This is the debut of the first Doom Metal band from the U.S. (a genre that didn't exist back then) and Trouble waste no time in making their arrival. Psalm 9 is a guitar-driven and very heavy record, especially for 1984, and even though their lyrics are based around Christianity, they don't overwhelm you with it. That is something that I am willing to overlook since the music is so good. Also, what this band brings to the table are songs filled with crushing riffs, guitar solos and fast tempos (for a Doom band).
The record opens up with "The Tempter" and it will remind you heavily of Black Sabbath, especially the chord progression that the band employs – actually the entire album sounds like a heavier version of that band. From there the album has explosive tracks like the cool "Revelation (Life or Death)" and the kick ass instrumental "Endtime". Psalm 9 is a consistent effort from a young band that knew what they wanted to do. The disc is packed with crushing riffs and overall heaviness all the way through; there is something that every Doom fan will like. Aside from the slight Christian lyrics and overtone, the only complain that people might have against the album are Eric Wagner's vocals. He sounds like Tim Baker from Cirith Ungol but not as high pitched, but you get used to his vocals. Wagner may not win any awards anytime soon but I cannot imagine another person singing on this album.
Psalm 9 was released two years before the legendary debut from Candlemass and in all honesty I like this one a little bit more. With its guitar attack and solid compositions, the album is a landmark in U.S. metal and is a classic that everyone must have.
