Californian label Ripple Music is proud to announce a powerful final chapter from late Trouble frontman and Doom Metal icon Eric Wagner with the release of “Eulogy” this December 12th, 2025 — a 2-track record featuring his final and previously unreleased song “Nothing But Blue Skies” as well as a stirring Trouble cover, paying tribute to the unrivaled Heavy Metal leader.
Eric Wagner — the legendary frontman of Trouble — cut a path through Doom unrivaled by others. More than a singer, he was a mystic poet for the Heavy and the haunted. With his mournful, melodic bellow, he gave life to the monolithic riffs that defined Trouble as the undisputed “Godfathers of Doom.”
His lyrical genius, a unique blend of spiritual turmoil and existential dread, reached its zenith on classics like “The Skull” and the seminal album “Psalm 9.” Later, with the Doom masterpiece “Trouble” and the haunting “Manic Frustration,” he explored brighter, more melodic territories without losing his searching spirit.
Eric Wagner‘s legacy extended beyond Trouble, with projects such as doom supergroup The Skull and the revered Lid, ensuring his iconic voice and songwriting continued to resonate for decades. Though his voice was stilled in 2021, his work remains an eternal echo in the hall of Heavy Music and a guide through the darkness he so masterfully articulated.
For the first time, Ripple Music is presenting an unreleased gem with the song “Nothing But Blue Skies” — the final track ever recorded by Eric Wagner before his untimely passing. Second track “The Misery Shows (Act II)” is a heartfelt cover of the Trouble song recorded by Eric‘s solo band in his honor and memory. It will be issued on limited 7″ vinyl on December 15th, with preorders available via Ripple Music.
Eric Wagner “Eulogy” — Out December 12th on Ripple Music (limited 7″ vinyl) – Pre-Order
Ripple Music founder Todd Severin on releasing “Eulogy“: “Last year, I was approached by the members of Eric Wagner’s solo band, entrusting me to release the last song Eric recorded, at the time of his solo album, but left off that record. The band really wanted the song to be heard, and recorded a cover of the Trouble song “The Misery Shows (Act II) to be the B side in honor of his memory. I spoke to some of Eric’s closest friends, and all were on board.“
Guitarist and producer Victor Arduini adds: “I was asked to contribute the solo section for a mostly acoustic demo that was considered for Eric’s last album, but was the odd song out and never completed. I also had a recording of ‘The Misery Shows (Act II)’ that was never fully finished, so I got Dave Snyder to record the drums, Chuck Robinson to record bass and acoustics, and my dear friend Kelly L’Heureux to add harmony vocals. The vocals of my partner in doom Brian “Butch” Balich, who brought it all together. Both these songs are very spiritual in nature and have deep meaning to me. Eric spent his life not afraid to speak his faith in God, and I always connected with his insight and spiritual awareness. I’m blessed to be able to play a small part in this release alongside all the other musicians.”