Stoner Hands of Doom

Stoner Hands of Doom is a heavy rock festival, held annually since 1999 in various small venues throughout the USA. The concept was dreamed up by promoter Rob Levey and his wife Cheryl, who have planned, booked and organized it since its inception. Under their guidance, the festival affectionately known as SHoD has grown over four years from a one-day event to a weekend-long gathering, featuring as many as three dozen bands.

As the name implies, artists at SHoD are usually in the general categories of stoner rock or doom metal, but all kinds of heavy underground rock music have been heard at one time or another. Naturally, the acts are often unsigned and unreleased, but some of the more significant artists of the stoner/doom genres (Unida, Keelhaul, Raging Slab, Solitude Aeturnus, etc) have also put in appearances. The festival also serves as a showcase for these bands, as it has been co-sponsored by independent record labels, distributors, and others.

With the fourth annual show having just concluded, as of this writing in November 2002, planning is already underway for the fifth, slated to be held in Portland, Oregon.

Stoner Hands of Doom – Past Lineups

SHoD I
Bull Run State Park, Manassas, Virginia and
Phantasmagoria, Wheaton, Maryland

Saturday, August 14, 1999:
Warhorse
Smoke In Sunshine
Pale Divine
Fireball Ministry
Las Cruces
Solace
Revelation
Penance
Spirit Caravan
Rotors to Rust
While Heaven Wept
Clearlight
Trouble
Leadfoot

Sources: www.stonerrock.com, the official site at shodfests.virtualave.net