On this day March 10 1984 doom metal pioneers Trouble released their debut album Psalm 9. With its heavy riffs dark themes and powerful vocals the album became a landmark in the early doom metal scene blending elements of Black Sabbath-style heaviness with a unique spiritual and apocalyptic lyrical approach.
Psalm 9 helped define the doom metal genre with tracks like The Tempter and Assassin showcasing the band’s signature slow crushing guitar work and Eric Wagner’s haunting vocals. The album gained a cult following and solidified Trouble as one of the most influential bands in doom metal history.
80s insight: Though originally self-titled the album became known as Psalm 9 after later reissues included the title referencing the biblical themes in Trouble’s lyrics.