new band called The Bones of Children with guitarist Russ Strahan (Pentagram/Land of Doom). Clarke commented on his Facebook page:
"This Metal Album will be high energy, with a fresh artistic approach to the genre without the limitations of the over '50 something religious crowd.' It will be so nice to be working without the shackles that a previous singer has left behind of a band that is over 30 years old and acts and sounds like it. I like to do progressive, pushing the boundary lyrics in an individualistic style, I don’t want to sound like Ozzy, like their old singer [Eric Wagner] tried to do. I am also glad when I look to my left on stage from now on, I will not be seeing 'Derek Smalls' in my peripheral vision. LOL. I just cannot play with people who are fundamentalist Christians, or too family oriented to the point that they can't tour, do records or knock down a few margaritas with me at the bar. This is rock n roll guys not the family channel."
The Bones Of Children will release its debut in fall 2012. More...
OpEd
Re-recording Metal - For Better or for Worse?
Back in 2005, Dimmu Borgir was a band still basking in the unholy success of its latest outing “Death Cult Armageddon.” And yet instead of launching into a new opus for fans to consume the band members decided on a new approach; they would re-release an early and often praised album (“Stormblåst”) by completely re-recording it, updating the sound with modern production and slap “MMV” on the end. There had of course been prior examples of bands making this choice, but it was perhaps here that best truly crystallized the new era of metal re-recordings. No doubt you have heard of similar re-recordings in the same vein, perhaps most recently Gorgoroth’s “Under the Sign of Hell 2011” or Burzum’s “From the Depths of Darkness”? Perhaps not, but that’s what I aim to uncover for you here. More...
Original Trouble Members Reunite On Stage
Three members of the original lineup of the legendary Chicago based doom metal band Trouble reunited on stage the weekend before last to perform the song, "Victim Of The Insane," which comes from the group's debut album, "Psalm 9." You can check out a video below. Vocalist Eric Wagner and bassist Sean McAllister joined drummer Jeff "Oly" Olsen's band Retro Grave for the song at The Days Of The Doom Festival in Kenosha, Wisconsin. More...
Jeff "Oly" Olson Talks Possible Reunion w/ Trouble
Original TROUBLE drummer and RETRO GRAVE mainman Jeff "Oly" Olson was interviewed on the April 2, 2011 edition of the "Maximum Threshold" show. He discussed details of the upcoming RETRO GRAVE debut show, set to take place on April 23 at The Studio at Webster Hall in New York City as well as a possible live reunion with former TROUBLE bandmates Eric Wagner and Ron Holzner this June 18 at the Days Of The Doomed festival in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Olson also revealed that former TROUBLE bass player Sean McAllister will be present at the Days Of The Doomed festival, adding, "Who knows what could happen?" The chat is now available for streaming or download here.
RETRO GRAVE's debut full-length album, "Again", was released in February 2010.
In other news, RETRO GRAVE has scheduled an after party meet-and-greet at Idle Hands Bar on April 23rd in New York City immediately following their debut show at the Studio at Webster Hall.
Trouble Updates Tour Schedule
Rick Wartell of Chicago doom act Trouble will guest on this Monday's (January 10th) edition of original and former Trouble drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson's Internet radio show, "Heady Metal With Jeff Olson." Wartell will discuss tour dates to include the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise coming up this month and the latest up-to-date Trouble studio report.
Trouble has scheduled the following tour dates:
Jan. 22 - Bottom Lounge - Chicago, Illinois
Jan. 24-27 - 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise
Jan. 28 - County Line - Melbourne, Florida
Jan. 29 - Plaza Theater - Orlando, Florida
Jan. 30 - The Coliseum - Daytona Beach, Florida
"Heady Metal With Jeff Olson" airs on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. EST exclusively for Metal Messiah Radio with the podcasts available the following day at the show's website.
Headline News
Original Saint Vitus Drummer Armando Acosta Dies
Former TROUBLE drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson has issued the following statement about the passing of original Saint Vitus drummer Armando Acosta:
"Sadly, it has been confirmed that the original drummer for Saint Vitus, Armando Acosta, passed on Thanksgiving Day (November 25) at the age of 58. I had scheduled an interview with Henry Vasquez (current Saint Vitus drummer) for this Monday's show before anyone had known of the passing. Therefore, this Monday's (December 6th) edition will be a memorial for the late Armando Acosta. The interview with Vasquez will be re-scheduled for a later date."
"Armando was one of my dear friends from Saint Vitus. The last time I saw Armando was when he ate dinner at my house after a Saint Vitus show in Chicago. He had a very kind heart and was funny. I'm saddened by this news. He will be very missed by so many. May he rest in peace."
"Heady Metal With Jeff Olson" airs on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. EST exclusively for Metal Messiah Radio with the podcasts available the following day at the show's website. The encore runs on Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m.
Retro Grave Confirmed For Days Of The Doomed
RETRO GRAVE, featuring original and former TROUBLE drummer Jeff "Oly" Olson, has been confirmed for the Days Of The Doomed Fest, set to take place June 17-18, 2011 at The P.L.A.V. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Commented Olson: "I'm very excited to play for our friends in the mid west for the Days Of The Doom Fest. It's going to be great to perform on stage again. I've missed that! In addition, because I live in southern Maine, I have not yet had the chance to see my longtime TROUBLE friends, Eric Wagner and Ron Holzner perform with their new bands, BLACKFINGER and EARTHEN GRAVE. I'm looking forward to see them again as well as the latest up and coming bands in the doom scene. Stay tuned for RETRO GRAVE's debut show to be held in New York City soon with my friends from GNAW."
The Days Of The Doomed Fest billing is shaping up as follows:
ARGUS
KIN OF ETTINS
RETRO GRAVE (feat. Jeff "Oly" Olson of TROUBLE fame)
ORODRUIN
SLEESTAK
IRON MAN
APOSTLE OF SOLITUDE
LAS CRUCES
BLACKFINGER (feat. Eric Wagner of TROUBLE fame)
REVELATION
ZEBULON PIKE
BACKWOODS PAYBACK
SINISTER REALM
PALE DIVINE
EARTHEN GRAVE (feat. Ron Holzner of TROUBLE fame)
CARBELLION
PALLBEARER
BLACK PYRAMID
ADMIRAL BROWNING
Tickets are on sale now. Weekend passes are $40.00 through PayPalusing cosmic_doom_420@yahoo.com for payment.
Earthen Grave Pays Tribute To Dio with "Stargazer"
Earthen Grave paid tribute to the legendary Ronnie James Dio with a cover of Rainbow’s "Stargazer" (written by Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore) in concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL on Sunday, July 11, 2010.
The members of Chicago-based thrash/doom metal band are Ron Holzner on bass (formerly of Trouble), Rachel Barton Pine on electric long-range violin, Mark Weiner on vocals, Jason Muxlow and Tony Spillman on guitar and Scott Davidson on drums. Joining Earthen Grave for the Ronnie James Dio tribute were Hannah Barton on violin, Edgar Gabriel on violin and Mike Block on cello.
The rest of the set was highlighted with songs from Earthen Grave’s "Dismal Times" EP, and also featured Bruce Franklin (Trouble) joining Earthen Grave for two Trouble tunes.
Sunday’s concert was the first time a metal band has performed at the Pritzker Pavilion. The set was part of the Great Performer of Illinois Award Concert honoring Earthen Grave member Rachel Barton Pine. Pine played two classical sets earlier in the evening before closing the festival with Earthen Grave against an appropriate backdrop of pouring rain, thunder and lightning.
Earthen Grave - "Stargazer" Cover
Exodus Confirmed for 70000 Tons of Metal
Thrash Metal band Exodus, among several other bands, have just been added to one of the most epic cruises of all time: the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise (Jan 24-28th of 2011). So far, eighteen bands out of the forty have been confirmed on the official site. The bands that have been confirmed are as followed:
Amon Amarth
Death Angel
Finntroll
Exodus
Epica
Sonata Arctica
Forbidden
Moonspell
Obituary
Saxon
Sodom
Raven
Stratovarius
Swashbuckle
Testament
Trouble
Uli Jon Roth
Witchburner
Jeff Olson Comments On Trouble Album Misprint
Former Trouble drummer, Jeff "Oly" Olson has issued the following statement regarding the misprint of the first European vinyl pressing of Trouble's "Live in L.A." album:
"Many people have been writing and asking about the European vinyl pressing of Trouble's 'Live in LA' album from High Roller Records. The album states that Mark Lira is playing drums on that album, but it is indeed myself performing entirely. In addition, the band photo was taken at the show, but not printed on the album (Lira's photos were posted instead). Yes, it is also my kit on the back cover of the album from my last show with Trouble at The End Club in Nashville (July 2008).
"High Roller Records has apologized to me for this error and has promised to make the corrections if more albums are pressed in the future (500 have already been pressed). I understand that this was only a mistake and there are no hard feelings about it at all. I hope this now clears it up."
Retro Grave Reveals New Album, "Again," Details
The debut full length album, “Again,” from Jeff Olson's Retro Grave (ex-TROUBLE), will be released on February 09, 2010. The tracklisting is as follows:
01. Intro
02. Monstah
03 Lie Quickly Down
04. Mind March
05. Liar
06. Dead Ol Harp
07. Belly Crawl
08. Bad Train
09. So So Souls
10. Doldrums
11. Abomination
12. Entropy
Video Interview With Trouble Available
PitCam.tv has posted a video interview with the members of Chicago's Trouble. The video clip can be viewed below.
The Devil's Blood Cancels London Show With Trouble
Satanic rock and roll act The Devil's Blood has issued the following statement about their planned performance in London alongside Trouble:
"The Devil's Blood will NOT perform in London's Underworld with Trouble.
"To avoid any further confusion we now have to make an official statement regarding our Ritual in London. We were informed that we are not welcome at this point to perform with US doom band Trouble at Camden's Underworld in London. If this is a decision made by the band or by the venue is actually totally unclear. A few day's worth of emailing, telephone calls and text-messaging not withstanding it seems no one in the entire organization was able to speak out in a definitive manner on this subject.
"Frustrating as it is we have decided to move on to more important things and leave this circus of confusion behind us. The Devil's Blood will make great efforts to invade the UK at a later date. Plans to this extent are being made as we speak. Our Hails to all individuals we have done so much to get us in London and to the maniacs active in the UK underground who have so diligently furthered our course of Chaos!"
You can still catch The Devil's Blood live on the following dates: More...
Pentagram And Trouble To Tour Europe
Two of the biggest names in doom metal, Pentagram and Trouble, will be teaming up for a co-headlining tour in Europe later this year.
The tour dates are as follows:
September 30 - Knaack Club - Berlin, Germany
October 1 - The Rock - Copenhagen, Denmark
October 2 - Markthalle - Hamburg, Germany
October 3 - Turock - Essen, Germany
October 4 - Glazart - Paris, France
October 5 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
October 7 - Diesel Club - Budapest, Hungary
October 8 - Masters Of Rock - Zlin, Czech Republic
October 9 - Rosenkeller w - Jena, Germany
October 10 - tbc - Bielefeld, Germany
October 11 - Nachtleben - Frankfurt, Germany
October 12 - Club O13 - Tilburg, Netherlands
October 13 - Kultuzentrum - Hanover, Germany
October 14 - Underworld - London, England
October 17 - Hammer Of Doom Fest - Wurzburg, Germany
