Search - Hand of Doom :: Live in Los Angeles

Good performances, but too much of a carbon copy.

D. Mok | Los Angeles, CA | 05/01/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The recording is good, the instrumental players are skilled, and Melissa Auf der Maur's vocal performance contains enough attitude to compensate for its shaky pitch and lack of range.So what's the problem? Like so many others (even the ever-inventive Faith No More) who have covered Black Sabbath songs, Hand of Doom has stayed entirely too true to the original arrangements and sounds. Black Sabbath is the kind of band that holds a mystical power over its acolytes and it's not surprising that musicians who love the band have a preconceived notion of how these songs should sound. But the tracks on Hand of Doom, though I enjoyed them, sound so close to the originals that I wondered why I didn't just put on the original band. Auf der Maur's female vocals make them minutely different, but I definitely wish Hand of Doom would have been more inventive and done different things with these iconic songs.And another thing: Do we need to hear yet more renditions of "War Pigs", "Iron Man" and "Paranoid", three of the most legendary (and therefore most tired) songs in the metal canon? The track selection on this EP shows a lack of adventurousness, something Black Sabbath never lost sight of. I would have loved to hear less obvious cover choices such as "Megalomania", "Killing Yourself to Live", "Am I Going Insane (Radio)", "Supernaut", "Zero the Hero", "Trashed", "The Wizard", and "Cornucopia". Instead, we get the three staples from the Paranoid album, songs I wouldn't mind never hearing covered ever again.Hand of Doom is not bad as music; it's just at a loss for something to say. Hearing a completely faithful cover band may be enjoyable as a live experience, but a record demands more. Why perform and record songs in exactly the same way as they've been done, and done quite well, 30 years ago? I'd definitely recommend Melissa Auf der Maur's idiosyncratic solo record in lieu of Hand of Doom."

Melissa Auf der Maur Rules!

"The Woj" | Downers Grove, IL | 02/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The band sounds so much like original Sabbath it's scarey (the bulk of the material is from the Paranoid album); they've got the chops down to a tee. Just way too cool. Add the sexy scowl of Melissa Auf der Maur and you have a near masterpiece. Her vocals on top of this killer band can not be described by mere words. This is a must have for ANY Sabbath or metal fan."

MELISSA IS GREAT, BUT TRYS TO HARD ON THIS CD

PhotoGirl | Waste Lands of Kansas | 07/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"AS much as I like Melissa Auf der Maur and her own solo album, and I love Black Sabbath - (my first and strongest heavy rock influence) Melissa can sing!, but her jovial verbage and sytle of singing on this is 'just OK'. Not great, but Ok. I like the music, but she could have relaxed(?) and been more controlled and this would have been an Outstanding album.

It is almost like she had a one too many beers? or whatever. But a Chance to do a whole set of Black Sabbath songs! what an opportunity!

I still say it is worth every penny to get this if you are a Black Sabbath fan. You might not play it all the time but it deserves a few back to back plays. I am also a HOLE fan so for me this was a great concept cd to have; but I feel a little too picky about Melissa's vocal performances here. for that I am sorry to offend. She is still a great artist. I am extremely glad they did this CD for mass market!



NEW ADDITIONAL DETAILS (thanks for bring this omission to my attention)



Sorry; I did not know it was my job to list product details...

BUT here it is:(SET LIST...and other details from CD cover/insert)



"HAND OF DOOM": Live in Los Angeles. Black Sabbath Tribute.



1- IRON INTRO

2- HAND OF DOOM

3- FAIRIES WEAR BOOTS

4- WAR PIGS

5- PARANOID

6- THE MOB RULES

7- CHANGES

8- BLACK SABBATH

------------------

2002 ([...])

------------------

Produced by:

Jeff Martin & Melissa Auf der Maur



HAND OF DOOM is:

Molly R. Stern (bass)

Pedro Yanowitz (drums)

Guy Stevens (guitar)

Joey Garfield (gongs and turntable)

Melissa Auf der Maur ("as Ozzy")

"