Trauma (American band)

Trauma
Trauma performing in 2014
Background information
Origin	San Francisco, California, U.S.
Genres	Heavy metal [1] speed metal [2] power metal [3]
Years active	1981–1985, 2013–present
Labels	Shrapnel Metal Blade Pure Steel The Orchard/Sony Rivet Massacre
Members	Kris Gustofson Steve Robello Brian Allen Michael Spencer Casey Trask
Past members	Dennis Shafer Cliff Burton (George) Tiger Lady Lucas Advicula Michael Overton Ross Alexander Glen Gordon Marcel Eaton Kurt Fry Jeff Jones Bobby Cannon Donny Hillier Greg Christian Joe Fraulob
Website	traumametal.com

Trauma is an American heavy metal band formed in 1981. It is best known for featuring Cliff Burton in its initial lineup, who left in 1982 to become the bassist for Metallica.

The group disbanded in 1985 before re-establishing itself after twenty-eight years (2013) around original vocalist Donny Hillier and returning drummer Kris Gustofson.

On September 28, 2020, Hillier died following an undisclosed illness; ^[4] he was replaced by vocalist Brian Allen nearly a year later on August 24, 2021. ^[5]

On December 6, 2022, Marty Friedman and Trauma were announced as special guests for Queensrÿche's 2023 Digital Noise Alliance Tour; ^[6] on February 21, 2023, Casey Trask was named as substitute rhythm guitarist for Joe Fraulob on that tour. ^[7]

The band's current lineup consists of Kris Gustofson, Steve Robello, Brian Allen, and Michael Spencer, with Casey Trask as their touring rhythm guitarist.

Band members

Current members

• Kris Gustofson – drums (1982–1985, 2013–present)
• Steve Robello – lead guitar, backing vocals (2017–present), bass (2014–2017),
• Brian Allen – lead vocals (2021–present)
• Michael Spencer – bass (2022–present)
• Casey Trask – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2023–present)

Former members

• Donny Hillier – lead vocals (1981–1985, 2013–2020; his death)
• Michael Overton – rhythm guitar (1981–1985)
• (George) Tiger Lady – lead guitar (1981–1983)
• Cliff Burton – bass (1981–1982; died 1986)
• Dennis Shafer – drums (1981–1982)
• Lucas Advicula – bass (1982–1984)
• Ross Alexander – lead guitar (1983–1985)
• Glen Gordon – bass (1984–1985)
• Kurt Fry – guitars (2013–2015)
• Marcel Eaton – bass (2013–2014)
• Jeff Jones – lead guitar (2015–2017)
• Bobby Cannon – lead guitar (2016–2017)
• Joe Fraulob – rhythm guitar (2017–2023)
• Greg Christian – bass (2017–2022)

Timeline

Discography

• Scratch and Scream (1984)
• Rapture and Wrath (2015)
• As the World Dies (2018)
• Awakening (2022)

See also

• List of bands from the San Francisco Bay Area
• List of heavy metal bands
• List of speed metal bands

References

1. Stein, Lior (September 25, 2022). "Kris Gustofson - (Trauma)". Metal Temple Magazine. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
2. Simms, Kelley (November 11, 2022). "Trauma Hits Back With New Album 'Awakening' (Interview)". Invisible Oranges . Retrieved April 2, 2025.
3. "TRAUMA: To Release 'Rapture And Wrath'". Metal Temple Magazine. February 23, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
4. "DONNY HILLIER, Vocalist Of CLIFF BURTON's Pre-METALLICA Band TRAUMA, Dies". Blabbermouth.net . September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
5. "TRAUMA Announce New Singer BRIAN ALLEN; Work On New Album Underway". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles . August 24, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
6. "QUEENSRŸCHE Announce 2023 Digital Noise Alliance Tour". QueensrycheOfficial.com. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
7. "Trauma Announces Casey Trask As Touring Guitarist". TraumaMetal.com. Retrieved February 21, 2023.

External links

• Official Facebook page
• Official SoundCloud page