Psalm 9
Trouble · 1984
43 min · 9 tracks · doom metal
Heavy riffs and haunting melodies intertwine, creating a dark atmosphere that defines the essence of doom metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Tempter — Opening with a sinister riff, this track sets the tone for the entire album, illustrating Trouble's ability to combine heavy music with evocative storytelling.
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Victim of the Insane — This song captures the band’s thematic focus on madness and despair, featuring powerful vocals that convey an emotional depth rarely seen in metal at the time.
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The Fall of Lucifer — Drawing on biblical imagery, this track exemplifies Trouble's lyrical prowess while delivering a crushingly heavy sound that became a hallmark of their style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Psalm 9 showcases heavy riffs and dark themes, establishing a distinct sound in doom metal.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a slow to mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Heavy guitar riffs dominate the sound, often accompanied by haunting melodies that create a dark atmosphere throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for atmospheric build-ups before returning to the main riff.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting melodies for introspection
- dark atmosphere for late nights
- cathartic release through heavy riffs
- dramatic narratives in every track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- seek light-hearted listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Psalm 9 is Trouble's debut album, released in March 1984 as they emerged from the Chicago metal scene. It marked their first step into a genre that would see them become pioneers of doom metal, establishing their sound with heavy guitar tones and introspective lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Candlemass· My Dying Bride· Electric Wizard
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Tempter 6:37
- 2 Assassin 3:13
- 3 Victim of the Insane 5:10
- 4 Revelation (Life or Death) 5:08
- 5 Bastards Will Pay 3:43
- 6 The Fall of Lucifer 5:45
- 7 Endtime 4:58
- 8 Psalm 9 4:51
- 9 Tales of Brave Ulysses 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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