“Candidate” delves into the true inner demons of a family known for epic battles with such forces. Busted up, beaten down, anti social, and cursed, H III ponders the thought of having no more emotions and no longer hurting when he’s “riding in that hearse.” And an important note about “Candidate” is that not once does H III say that he “is” going to take his life or that the listener should; he’s simply asking himself the same questions that many of us have asked ourselves in quite, low moments. “Stoned & Alone” pretty much explains itself as H III tells of drinking alone and recalling his past of loss and misery as he drifts through the haze of being in the title’s stated condition.
“H8 Line,” “Long Hauls & Close Calls,” “3 Shades Of Black,” and “P.F.F.” are the hybrid songs that make “Damn Right Rebel Proud” stand apart from previous H III outings. The four tunes vary in theme and degree of hardcore metal/punk. He, more than anything, lets loose a darker atmosphere here than anyplace before on his straight country albums. “Long Hauls” is the jewel that showcases this blend best. H III’s vocals are sunken, distorted, and at times delivered with a shriek while the instrumentation picks up speed and cuts with a sharp metal edge. The bass slaps out of control and synchs with the drums in a train-from-hell beat and rhythm right out of the Johnny Cash songbook.
“P.F.F.” is a ten-minute romp through the hell that is H III’s daily life which apparently consist of fighting and f#*$ing. The song is dedicated to punk legend G.G. Allin who was actually in a band or two whose gothic psychobilly sound is the closest comparison to what H III has done with these four tunes. “P.F.F.” is played in three acts and switches gears to slow halfway into the fracas to give a different perspective on the familiar lyrics.
“3 Shades Of Black” finds H III alone on the instruments and vocals as he reworks “Ghost Riders In The Sky” to fit the darkness and shadows that surround and fill his music and life. A modern, dark masterpiece in the “things that go bump in the night” vein. A tune just in time for the Halloween holiday and us creepy sorts who dig this stuff the most.
Article comments
1 - kmoss
too goddam polished....too slick ...sounds like this record is gonna win over pop country fans....#1 on 98.1, is that what he is aiming for now....shit hank, where are you goin'? the wrong direction if you ask me... fuck
2 - emit
When I saw the cover and the name of the C.D. I knew this one would be a weak follow up to 'Straight to Hell', which is the greatest country album ever, EVER! Admit man! The guy's lost it. Sinking nearly to the depths of Bocephus, who never had it. Let's hope he finds it again!
3 - ohiokid
you guys should come up with a real review instead of quoting verses from the songs
4 - rebel
Hank III openly admits Damn Right and Rebel Proud is no Straight to Hell but in no way is it polished and making it's way onto 98.1 it's one album of many to come, such is the career of a singer / song writer with this much talent and conviction.