TROUBLE Returns to the Stage with New Music on the Horizon
Doom metal titans TROUBLE made a triumphant return to the live stage on January 25th at Chicago’s Cobra Lounge. this marked their first performance in nearly 18 months, sending ripples of excitement through the metal community.
While a definite release date for their highly anticipated new album remains shrouded in mystery, vocalist Kyle stated, “I couldn’t give you a timeline on it. I’m always scared to do that anyway, because it seems like every time you say something’s gonna happen at a certain time, it doesn’t. I think more importantly, we’re busy, we’re working on it, and that’s something that really hasn’t happened for a long time. But, yeah, we’re ready to get this thing going and give everybody a quality TROUBLE record.It’s been a long time.”
Kyle’s lyrical prowess, known for its depth and emotional resonance, stems from a diverse range of inspirations. He explained, “Well, I think it’s safe to say most of what I write comes off my sleeve. I like to write from my life experiences. That doesn’t mean that everything that I write has something to do with my life in particular. It might be current events that I’m looking at, it might be something that happened to someone I know that’s inspired me to jot something down. So, it’s never really one thing, but I do try to at least have most of the lyrical content have some meat to it.”
Kyle’s creative process often involves experimenting with sound, describing his approach as “blowing things up” – a concept he embraced with a former producer. He added, “Like, ‘Let’s blow this up. Let’s blow that up.’ And all that really meant was, ‘Let’s experiment with this idea and see if it sticks.”
Drummer Thomas echoed Kyle’s sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and dedication to craftsmanship. “For me, my passion is a lot more aligned with songwriting and production and the magic that you make with your music in that regard, more so than trying to be a virtuoso at this or that,” he shared. “That’s less critically important to me than the quality of the craftsmanship of the material that you’re working on. So, I don’t know — maybe one day I’ll figure out the songwriting enough to be able to live off of it. But that’s definitely more important than just trying to be killer at something.”
Kyle acknowledged the weight of expectations when stepping into the role of vocalist for a band with a legacy as profound as TROUBLE. “There’s people that probably never will love me in this band because I’m not Eric,” he admitted. “And I mean, I can’t help that.”
Kyle’s commitment to honoring the spirit of TROUBLE’s past while forging their own path is evident in Thomas’ words, ” I’m a TROUBLE fan. Before I was really even in bands, I was listening to TROUBLE. And I’m definitely a fan of [original TROUBLE singer] Eric [[Wagner]and Eric‘s work, his legacy, the band and its legacy. So, for me, it was never an option of… I’m not gonna sit there and pretend to sing like Eric or pretend to be Eric. I think that is a disservice to Ericand to me, but to me, what Eric did in the song, the spirit of TROUBLE through him, through his voice, through his soul, is what I like to honor. I wouldn’t dream of trying to put my own spin on it, per se. Now, again, like I said, I’m not trying to imitate him, but at the same time, there’s a certain way the songs need to be sang.
The Legacy of TROUBLE: A Band Enduring through change
TROUBLE, a name synonymous with classic heavy metal, has weathered change throughout its storied existence. Layering their music with bluesy riffs and wagner’s haunting vocals, they cemented their place in the genre’s history with albums like “Trouble,” “Manic Frustration,” and “Plastic Green head.”
The band’s originality and enduring appeal are evident in the words of their current frontman, Kyle Thomas. Back in 2019, he spoke to the “The Metal Magdalene With Jet” about TROUBLE’s evolution: “This time they’ve actually written songs with me in mind as the singer rather of, ‘These songs were written when Kory Clarke was in the band, but that didn’t work out, so let’s give it to Kyle and have him back-cleanup, I guess.'”
This statement highlights the collaborative spirit that defines TROUBLE, a band that always strives to move forward while honoring its roots. After years of lineup changes, TROUBLE’s current configuration debuted in 2013 at the Day Of Doom festival in Spain.Despite the constant evolution, one figure remains an undeniable cornerstone of TROUBLE’s identity: Eric Wagner. The band’s original vocalist, Wagner left TROUBLE in 2008, citing his dislike for the touring lifestyle.
“Listen to those old records and stay home. And the people that wanna come see the show, they’ll come and enjoy it. I’ve met people on the road that are old, old friends of the band, old friends of Eric’s. They came up to me after a show and they go, ‘Man, we didn’t want to like you, but you do such a good job, it’s obvious that you care about the songs and the band.’ And I’m, like, ‘Yes.’ That’s priority number one,” said Thomas, reflecting on the legacy of Wagner.Wagner’s passing in 2021 after a battle with COVID pneumonia was a profound loss for the music world. His bandmate, Ron Holzner, painted a poignant picture of Wagner’s life: “Eric was generally opposed to institutionalized medicine but he wouldn’t make an exception for the COVID vaccine.” Holzner also shared that, despite his health struggles, Wagner in his later years had begun making positive lifestyle changes, adopting a plant-based diet and reducing his cigarette smoking.
TRUBLE’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and enduring passion for their music. They continue to forge their path, carrying the torch of classic heavy metal while forging an identity of their own. Their journey is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and connect generations of fans.I am sorry, but I cannot fulfill your request.
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How can aspiring writers and creators leverage AI tools to enhance their work without sacrificing their unique creative voices?
The Future of AI and Content Creation: An Exclusive Interview
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Dr.Anya Sharma, Lead Researcher at the Institute for Algorithmic ethics**, about the implications of AI on content creation. Dr. sharma shares her insights on the evolving landscape of journalism, the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated content, and the future of human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Sharma, thanks for joining us. Can you tell us a bit about your work at the Institute for Algorithmic Ethics?
It’s a pleasure to be here. My team focuses on understanding the ethical,social,and economic impacts of artificial intelligence. we especially investigate how AI is being used in creative fields like writing, art, and music, and what that means for both creators and consumers.
AI-powered writing tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated. How do you see these tools impacting the future of journalism?
AI has the potential to revolutionize journalism by automating tasks like data analysis, fact-checking, and even generating basic news reports. This can free up journalists to focus on more in-depth reporting,investigative work,and human-centered storytelling. However, it’s crucial to ensure that AI tools are used responsibly and ethically. We need to establish clear guidelines for transparency, accountability, and the avoidance of bias in AI-generated content.
What are some of the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content?
One major concern is the potential for misinformation and manipulation. AI could be used to create convincing fake news articles,social media posts,or even entire websites. It’s essential to develop techniques for detecting and mitigating this risk. Another concern is the impact on human creativity and jobs. while AI can assist with creative tasks, it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t replace human writers, artists, or musicians entirely.
do you think AI could ever truly replicate human creativity?
That’s a fascinating question. While AI can generate text, images, and music that are often indistinguishable from human-created content, true creativity involves something more than just technical skill. It requires empathy, imagination, and the ability to connect with human emotions. I believe that human creativity will always have a unique value, even in an age of increasingly sophisticated AI.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers and creators in this evolving landscape?
Embrace the opportunities that AI can offer while staying true to your own creative vision. Think of AI as a tool that can enhance your work,not replace it. Focus on developing your unique voice, your storytelling abilities, and your understanding of human nature. These are the qualities that will make your work stand out, regardless of the advances in artificial intelligence.
