Hand of Doom

Tribute bands have been around for years, but it's uncommon for a tribute band to be led by a renowned recording artist, let alone issue a recording domestically. But that's exactly what ex-Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur has done with her Black Sabbath tribute outfit, Hand of Doom. The group came about when a friend of Melissa's, Molly Stern, began playing bass, and inquired how she could learn the instrument the fastest, to which Auf Der Maur replied, "learn Black Sabbath songs." It wasn't long before the duo formed Hand of Doom - with Auf Der Maur handling vocal duties, and such additional members as ex-Wallflowers/Natalie Merchant drummer Pedro Yanowitz and guitarist Guy Stevens signing on as well. During March of 2002, the band played several of shows in Los Angeles, at such venues as the Whiskey, the Troubador, and the Viper Room -- resulting in the release of Live in Los Angeles later the same year. Although the majority of the group's repertoire focuses on Ozzy Osbourne-era Sabbath, they do cover at least one song from the Ronnie James Dio-era, "the Mob Rules," during which Auf Der Maur hands over the mic to a celebrity guest -- including Nick Oliveri (who guests on Live in Los Angeles) and James Iha, among others. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide