Following the dissolution of Spirit Caravan in mid-2002, stoner rock godfather Scott "Wino" Weinrich announced that he would be joining Place of Skulls -- the band fronted by guitarist Victor Griffin of Pentagram fame. At the same time, though, he also formed a new band called the Hidden Hand with Maryland natives Bruce Falkinberg (bass/vocals) and Dave Hennessy (drums). The trio's debut album, 2003's Divine Propaganda, retained most of the sonic hallmarks characteristic of Wino's long career -- traditional heavy metal and doom infused with punk rock's bare-bones, D.I.Y. aesthetics -- but also placed an added emphasis on addressing social and political issues. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia