Hank III is as honest and eclectic as they come. He never stops touring and he never settles in on a genre for too long. Hank has released four country albums and has recorded and toured as a bass player for Superjoint Ritual. Which was a metal band from New Orleans, Louisiana notably featuring Phil Anselmo of Pantera, Jimmy Bower of EyeHateGod, and Hank Williams III. He has also just released an album as a drummer for the hardcore band Arson Anthem. And, let us not forget his own hardcore rock band, Assjack.

On Damn Right, Rebel Proud Hank III continues his assault on the country music industry, which he sees as full of hypocrites and pop artists who try to pass themselves off as real country artists. By blending a traditional country sound with a punk attitude, he stands out as the best artist in the hillbilly style he forged.

The topics on Damn Right, Rebel Proud range from the lovelorn on "I Wish I Knew" to the blue-collar blues of the "Workin' Man." Thrown into the mix is "P.F.F.," a tribute to punk pioneer GG Allen, who was infamous for his antisocial behavior and naked stage show.

All the songs feel easy to relate to and real. Hank III's songs are usually from the darker side of life — the side in which most of us live, broke, hurt and feeling lost. "Candidate for Suicide" speaks to those deep emotions that make us question our place in society and in our own families. He sings, "I hope I feel better when I'm riding in that hearse, and all my emotions have left me, and I no longer hurt." He sings those dark feelings but you don't feel hopeless after listening. It's more like a matter-of-fact kind of feeling; it's just the way it is.

"Workin Man" is a great song. Written by and featuring Bob Wayne, it is about a hero of a construction worker who represents any man who works hard every day to support his family. Like so many of Hank's characterizations, the heroes are really anti heroes. They are flawed yet triumphant and interesting.

Shelton Hank Williams III is the kind of original artist who has a rabid fan base but will never be known by mainstream America. He probably prefers it that way. He makes his own rules and lives his life, waving his middle finger at the greedy corporate yes men of the country music machine.

Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars.

For more info go to: www.hank3.com