New TROUBLE Album Tentatively Due In February

The Greek edition of Rock Hard magazine conducted an interview with guitarists Bruce Franklin and Rick Wartell of Chicago doom legends TROUBLE prior to the band's October 8, 2011 concert at Fuzz in Athens, Greece. You can now watch the chat below.

TROUBLE is currently putting the finishing touches on its ninth album for a tentative February 2012 release. The as-yet-untitled CD is being helmed by Bill Metoyer, who has produced albums from SLAYER, D.R.I., SACRED REICH and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, among others, and has worked with TROUBLE in the past. Also involved in the recording process is TROUBLE's longtime engineer Larry Burns, who is entrusted with capturing the band's signature sound not only behind the studio console helm but at the group's live shows.

TROUBLE's forthcoming effort will consist of a minimum of 10 songs that not only showcase the band's legendary heavy guitar riffs that have gained the group a legion of loyal fans but a new creative edge.

"The band is really excited about this record," stated TROUBLE guitarist/co-founder Rick Wartell. "We wanted to make the consummate TROUBLE studio album that also incorporates all of the innovative elements that having new talent offers us."

One of those new key elements is the addition of the new singer Kory Clarke (of WARRIOR SOUL) as this will be his first studio album with TROUBLE. Wartell continued, "Kory is an incredibly talented and dynamic singer. He's a great addition to the band as he brings a high level of professionalism, which has positively affected the creative process. Working in a no-limitation environment is great."

TROUBLE is utilizing the limitless technical advantages that exist today, conducting most of its songwriting collaboration virtually as Clarke currently resides in Berlin, Germany (where he recently opened a bar). "Bruce [Franklin] and I record our guitars separately and then would send those tracks to Kory who would in return, send us his vocals," said Wartell. "As we share a collective vision for the album, this hasnt hampered our progress in any way." Also adding their talents to the band's vision for the album are bassist Shane Pasqualla and drummer Mark Lira, both of whom are making their recording debut with TROUBLE.

The recording of the new TROUBLE album is taking place at the band's own studio, Warburn.

"One of the luxuries of recording in your studio is that you're not under any time constraints," said Wartell. "We can work on our own schedule which allows us to focus on the creative process."