In this truly Orwellian, "Eye in the Sky" age of Biometrix, armed predator-drones, e-bombs and fenced in borders along comes a band like the Hidden Hand to offer us a candle in the dark. Founded in 2003 by maverick doom-metal guitarist/vocalist, Scott "Wino" Weinrich, veteran of such legendary doom bands St. Vitus, The Obsessed and Spirit Caravan, it should come as no surprise this power-trio Hidden Hand has been creating a stir in the music world not seen or heard of since Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

On the eve of their tour in support of their much anticipated third full length album, "Resurrection of Whiskey Foote", on Southern Lord Records we ask Wino to further enlighten us on the true meaning of the Hidden Hand and what we can all do in our lives to maintain our god-given liberty and independence.

Wino, thank you for taking the time to answer these questions we have prepared for you.

When researching you and your career one inevitably discovers your ties to the Washington D.C. area. Is this your native city and do you still hold residence in this area? What is it like living in the shadow of the nation's great historical monuments and landmarks? Do the buildings ever lose their significance and does driving around become a matter of "okay, now I gotta get to the other side of that obelisk"?-

I prefer Zigurrats to classical Greek but/... the occult and arcane influence of the masonic architecture of DC {columbia:columba} is fascinating. Neil Fallon of Clutch gave me a great book on this subject called "The Secret Architecture of Our Nations Capitol" by David Ovason. It's a TOME but an essential read.

Tell us about the new album "Resurrection of Whiskey Foote" and its handsome cover. I understand it was largely based on a 30's book that fell into your hands quite accidentally. Is this a concept album?-

The original book from the 1930's was discovered by Pat from Ironbossin in some obscure used bookstore. It was so perect after developing the concept of WF, that Pat found this book. We used the cover after some changes. This record tells a story of need ,mystery and hope.

The track "Someday Soon" as heard on the Southern Lord website has a surprisingly Sabbathian, Atomic-Doom sound ala "Electric Funeral" as opposed to the more heavy, jazz-tinged progressive rock the Hidden Hand Initiate has come to expect. Is this 'Atomic- Doom' sound indicative of the rest of the album?-

No. The album is very diverse. Hopefully there is something for everyone from doom to prog to southern fried.

Have you noticed an increased sense of synchronicity in your life since forming the Hidden Hand?-

I feel like we are pretty relevant.There has been a few outstanding things. When we first started the band and I saw the moundbuilders plate with the hand with the eye in the palm and the horned rattlesnakes I called Bruce and described the pic and right away he was like 'hold on I think I have that' he allready was familiar with the design and was looking at a version he had as we spoke. He's a pretty smart fellar that one.

How do you deal with coincidences, déjà vu etc.?-

I marvel!

Does Wino believe in past lives?-

Yes I do. I used to have a recurring dream/vision of waiting on horseback peering from the base of a Mesa in the desert. I think I was a sentry/scout apache or ute.

On the "Devoid of Color" DVD, you are seen entering what looks like an enclosed garden. Tell us about your garden and who tends it when you are away on tour?-

I am lucky to have a massive garden. It's a lot of work but I am a pepper guy, and I grow white sage for ritual burning.

Are you a vegetarian, aspiring or otherwise? If so what are your reasons for this?-

I became a vegetarian after starting to develpo arthritis. I still did eggs and fish and cheese though. Lately I eat a little chicken, cause I went on a low carb diet of my own design. It worked well I lost about 35 lbs.

How do you feel about hunting? Not in the thrill-kill, sporting sense but the kind where a guy gets up really early in the morning, hops in his truck and comes back before noon with a buck he intends to butcher himself and share the meat with his family, friends and neighbors.-

In that sense ,fine. Killing for sport is bad though I think.

How is Wino around the kitchen?-

I do sauces with a lot of homegrown herbs.

How do you feel about saying Grace?-

I dont , but I can and will if asked.

The little man we see nearly gnawing on a hot pepper in that same 'garden' scene,
is that your boy? Is he your first child?-

My second actually.

How has fatherhood has effected your perspective on life?-

It has greatly enriched it and giving me renewed respect for moms!

Does the United States Public School System have your confidence when it comes to teaching your kid? Are you considering private or home schooling?-

Both are in public, so far so good. The classes are big though.

What was your best subject in school?-

Reading and creative writing.

If you were awarded full-scholarship to any university in the nation what would you major in?-

Archeology or botany.

In 2003 you had the opportunity to contribute to the David Grohl metal album Probot.
The resulting track from this collaboration "Emerald Law" has got to be in my mind one the most catchy, infectious tracks you've lent your talents to. Any chance of you ever slipping it into a Hidden Hand set? It's such a great song, it would be a shame not to share it with your audiences. Did Mr. Grohl give consent to you guys to perform these songs in your own professional lives?-

Thats a good idea!

What was it like jamming with Lemmy? I was always hoping the experience would have led to something else. If Lemmy ever called would you answer?-

Of course I have known him casually for some years now. We have mutual friends.

So what is buried under the paws of the Sphinx anyway?-

The Emerals Tablets of Hermes , of course.

Is visiting the pyramids at Giza a priority of yours?-

I would love it. After what happened to the tourists at luxor however one hesitates....

Is the Earth hollow?-

There is for sure ebt /alien/military bases underground if thats where your'e going, dont know about the whole 'hollow earth theory' though.

What book or books are you currently reading?-

Just finished 'Blood and Thunder' by Hampton Sides. A great book on Kit Carson and that era. I don't do fiction.

On January 11th of this year author, teacher, futurist, philosopher Robert Anton Wilson died for a second and maybe what was his final time. Has this man and his work been an influence on yourself?-

I need to dig deeper.

Does Wino 'Tivo'?-

Dont know what that is.

What do you make of Hollywood's recent spate of movies dealing with global conspiracies, secret societies and secret wisdom i.e. 'National Treasure', 'DaVinci Code', 'V for Vendetta', remakes of 'the Omen' and 'the Manchurian Candidate'? Do you view these movies?-

See below>>>

What do you make of Hollywoods big budget release of '23' featuring 'America's favorite funny' man Jim Carrey? Do you think it dangerous to open up such a concept to audiences on such a massive scale?-

See below>>

What do think is going on with Will Smith making all these conspiracy-conscious movies like 'Enemy of the State, 'I Robot' and now his post-apocalyptic, last-man standing in Manhattan movie 'I Am Legend'? Could the Illuminati be so 'emboldened' they are getting sloppy?-

See below>

With this sort of clandestine, conspiratorial, 'everybody-get-ready-for-the-apocalypse' atmosphere so prevalent in todays pop-culture you must feel emboldened yourself that now is the time like no other to reveal the Hidden Hand.-

To answer all the above, one of the biggest tools of the enemy is dis-informaqtion. Distinguishing between that and real facts is the game. The two words conspiracy and theory are other tools. Actually nothing is really concealed at all anymore.

One last question Wino before we go. Cash or Debit?-

They just swipe the imbedded bar code on my forehead and I'm good to go.I had my pedal tech mod it to another identity. -WINO

Thanks man. Looking forward to seeing you out on the road! Readers, now go checkout the New Release 'Resurrection of Whiskey Foote' now out on Southern Lord Records and take comfort in knowing you've been enlightened.