The Hidden Hand – The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote
Southern Lord – SUL70 – February 20, 2007
By Wayward_Son
This writer admits to not being terribly familiar with Scott “Wino” Weinrich’s past and current bands such as St. Vitus, Place of Skulls, Spirit Caravan and The Obsessed. In fact, the only exposure experienced thus far is The Obsessed’s The Church Within. To be frank, that particular album did not make an impression upon this writer’s specific tastes, though the talent and spirit of metal were extremely evident. So, Faithful Reader, this review will be coming from an individual with neither positive nor negative bias towards Wino or his horde of past bands and supposed classic albums. In other words, do not expect this writer to compare this album with Wino’s past works.
The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote can be best described as doom laden heavy rock. Full of wicked grooves, Sabbath-type riffs, and great vocals, this writer is sure The Hidden Hand will not disappoint Wino enthusiasts. The album does take a few songs to truly begin to pull this listener in. ’Purple Neon Dream’ and ’Someday Soon’ do not add anything to the album and simply start it off on a weak note. With ’Dark Horizons’, ’The Lesson’, ’Majestic Presence’, and the title track, The Hidden Hand wrote some truly solid songs. It’s interesting to this writer how Wino and company can put an underlying melody beneath the pounding rhythms and even sometimes underneath the more psychedelic moments, particular in the closer, and best song on the album, ’Slow Rain’. There is some superb guitar playing to be heard here.
The lyrical matter The Hidden Hand has chosen to use is the early history of America, such as many of the rebellions of the time. We follow Whiskey Foote through these political, ethnic, and violent conflicts. Following the lyrics as the album is played will undoubtedly add to the unveiling of The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote.
While this writer does enjoy some of the tracks on The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote, it is not near compelling enough to warrant purchase of The Hidden Hand’s other releases or investigate Wino’s past exploits. Fans of Wino or The Hidden Hand will no doubt love it, but as for gaining new fans for the band, this writer doubts it. Why, you ask, Faithful Reader? To someone unfamiliar with this type of music, The Hidden Hand most likely will not leave an impression.
Official The Hidden Hand Website
Official Southern Lord Website
Southern Lord – SUL70 – February 20, 2007
By Wayward_Son
This writer admits to not being terribly familiar with Scott “Wino” Weinrich’s past and current bands such as St. Vitus, Place of Skulls, Spirit Caravan and The Obsessed. In fact, the only exposure experienced thus far is The Obsessed’s The Church Within. To be frank, that particular album did not make an impression upon this writer’s specific tastes, though the talent and spirit of metal were extremely evident. So, Faithful Reader, this review will be coming from an individual with neither positive nor negative bias towards Wino or his horde of past bands and supposed classic albums. In other words, do not expect this writer to compare this album with Wino’s past works.
The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote can be best described as doom laden heavy rock. Full of wicked grooves, Sabbath-type riffs, and great vocals, this writer is sure The Hidden Hand will not disappoint Wino enthusiasts. The album does take a few songs to truly begin to pull this listener in. ’Purple Neon Dream’ and ’Someday Soon’ do not add anything to the album and simply start it off on a weak note. With ’Dark Horizons’, ’The Lesson’, ’Majestic Presence’, and the title track, The Hidden Hand wrote some truly solid songs. It’s interesting to this writer how Wino and company can put an underlying melody beneath the pounding rhythms and even sometimes underneath the more psychedelic moments, particular in the closer, and best song on the album, ’Slow Rain’. There is some superb guitar playing to be heard here.
The lyrical matter The Hidden Hand has chosen to use is the early history of America, such as many of the rebellions of the time. We follow Whiskey Foote through these political, ethnic, and violent conflicts. Following the lyrics as the album is played will undoubtedly add to the unveiling of The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote.
While this writer does enjoy some of the tracks on The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote, it is not near compelling enough to warrant purchase of The Hidden Hand’s other releases or investigate Wino’s past exploits. Fans of Wino or The Hidden Hand will no doubt love it, but as for gaining new fans for the band, this writer doubts it. Why, you ask, Faithful Reader? To someone unfamiliar with this type of music, The Hidden Hand most likely will not leave an impression.
Official The Hidden Hand Website
Official Southern Lord Website
