Während die Chicago-Doomer TROUBLE um die Gründungsmitglieder Rick Wartell und Bruce Franklin gerade mit den neuen Album The Distortion Field und neuem Bassisten durchstarten, wird bei THE SKULL, der Band um die Ex-TROUBLE-Musiker Eric Wagner und Ron Holzner, nun TROUBLE-Ur-Drummer Jeff Olson (u.a. IN~GRAVED, RETRO GRAVE) hinter den Drums sitzen. Aktuell arbeitet man am Debütalbum, welches 2014 erscheinen soll. Nebenbei hat Jeff Oly Olson auch einige Intros zum neuen TROUBLE-Album beigetragen.
Ein ausführliches Statement von Oly:
I know that I´ve mentioned that I wouldn´t perform TROUBLE´s music anymore unless it´s with the other original members, but I´ve had a change of heart. I want to rock again. Although I have been having a great time playing keys for IN~GRAVED (led by former PENTAGRAM guitarist Victor Griffin), I miss the drums and playing classic TROUBLE songs. I´m still going to jam with Victor, but there is room for THE SKULL too.
In just a few short months, 2014 will mark the 30th anniversary year for TROUBLE´s debut record Psalm 9. TROUBLE guitarists Rick Wartell and Bruce Franklin are having fun with their new record, and I had fun writing some intros for it, it´s just that Eric, Ron, and myself want to jam too and celebrate our 30th anniversary as well with a tour and a new record. We´ve worked just as hard as Bruce and Rick over the years and we feel that we´ve earned the privilege to celebrate with the fans as well. There is no animosity between the two bands and we intend to keep it that way. We are currently writing a debut record set for release in 2014 and I´ve already submitted several songs to the guys. Excitement is in the air.
I´m also going to be brewing a beer for Allagash Brewing Company (based in Portland, Maine) set for release for the 2013 holidays. The beer will be Imperial Stout brewed with cranberries. More on that later… life is good!