Trouble are an American doom metal band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1978. Widely regarded as pioneers of the genre, they are often cited as part of doom metal’s “big four” alongside Candlemass, Pentagram, and Saint Vitus. Their sound blends the heavy, down-tuned riffs of Black Sabbath with elements of Judas Priest-style metal and 1960s psychedelic rock.
Their early albums Psalm 9 (1984) — originally released under the title Trouble — and The Skull (1985) are considered landmarks of doom metal, helping define the genre’s slow, weighty and atmospheric approach. Across their career, the band has released eight studio albums while maintaining a strong underground following.
Core members have included founder and guitarist Rick Wartell, alongside vocalist Eric Wagner, guitarist Bruce Franklin, and drummer Jeff Olson. Their early lyrical themes often explored spiritual and biblical ideas, which led to the band briefly being labelled “white metal” by their label—something they never fully leaned into.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, Trouble maintained a steady run of releases, including Run to the Light (1987), Trouble (1990), and Manic Frustration (1992), each refining their blend of heaviness and melody. While their output slowed after Eric Wagner’s departure in 1997, the band continued through various line-up changes and periodic returns, never fully disappearing from the doom landscape.
These releases reflect Trouble’s steady role in shaping traditional doom metal, balancing weight with melody and maintaining a consistent identity across decades.
This page focuses primarily on T-shirts and hoodies, sourced from official suppliers and produced to a high standard. Designs reflect the band’s classic doom metal identity, often featuring bold, vintage-inspired artwork that aligns with their long-standing presence in heavy music.
Stock rotates regularly, so if something catches your eye, it’s worth picking it up while available. We’re also looking to expand the range with more T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories in the near future, depending on availability from official suppliers. CD and vinyl releases may also feature alongside apparel where possible.
Trouble are one of the pioneers of Doom Metal, so if you fancy exploring more like-minded artists, have a look through our Doom Category. You might also like to read our blog on the different subgenres of Metal \m/
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