Hidden Hand

The third album from doom guitar legend Wino’s latter-day outfit is truly the group’s most durable yet. The Resurrection of Whiskey Foote chronicles the tales of said hero, set in an early America still wresting power away from the overseas crown. Oddly, the first two tracks, "Purple Neon Dream” and "Someday Soon,” don’t bode well as openers, with their abstract riffs, sluggish power and Wino’s processed vocals. Barnburners "Dark Horizons” and "Majestic Presence” set the course, however, with a more direct sonic assault and Wino’s tangential, Spirit Caravan-like soloing. "Spiritually Bereft” is an Obsessed-styled dirge and bassist Bruce Falkinburg takes the mic for the pounding "The Lesson” and the Southern rock leaning title track. Unfortunately, he also sings leads on "Lightning Hill” and "Broke Dog,” where many fans would prefer Wino’s warm warble. The swirling prog/doom chords of "Slow Rain,” featuring Evan Tanner’s extended, John Bonham-ish drum solo, concludes with Wino’s golden pipes, which furthers his reign as one of metal’s finest throats. Whiskey Foote will go down in doom history as the Hidden Hand’s 2112.