The Skull is the second studio album by American doom metal band Trouble, released by Metal Blade Records in March 1985. Trouble gained critical recognition for The Skull and was followed by a successful tour. The album reflected singer Eric Wagner's struggles with substance abuse, however, as well as growing turmoil within the group. This led to the departure of bassist Sean McAllister in 1986; he was replaced by Ron Holzner during that year, who would remain with the band until their 2002 reunion. In early 1986, shortly after The Skull tour began, drummer Jeff Olson would also leave to pursue higher education and the band regrouped with a new lineup later that year. Olson would play the Hammond organ on Trouble's third studio album, Run to the Light, in 1987 and keyboards on their 1990 s