I was fortunate enough to be approached by Todd Severin of Ripple Music (also an award-winning author whose novel, Deadly Vision, came out earlier this year) about this posthumous Eric Wagner 7″ a couple months ago, and wound up writing some short liner notes for the release. The main draw here is “Nothing But Blue Skies,” which is the last recording leftover from Wagner‘s solo album, In the Lonely Light of Mourning (review here), which came out through Cruz Del Sur in March 2022, following the Trouble and The Skull vocalist’s passing from covid-19 in Aug. 2021, and the yet-unreleased song is complemented by a cover of Trouble‘s “The Misery Shoes (Act II)” with Butch Balich (Penance, Argus, etc.) joining Wagner‘s solo band to pay homage.

For collectors, fans, and anyone who realizes the impact Wagner had across the decades of his tenure in the US doom underground, that is likely to be enough, and I’m not inclined to argue here. I don’t know if the liner notes are included with the 7″ or not, ultimately, but Severin put the following out abut the release yesterday and I wanted to give anyone who knows what they’re in for a heads up. Here you go:

Preorder link: https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/album/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.

So, now I’m thrilled to present to you, “Eulogy” in honor of Eric Wagner.

“Nothing but Blue Skies,” the final song recorded by Eric Wagner for his solo album, before his untimely passing. The legendary singer, and leader of Trouble cut a path through doom unrivaled by others.

Available on very limited 7″ vinyl. Release date December 12, 2025

Victor Arduini on Eulogy:

I finally can announce this release that I am honored to be a part of.

I was asked (actually I asked them 🙏..lol) 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. Then I 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 & acoustics and my dear friend Kelly L’Heureux to add harmony vocals. But it was the vocals of my partner in doom Brian “Butch” Balich who sang his heart out and brought it all together.

Both these songs are very spiritual in nature and has 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 and with all the musicians who took part. Shout out to Nick Bellmore for helping me produce it and making it shine. RIP Eric…This is for you🙏❤🙏❤

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Eric Wagner, In the Lonely Light of Mourning (2022)