The Hidden Hand - Mother, Teacher, Destroyer Review

	The Hidden Hand - Mother, Teacher, Destroyer
	1. The Crossing	7. Currents
	2. Half Mast	8. Travesty As Usual
	3. Desensitized	9. Coffin Lily
	4. Draco Vibration	10. Sons of Kings
	5. Black Ribbon	11. The Deprogramming of Tom Delay
	6. Magdalene

Everything comes to those that wait, and how we have waited. Only 18 months on since the release of Divine Propaganda; such was the impact of the album, that the listener could not but be left begging for more, leaving an 18 month wait feel like a lifetime. So it was with much anticipation, that the second Hidden Hand offering; Mother, Teacher, Destroyer hit the streets. As has been the case with all releases featuring the one and only Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich, a weight of expectation goes with the territory; such has been the influence and magnitude of his music over the past two decades. We now expect, nay demand a master class in metal every time.

And so it proves again. Mother, Teacher, Destroyer is a juggernaut of an album filled with a mixture of all the elements that makes Wino what he is, and one or two new elements just for good measure. It is undeniable the influence Bruce and Dave have had on Wino and ultimately the overall direction of the band. The foundations of a solid rhythm section have provided the perfect foil for Wino’s wailing guitars and with both singing and writing duties being shared, Wino appears to have found the perfect sparing partner in Bruce.

Unlike so many bands, The Hidden Hand are not afraid to change what is perceived to be a winning formula. After the success of their debut album, it would have been all too easy to write Divine Propaganda part II. Not wanting to however sit upon their laurels, the band has taken a less in your face approach for this album, both lyrically and musically. The political and social commentary still remains, with songs such as “Half Mast” and “Travesty as Usual", and the power generated still leaves most in the shade, but the almost punk vibe that was a theme through the first album is replaced with a more mellow feel. While no less powerful, it does prove what a versatile outfit The Hidden Hand are becoming.

For to long Wino has bared the label of doom merchant par excel lance, which has all to often grossly mislead prospective listeners of the varied and delectable delights that many Wino albums have to offer. With this release however, Wino, Bruce and Dave truly demonstrate that there are no boundaries or shackles when it comes to his creativity. This album is a must for all fans of Wino, and for those of you who are not yet fans, hang your heads in shame!