Underrated Psychedelic Metal
Tom Chase | London | 09/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After a handful of blistering doom metal albums in the 80s, Trouble turned to more groove-based rock with a dazzling psychedelic edge for "Plastic Green Head" and its predecessor "Manic Frustration". This departure in sound left a lot of fans unhappy, but I've always enjoyed Trouble's 90s output, and especially this album. While the songs lack the same relentless heaviness that can be found on albums such as "Psalm 9" and "The Skull", many do pack a punch, and certainly a heavy nod to Sabbath. They also showcase improved and more concise song writing, enhanced melodic vocals from Wagner, and an irresistible psychedelic tinge.
Doom and heavy metal fans will find joy in "Plastic Green Head". The crunching title track opens the album with a blast, full of prevailing riffs and Wagner's distinctive melodic vocals - a combination that has worked over the years for the band, and continues to shine. Other big metal outings include album highlight "Opium Eater", "The Eye" and "Long Shadows Fall". These songs keep the album flowing and your head banging, and all showcase a sense of the band's refinement with none of the songs seeping over the 5/6-minute mark. What separates "Plastic Green Head" from the masses of standard 90s rock and metal is the band's bent for psychedelic melodies and harmonies, best shown by the stunning cover of "The Porpoise Song". Combined with the beautiful ballad "Requiem" and the excellent melodies of "Flowers" and "Hear The Earth" this album contains some wonderfully unique and infectious songs. Fans of their older releases should enjoy this release, as it is not a complete departure from the doom styling. Fans of 90s rock and psychedelic rock should really love this underrated gem.
The album also comes with a nice little dvd showing an old show. They play mostly songs from Manic Frustration and this album. While the quality of sound and visual is mediocre, the show gives insight into the typical rocking fun of the band live."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
