"Trial by Fire" is the tenth studio album by Journey, released on October 22, 1996. This album marked the reunion of the classic 1981–1985 lineup, which had not recorded together since 1983's Frontiers. Produced by Kevin Shirley, who continues to work with the band, it was the first album to feature bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith since Frontiers, and the last to feature Smith and vocalist Steve Perry.
The album includes the Top 20 hit "When You Love a Woman," which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Other singles like "Message of Love," "Can't Tame the Lion," and "If He Should Break Your Heart" also received radio play.
Trial by Fire reflects a growing maturity among the band members and could be considered a concept album, with many tracks displaying overt spirituality in their lyrics. The title track is inspired by Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians.
Notably, Trial by Fire is the only Journey album that was not supported by a tour. This was due to internal disputes over a planned tour originally scheduled for 1997, complicated by Perry's hip injury and uncertainty regarding necessary surgery. The band eventually gave Perry the choice of surgery or being replaced, leading to his departure. Steve Smith also left, stating he was uninterested in the band without Perry, although he later returned in 2015 and was dismissed again in 2020.
The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum in the United States. Journey did not receive another platinum award until Revelation in 2008.
Trial by Fire was Journey's first studio album in a decade, following Raised on Radio in 1986. After a split, Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain formed the supergroup Bad English, while Steve Perry released his second solo album in 1994. During his solo tour, Perry realized he missed being the singer in Journey, leading to discussions about reforming the band. Perry emphasized that they did not aim to reinvent themselves on the album, focusing instead on their established musical chemistry.
