Trouble's classic debut album from 1984 with faithfully restored audio represents everything that Doom Metal should be. Trouble's early work and, in particular, "Psalm 9" represent everything that Doom Metal should be (but so often is not). Think about it, here is a band who are really rather diverse, with regard to tempo, arrangements and mood, and are not afraid to break the mould of what is typically expected of a Doom band. For 1984 this is an incredibly contemporary record; it's Doom to the bone, but also thrashy and featuring some, for the time, modern Heavy Metal touches. At it's heart there's nothing regressive or throw-backy about this record. Honestly, it makes one laugh when stuff like this is called 'traditional doom metal'; what is traditional about it? Bands like Trouble and Candlemass weren't operating in an established tradition, they were forging their own sound. Too often one hears doom bands who really take the Metal out of Doom. Doom nowadays often seems to be a byword for "play slow, minimise your Metallic leanings". Of course, "Psalm 9" answers to one's prayers as it has lead guitar and fast parts in abundance. Contrast is key to it's success and every stomping, down-trodden riff is offset by a fast break. Trouble love playing slow, but damn, they'll rip your face off, too! RE-PRESS Black vinyl 09/29/20
