Hank Williams III
Hillbilly Joker

Having an important and iconic surname like that of the greatest country pillar does not deny you the right to act like an asshole around the world.

Hank Williams III, grandson of Hank Williams and son of Hank Williams Jr, knows this well, and his songs focused on drugs and alcohol use seem to distance themselves from the mood of lonely cowboys in love.

Hank 3 decided from the beginning of his career to reject that tag, that artistic setting passed down by history - or at least - to accept it on his terms.

This is where heavy metal and the clanging guitars of a world no longer so distant come into play. His standard live show set consists of two parts: the first traditional and the second a circus offering much more rock n' roll along with his band, the Assjack.

The album in question is certainly the hardest in his discography, and its troubled release makes it even more special.

Already in 2003, Hank presented these tracks to Curb (his trusted record label) recorded with the mythical and versatile producer Dave Sardy (Oasis, Marilyn Manson among the most famous artists he has worked with). But something went wrong between the label and the rocker (particularly due to personality clashes), and it was decided that this album was not to be made.

The resulting split saw the young Williams even creating a brand of t-shirts to give out to his audience with the words "Fuck Curb". The message is more than clear.

About eight years later, when Hillbilly Joker officially becomes available, he intervenes in a more decisive manner this time: sabotage.

"Don't buy my record, download it and make copies for your friends but don't give your money to those bastards"

Musically, Hillbilly Joker from the opening titular track is a kick, a wild punk ride towards New Orleans; among admissions of sin and escapades with the girl of the moment.

A recommended mix of exquisite wild attitude tied to a good taste for rhythm; the redneck rudeness invading CBGB.