Even though he may not have played in a band that sold millions of records and had chart-topping hit singles, Eric Wagner was a truly amazing singer and all around a genuine person. Best known as the lead singer of the iconic doom metal band, Trouble, Eric Wagner sang on such classic doom metal releases as, “Psalm 9,” “The Skull” and “Run to the Light.” After departing from Trouble Eric continued to record music and was involved in countless other projects over the years.
Last year when Eric passed away fans like myself were really hit hard by the news, especially since his music spoke to people on a very deep level. When the news came out that the label, Cruz Del Sur, was going to posthumously release Eric’s solo album in March of 2022, fans really appreciated the opportunity to hear what Eric was working on just before his passing. “In The Lonely Light of Mourning,” is honestly one of the most powerful releases I have ever heard in my life, and Eric is able to say goodbye to all his fans with an album that combines years of wisdom coming from a man who did what he enjoyed most until his final days.
The origins of this solo album can be traced around 2017 when Eric and Dave Snyder (former Trouble/current Blackfinger drummer) started working together on some ideas that would eventually become, “In the Lonely Light of Mourning.” The album also features a handful of other musicians, most of whom had worked with Eric in the past. I believe what listeners will notice right away about this album is that the musicianship sounds very tight and the compositions are extremely well recorded. From top to bottom, the overall solid sounding production allows the music to flow with a tremendous synergy.
Each of eight tracks on this album explores very similar lyrical concepts that Eric explored during his time in Trouble along with his other groups. “Rest In Place” and “Maybe Tomorrow” are two very thought provoking tracks featuring some extremely catchy yet also very haunting sounding riffs. One of my favorites off of the album, “If You Lost Is All,” takes listeners on this gloomy journey with some very melancholy sounding string arrangements to accompany the song’s very somber tone. The song makes you put a lot of concepts about life into perspective, and the lyrics are written with such honest and reflective artistic expression.
The album also features some really juggernaut sized doom riffs like on, “Strain Theory,” which opens up the gates and unleashes a flurry of titanic sounding doom. I believe Eric had a great mind for writing music, because he was able to take listeners on this profound emotional joyride with his lyrics, while also capturing listeners’ imaginations with those catchy classic hard rock and heavy metal arrangements. On the album’s final song, “Wish You Well,” I really enjoyed the song’s tempo, which reminded a lot of classic Trouble songs. Plus, Eric offers up a very strong chorus section with the lyrics, “If you are in heaven, or in hell, either way, I wish you well.” The lyrics are not overly complicated, but the words create a vivid and enlightened message of being able to let go and move on from certain feelings.
After listening to this album a fair amount of times before I started writing this review, I came to the conclusion that even though Eric is no longer with us, his impact and contributions will never be forgotten. “In the Lonely Light of Mourning,” was written and recorded in such a manner that I believe a lot of rock and metal fans will take notice. Eric along with all the other musicians who worked on this album did an amazing job crafting these songs. Again, Eric Wagner might not have gained the same fame and notoriety within the rock and metal world as some other singers, however his music will always be remembered by those who cherished and respected his musical contributions.
Check out the song "Maybe Tomorrow" below :
Places where you can purchase the album :
https://ericwagner.bandcamp.com/
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