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By JEFF MAKI
The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote by Maryland's Hidden Hand should not be considered a concept record, according to the band, but, rather, a series of “episodes” of a story in early colonial America. The story centers on the fictitious character of Whiskey Foote, a man living in this time of conflict, taking part in rebellions against the government during the beginning of America.
The Hidden Hand features in its ranks vocalist/songwriter Scott “Wino” Weinrich, whose contributions to metal include time as vocalist and lead guitarist in Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan and Place of Skulls, as well as being the founder of doom metal legends The Obsessed. Weinrich, now 46 years young, has fronted The Hidden Hand since 2002 and the band has released two previous albums, 2003's Divine Propaganda and 2004’s Mother, Teacher, Destroyer via Southern Lord Records, the band's current home. Bassist/vocalist Bruce Falkinburgh and drummer Matt Moulis (Medic, Bison) complete the band’s lineup. Drummer Evan Tanner appears on the album but left after its recording in 2006. Falkinburgh, a recording engineer who has worked with Clutch and Sixty Watt Shaman, also recorded the album.
Wino is widely considered one of the most influential vocalists and guitarists in the doom metal sub-genre. His admirers include former Pantera/current Down vocalist Phil Anselmo, whom you may have heard mention the name “Wino” on more than a few occasions between tunes if you've seen Down live. Another is Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters); he even collaborated with Weinrich on “The Emerald Law” with the Probot project (2004). Wino also appeared as a guitarist in the video for “Shake Your Blood,” a song from the same album featuring Lemmy of Motorhead on bass and vocals.
Much of the material on The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote is what would be expected from Weinrich: well executed stoner/doom metal but with a nostalgic ’70s rock n' roll sound. The album has a certain swagger to it with its laid back, almost Southern rock feel at times, especially on the title track. The album begins with the psychedelic and mostly instrumental “Purple Neon Dream,” the slow, droning guitar of “Someday Soon” and the Black Sabbath groove of “Dark Horizons.” ”The Lesson” and “Majestic Presence” cap off this stage of the recording, gaining momentum and ending it with a flourish of ’70s riffs and the most accessible choruses of the album thus far. Think Corrosion of Conformity's latter day material or ’70s style rockers Sahg, both of which are clearly heavily influenced by Wino.
“The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote” and “Lightning Hill” venture into Southern rock, complete with some phenomenal slide guitar courtesy of Wino and harmonica on the latter. These two cuts are more Lynyrd Skynyrd meets Sabbath than any type of hillbilly thing. The vocals throughout the album are occasionally strange and at other times remind of Lee Dorian of Cathedral, Blackie Lawless of WASP and, of course, Ozzy. The album ends with the vintage, upbeat rocker “Broke Dog” and “Slow Rain,” a seven-minute stoner-rock piece that allows the band to showcase its musical ability.
As for as the album's concept, the idea is an original one, though I wonder if I would have picked up on it without the accompanying press release. Obviously, something worked out with the storyline because it inspired Wino and company to write some truly great songs. The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote plays out as a great album that gains strength with repeated spins. Its diversity and adept musicians make it what it is. Most men approaching a half-century of life are content with a steady job, planning out their retirement and maybe helping raise grandkids. Wino may very well be doing so, but after hearing the amount of creativity that is within this recording, it's unlikely he'll be walking away anytime soon.
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