Kory Clarke quits Trouble

Can't say I didn't see this coming... He never was a good choice for them. I'm also not surprised he came out right away talking smurf poo.




Singer KORY CLARKE Quits TROUBLE - Feb. 7, 2012

After four years and a minimal amount of touring and no record deal or album release date in sight, singer Kory Clarke (of WARRIOR SOUL fame) has decided to leave Chicago doom metal legends TROUBLE to start a new project with guitarist Russ Strahan (PENTAGRAM, LAND OF DOOM) called THE BONES OF CHILDREN.

"This metal album will be high energy, with a fresh artistic approach to the genre without the limitations of the over-50-something religious crowd," Kory laughs. "It will be so nice to be working without the shackles that a previous singer has left behind of a band that is over 30 years old and acts and sounds like it. I like to do progressive, pushing-the-boundary lyrics in an individualistic style. I don't want to sound like Ozzy, like [TROUBLE's] old singer [Eric Wagner] tried to do. I am also glad when I look to my left on stage from now on I will not be seeing 'Derek Smalls' in my peripheral vision. [Laughs]." He adds, "I just cannot play with people who are fundamentalist Christians, or too family-oriented to the point that they can't tour, do records or knock down a few margaritas with me at the bar. This is rock 'n' roll, guys, not the Family Channel."

THE BONES OF CHILDREN will make its debut release available sometime this fall.

TROUBLE's guitarist/co-founder Rick Wartell previously stated about Clarke's contribution to the band, "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 has spent the past couple of years working on its ninth album with 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 was 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 formed in 1979 and released several classic albums like "Trouble", "Manic Frustration" and "Plastic Green Head".

Eric Wagner left TROUBLE in April 2008, citing his disdain for the touring life as the main reason for his departure.

I love the guy, but I knew this wasn't gonna last.

Quote :

"This metal album will be high energy, with a fresh artistic approach to the genre without the limitations of the over-50-something religious crowd," Kory laughs. "It will be so nice to be working without the shackles that a previous singer has left behind of a band that is over 30 years old and acts and sounds like it. I like to do progressive, pushing-the-boundary lyrics in an individualistic style. I don't want to sound like Ozzy, like [TROUBLE's] old singer [Eric Wagner] tried to do. I am also glad when I look to my left on stage from now on I will not be seeing 'Derek Smalls' in my peripheral vision. [Laughs]." He adds, "I just cannot play with people who are fundamentalist Christians, or too family-oriented to the point that they can't tour, do records or knock down a few margaritas with me at the bar. This is rock 'n' roll, guys, not the Family Channel."

Nice to see someone being honest about why they left instead of the same old "creative differences" b.s.

I was kinda curious to see what they'd come up with with Kory at the helm, but by most accounts and opinions, he was not the right guy for he job.

I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. I wonder if any of the material they supposedly recorded will see the light of day now that Clarke's out.

Fat Freddy wrote:

I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. I wonder if any of the material they supposedly recorded will see the light of day now that Clarke's out.

Who knows... We've probably got another Anthrax/Dan Nelson situation. The music is surely done, so they can either release it as is or get someone else to re-sing it all. As a big Trouble fan, this really sucks. I at least want to hear the new music.

They'll get Eric back...

From what Kory said, it sounds like he had a problem with Bruce Franklin.

Troublezone wrote:

From what Kory said, it sounds like he had a problem with Bruce Franklin.

...or "Derek Smalls."

Why he was ever in Trouble is baffling to me. Talk about a terrible fit.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

KORY CLARKE IS A TALENTLESS HACK AND ONE OF THE WORST SINGERS I'VE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE TO HEAR LIVE.

He should either be selling used cars or maybe blowing people for coke money.

S.D. wrote:

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

KORY CLARKE IS A TALENTLESS HACK AND ONE OF THE WORST SINGERS I'VE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE TO HEAR LIVE.

He should either be selling used cars or maybe blowing people for coke money.

Tell us how you really feel, why'doncha.

from my Trouble concert review I posted a couple years ago...

Kory Clarke. I'm sorry, but this guy just isn't the answer. As I mentioned earlier he was trashed (kept knocking the mic stand over, botching the lyrics, etc). He doesn't have any vocal range, he basically just yelled the entire show. Sometimes it worked, but mostly it was medicore to horrible. The band is up there jamming away and he's doing drunken Steven Tyler/Robert Plant imitations, shaking his hips and trying to look cool. He looks like he needs to be in rehab instead of on stage.

But he can play drums pretty darn good

Whatever gets Eric back the quickest, I'm all for...

S.D. wrote:

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

KORY CLARKE IS A TALENTLESS HACK AND ONE OF THE WORST SINGERS I'VE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE TO HEAR LIVE.

He should either be selling used cars or maybe blowing people for coke money.

Correct.

Regardless of what Kory does or does not bring to the table as far as talent goes. Maybe there is the possibility that the problem with them (Trouble) recording new material lies with the other members in the band. It isn't too far of a stretch for ANY band have a dry spell when it comes to creativity.

James B. wrote:

Regardless of what Kory does or does not bring to the table as far as talent goes. Maybe there is the possibility that the problem with them (Trouble) recording new material lies with the other members in the band. It isn't too far of a stretch for ANY band have a dry spell when it comes to creativity.

I'm sure that's probably accurate. Olsen was so unhappy with the group dynamic that he didn't even speak to the other band members at the show I saw, he hung out at the merchandise booth before the show (instead of the dressing room) and didn't even make eye contact with the band when they hit the stage. He quit about 2 weeks later.

I think Bruce can still write good songs when he's inspired (Supershine), but the last new Trouble material we heard (Simple Mind Condition) was rather tired and lacking in inspiration.

Chicago doom-metal legends TROUBLE have recruited Kyle Thomas as their new singer.

Thomas, former lead vocalist for EXHORDER, FLOODGATE, WITCH, and ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY, is no stranger to TROUBLE as he previously fronted the band for four live shows between 1997 and 1999, including Stoner Hands Of Doom festival in Maryland (see video below) and Expo Of The Extreme in Chicago. Thomas has also collaborated on projects with members of SLIPKNOT, DOWN, OBITUARY and DEICIDE.

"We are really excited to be working with Kyle again," states Rick Wartell, TROUBLE co-founder/guitarist. "The shows we played with him in the past were very well-received by the fans and now we'll have an opportunity to work with him in the studio on our new record. His vocals are amazing and a perfect fit for the band."

Bruce Franklin, TROUBLE's other co-founder/guitarist, adds, "The history with Kyle and TROUBLE really goes back to his teenage years as he told me that he and Jimmy Bower (of DOWN) would drive around in his old Pinto and listen to TROUBLE. He's an excellent, highly energetic singer and it's great to have him be an official member of the band now."

TROUBLE is currently working on its ninth studio album with Thomas on vocals and plans to release the record this spring.

TROUBLE's current lineup is:

Kyle Thomas (vocals)
Rick Wartell (guitar)
Bruce Franklin (guitar)
Shane Pasqualla (bass)
Mark Lira (drums)

thejokeriv wrote:

Chicago doom-metal legends TROUBLE have recruited Kyle Thomas as their new singer.

Thomas, former lead vocalist for EXHORDER, FLOODGATE, WITCH, and ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY, is no stranger to TROUBLE as he previously fronted the band for four live shows between 1997 and 1999, including Stoner Hands Of Doom festival in Maryland (see video below) and Expo Of The Extreme in Chicago. Thomas has also collaborated on projects with members of SLIPKNOT, DOWN, OBITUARY and DEICIDE.

"We are really excited to be working with Kyle again," states Rick Wartell, TROUBLE co-founder/guitarist. "The shows we played with him in the past were very well-received by the fans and now we'll have an opportunity to work with him in the studio on our new record. His vocals are amazing and a perfect fit for the band."

Bruce Franklin, TROUBLE's other co-founder/guitarist, adds, "The history with Kyle and TROUBLE really goes back to his teenage years as he told me that he and Jimmy Bower (of DOWN) would drive around in his old Pinto and listen to TROUBLE. He's an excellent, highly energetic singer and it's great to have him be an official member of the band now."

TROUBLE is currently working on its ninth studio album with Thomas on vocals and plans to release the record this spring.

TROUBLE's current lineup is:

Kyle Thomas (vocals)
Rick Wartell (guitar)
Bruce Franklin (guitar)
Shane Pasqualla (bass)
Mark Lira (drums)

Well that was quick!

They must've had Kyle Thomas on speed dial. "Dude, you free? We got rid of the flake."

Witchfinder wrote:

Why he was ever in Trouble is baffling to me. Talk about a terrible fit.

I agree. I'm glad he's out of the band.

Eric is always 1st choice (for the fans). But Kyle Thomas is good too. I actually think his voice will fit nicely with their current heavier direction they've been talking about. I'm just glad Kory is gone...

I like alot of things that Kory has done, but Trouble isn't one of them.

Fat Freddy wrote:

They must've had Kyle Thomas on speed dial. "Dude, you free? We got rid of the flake."

BAHAHAHA!!!

Let's hope he's a better fit than Kory. It would be hard not to be .

That sure was fast of them to hire a new vocalist.