Release Date December 12th, 2025
Format
7" vinyl
Genre Doom
Metal
Country USA
Eric Wagner was the voice that defined doom metal for decades. As
the frontman of Trouble,
he didn't just sing, he preached misery and redemption over monolithic riffs.
His work on albums like "Psalm 9" and "The Skull" set the
standard for everyone else. Later projects like The Skull and Lid proved he wasn't a one-trick pony,
exploring different shades of heavy. He left us in 2021, but his influence
remains stuck in the concrete foundation of the genre.
This release hits you right in the
gut before you even drop the needle. "Eulogy" isn't just a catchy
title but serves as the final closing of the casket for one of the most
distinctive voices in the scene. Ripple Music teamed up with the musicians from Eric Wagner's solo band to
deliver this 7" slab, and it treats the man's legacy with the serious
respect it demands. It’s a short ride, but the emotional impact hangs heavy in
the air long after the music stops. This is for the die-hards who stuck around
from the white-metal days of the 80s all the way to the end.
The A-side gives us "Nothing
But Blue Skies," which stands as the last vocal performance Eric Wagner ever recorded.
It was originally meant for his solo album, and you can hear why it needed to
see the light of day. The track strips away the wall of distortion usually
associated with his past work, relying instead on a more acoustic, atmospheric
approach. Victor Arduini
lays down guitar work that supports the vocals without getting in the way. It’s
raw and honest, capturing a legend sounding vulnerable and real. There is no
studio magic hiding the wear and tear in his voice, and that’s exactly why it
works.
Flipping the record over, the band
pays tribute to their fallen leader with a cover of the Trouble classic "The Misery Shows
(Act II)." This isn't some cheap karaoke rendition. Brian "Butch" Balich
steps up to the mic, and he delivers the lines with power and reverence. The
backing band, featuring Chuck
Robinson and David
Snyder, locks into that classic doom groove instantly. They understand
the swing and the drag that makes this style of music heavy. It sounds like a
group of friends pouring one out for a brother, playing with fire and genuine
emotion.
The production on "Eulogy"
keeps things sounding grounded and human. Arduini handled the mix, ensuring that the acoustic side retains
its intimacy while the electric side packs a punch. Nothing gets buried, and
the drums have a nice, natural thud to them. It’s a fitting end to a massive
career. This little piece of vinyl is a mandatory addition to the collection
for anyone who claims to love doom. It’s a sad, heavy, and beautiful farewell
to the Godfather.
Score: 8.0
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