Hank Williams III

When Waylon sang, "I don't think Hank done it this way," he couldn't have foreseen the musically bipolar grandson of Hank Sr. that is Hank III. A little bit country and a little bit, um, demonic metal, the 3 is a pioneer in a new demographic, namely the country-lovin' thrash-metal...

By Jonathan Bond

January 22, 2004

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When Waylon sang, "I don't think Hank done it this way," he couldn't have foreseen the musically bipolar grandson of Hank Sr. that is Hank III. A little bit country and a little bit, um, demonic metal, the 3 is a pioneer in a new demographic, namely the country-lovin' thrash-metal fan.

A dead ringer for his pioneering grandfather, Hank Williams III started out in a traditional country vein, mining the rich family legacy. He soon meandered into a rockabilly mode, recording covers on his debut, Risin' Outlaw. His most recent release, 2002's Lovesick Broke & Driftin', features all Hank III originals with the exception of a weird countrified cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City."

But here's the curveball: The son of Bocephus also has a dark metal side that manifests itself in a second set live with a band known as Ass-Jack. Maybe a by-product of copious weed smoking or a desire to forge his own musical style or just a natural rebellion, Ass-Jack is devilish and fast, dark and unrelenting.

So, if you are in the mood for some honky-tonk music and want to cap the night off with a slice of good ol' hell, Hank III is your boy.

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