Grand Halls 30

TROUBLE – “Warrior” LP ’84 (Artist, Swe) – The first thing people will think when they hear the name TROUBLE is the great band from Chicago. That’s no surprise, as the Wartell-Franklin powered doom/heavy rock machine has long plied their trade and released nothing but top-notch works over the years. Still, there were at least 3 other groups to share this moniker and one was this 4-piece unit from up north in Sweden. TROUBLE’s sole output was this 1984 release entitled “Warrior” and the first thing that would probably draw you into it’s web of intrigue would be the gorgeous cover art. Just take a look at that bad boy. Makes you salivate just wondering what lies housed in that jacket doesn’t it? Well, the first thing you’re going to notice, once needle hits wax (or laser hits plastic…) is a strong Thin Lizzy influence. This is evident enough to surely be noticed but not over-bearing so much as to make you write it off as a clone. Gunnar Johnsson’s vocals are throaty, rich and emotional like Philo’s but his Scandinavian accent gives him a very exotic tone. Also, much has to be said about the guitar work of Tobbe Johansson and Sture Oberg, who weave those much-adored-around-The-Realm double leads through cuts like “Woman” and the title track. I think my favourite number, however, is the stirring ballad “It’s Late” on Side Two. It’s one of those classic HM lighter-wavers from the ‘70’s, when bands realized that playing something with feeling didn’t have to make you a pussy. Finding “Warrior” on vinyl these days is somewhat akin to finding a woman who looks like Jill Hennessy, likes to watch NFL football and who would rather debate Green vs. Marshall amps than go clothes shopping. But don’t let that deter you. Anyone who’s in love with late ‘70’s/early ‘80’s metal complete with Lizzy-like vox and harmony leads will agree that this is a worthwhile holy grail. And, the beauty is, it’s been re-issued at least once on CD, so it’s not an impossible task. Get huntin’! No Fools Gold Here