Trauma (American band)
American heavy metal band featuring Cliff Burton in its initial lineup.
Trauma is an American heavy metal band that got its start in 1981. The group is most famous for having Cliff Burton as its original bassist; he left the following year to join Metallica. The band broke up in 1985 but reformed 28 years later, in 2013, with original singer Donny Hillier and returning drummer Kris Gustofson. Hillier died on September 28, 2020, after an unspecified illness. Nearly a year later, on August 24, 2021, vocalist Brian Allen took his place. On December 6, 2022, it was announced that Marty Friedman and Trauma would be special guests on Queensrÿche’s 2023 Digital Noise Alliance Tour; on February 21, 2023, Casey Trask was named as the substitute rhythm guitarist for Joe Fraulob for that tour. The band’s current lineup includes Kris Gustofson, Steve Robello, Brian Allen, and Michael Overton, with Casey Trask serving as their touring rhythm guitarist.
Quick Facts
- Landscape
- yes
- Origin
- San Francisco, California, U.S.
- Genre
- Heavy metal · speed metal · power metal
- Years Active
- 1981–1985, 2013–present
- Label
- Shrapnel · Metal Blade · Pure Steel · The Orchard/Sony · Rivet · Massacre
- Current Members
- Kris Gustofson / Steve Robello / Brian Allen / Michael Spencer / Casey Trask
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Trauma formed in 1981 with a lineup that included bassist Cliff Burton, who left in 1982 to join Metallica. The band released its debut album, Scratch and Scream, in 1984 before disbanding in 1985. After twenty-eight years, the band re-formed in 2013 around original vocalist Donny Hillier and returning drummer Kris Gustofson, releasing subsequent albums Rapture and Wrath (2015), As the World Dies (2018), and Awakening (2022).
On September 28, 2020, Hillier died following an undisclosed illness; he was replaced by vocalist Brian Allen nearly a year later on August 24, 2021. On December 6, 2022, Marty Friedman and Trauma were announced as special guests for Queensrÿche's 2023 Digital Noise Alliance Tour; on February 21, 2023, Casey Trask was named as substitute rhythm guitarist for Joe Fraulob on that tour.
The band's current lineup consists of Kris Gustofson, Steve Robello, Brian Allen, and Michael Overton, with Casey Trask as their touring rhythm guitarist. Former members include Michael Spencer, (George) Tiger Lady, Cliff Burton, Dennis Shafer, Lucas Advicula, Ross Alexander, Glen Gordon, Kurt Fry, Marcel Eaton, Jeff Jones, Bobby Cannon, and Joe Fraulob.
Reader's Guide
Trauma's significance in heavy metal history stems primarily from its role as the early band of Cliff Burton, who would go on to become the iconic bassist of Metallica. The band's initial run from 1981 to 1985 produced one album, Scratch and Scream, and featured a lineup that included Burton before his departure. After a 28-year hiatus, Trauma reformed in 2013, demonstrating the enduring appeal of its original members and the continued interest in the band's legacy. The band's later work, including albums Rapture and Wrath, As the World Dies, and Awakening, kept the group active in the metal scene. The band's ability to persist through the death of original vocalist Donny Hillier in 2020 and subsequent lineup changes, including a 2023 tour with Queensrÿche, shows its resilience. Trauma remains a notable footnote in metal history, primarily for its connection to one of the genre's most influential figures, while also maintaining its own discography and live presence.
Did You Know?
- Cliff Burton was a member of Trauma from 1981 to 1982 before joining Metallica.
- The band disbanded in 1985 and re-formed in 2013 after 28 years.
- Original vocalist Donny Hillier died on September 28, 2020, following an undisclosed illness.
More in American speed metal musical groups 1-22
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