Hank III To Release 4 Records on September 6th
–Hank III to release 4 Records on September 6th: A double country album, a metal “Attention Defecit Domination” album, and a “3-Bar Ranch Cattle Callin'” record.
–New double country Ghost to a Ghost/Guttertown album will have a total of 41 new songs.
–Guest appearances include Tom Waits, Les Claypool, Dave Sherman, Troy Medlin, and Alan King of Hellstomper.
From Hank 3.com:
LOS ANGELES, CA – THURSDAY, June 23, 2011 — With his own new label, Hank3 Records, and the sense that he has thrown off the chains holding him back creatively, Shelton Hank Williams III, aka Hank3, is coming out swinging this year with the release of four records on September 6 – that’s right – FOUR.
The unprecedented launch, in a distribution partnership with Megaforce Records (MRI), features a broad range of music that bridges more than one head-thumping genre – a familiar theme that true Hank3 fans have embraced for years. Ghost to a Ghost/Guttertown, a double-album set, is a straight-shooting country collection, flavored with Hank3’s trademark hellbilly sound, and heavily weighted with Cajun influence (especially on Guttertown) and an ambient, lonesome mood – and a few very special guests.
Two more releases are Attention Deficit Domination and 3 Bar Ranch Cattle Callin – intensely metal-driven records on which Hank3 plays all instruments. Attention Deficit Domination is a pressure-dropping, doom rock statement that has been anticipated by his hardcore fans for years, and Cattle Callin explores a new mind-bending “Cattle Core” sound, featuring Hank3’s speed metal woven in and around actual cattle auctioneering.
All three projects were recorded at The Haunted Ranch, Hank3’s home and studio that lies on the outskirts of Nashville – a fitting place since the town has never really known what to do with this grandson of the American icon. He finally parted ways with Curb Records January 1.
“I have musical freedom. I’m able to say ‘Here’s my record’ and I don’t have to go through a million different channels just to put out a song,” he says. “It’s all me now.”
Hank3 wrote the lion’s share of the songs that appear on the 41-track Ghost to a Ghost. The players are Andy Gibson on steel guitar and banjo, who also aided in its recording, David McElfresh on fiddle and mandolin, Zach Shedd on standup bass, Daniel Mason on banjo, super-picker Johnny Hiland on guitar, Billy Contreras on fiddle, and Rory Hoffman on accordion.
Guest appearances include the mythical Tom Waits on the haunted “Fadin Moon” from Guttertown and on the Ghost to a Ghost title track, Alan King of Hellstomper, Les Claypool of Primus fame and beyond, Dave Sherman, Troy Medlin and Hank3’s dog, Trooper.
Cuts such as “Guttertown,” “Ridin The Wave,” and “The Devil’s Movin In” on Ghost to A Ghost, and “Goin to Guttertown,” “The Low Line,” and “I’ll Save My Tears” on Guttertown highlight both the excellent musicianship on the records, and Hank3’s unmistakable, confident vocals.
Attention Deficit Domination allows the listener into Hank3’s crunching, metal world of the heavy and the slow, complete with his renowned, fundamental percussion. The nine tracks hardly allow you to get up from the floor. With songs such as “I Feel Sacrificed” and the tormented “Livin Beyond Doom,” Hank3 works a ground somewhere between devastation and high theatre.
“Both A.D.D. and Cattle Callin are very intense. It’s very manic,” Hank3 says. “It’s hard to follow, even for the guys I play with. I’m playing everything on these two. It’s very complex.”
There are 23 tracks on Cattle Callin, featuring Hank3’s driving, formidable guitar attack, with instrumentation build around the auctioneering and, in some cases, his own higherregister vocal treatment laid over the top. Metal fans will notice some tongue-in-cheek humor with titles such as “Heavy Cattle” and “Angus of Death.” Also, fans of bluegrass will love the banjo-driven “Cattle Callin Lonesome Blues,” featuring Mason.
“I was raised around it [cattle auctioneering] and it’s pretty amazing how fast these guys are,” Hank3 says. “Hip-hop has looped auctioneers. Bluegrass has messed around with it a little bit. This has never been done in the heavy metal world.”
The September release of all three projects represents a new birth for Hank3, and he’s happy to have the chance.
“Megaforce Records has helped me with my vision to do something that’s never been
done before,” he says. “They’re handling my distribution, and I wanted to flood the
market and do everything different. I wanted to come out of the gate strong.
“I’m opening up the mind a little bit and bringing some different styles together.”
****UPDATE****UPDATE*****UPDATE – Cover Art Revealed
Autopsy IV
June 23, 2011 @ 8:26 am
4 cds.
I already have the feeling that, like Jamey Johnson, he should have used a heavier editing hand.
steve
June 23, 2011 @ 8:43 am
Your not talking about the lonesome song album are you?
That whole album runs together like one long honky tonk lonesome song. brilliant in my opinion.
BigSTEM51
June 23, 2011 @ 9:01 am
Steve… I’m pretty sure he’s talking about the Guitar Song wich was a double disc. I agree Autopsy.. especially on the 2nd CD their was a lot of less than stellar tracks that I could of lived without. He could have cut half the material and put out one helluva stellar album.
As far as Hank III, I hope he doesn’t suffer the same fate. But as a fan I usually enjoy about half his albums and the rest of the tracks, are just ok. He usually loses me with the excessive drug references. Just my opinion.
Autopsy IV
June 23, 2011 @ 3:54 pm
yes. Guitar Song….the double disc.
ebb
June 23, 2011 @ 5:10 pm
Jamey Johnson needs to record that song, in this honkytonk.
ebb
June 23, 2011 @ 5:13 pm
and 41 songs by Hank III is awesome news.
IceColdCountry
June 23, 2011 @ 2:51 pm
4 cds isn’t bad, but I am with you in concern when we are talking 41 songs!!! That is a shit load. nearly double Johnson’s 25 Guitar Song.
However, if the songs run together and fit a long winding story (which I think Guitar Song does after listening a few times and getting into it) I think HankIII has the same talent to do that. But again, 41 songs!! Of course, we have seen that 41 maybe tracks and not always “songs”. A track can be 15 seconds long of a conversation and nothing near a song.
I am excited for this. I hope it is HankIII at his country best and leave the meth rock to the other CD’s.
Repohellbilly
June 23, 2011 @ 8:27 am
Great fucking news!!!! Now everyone knows why III hasn’t had the time to say much!!! Double Country Album with 41 tracks. WOW is all i gotta say.
Gillian
June 23, 2011 @ 8:28 am
And in other news…July shows at Layla’s Bluegrass Inn in Nashville are in the works – keep an eye on the Tour Section, once confirmed, they’ll be posted.
tokerdave
June 23, 2011 @ 8:37 am
killer news indeed….but i wish there was a hellbilly release planned.hopefully we will get that in the future
Bradley
June 23, 2011 @ 8:43 am
I told you Triggerman I had a feeling something EPIC was in the works! I am so happy right now. 41 new country songs …….. im speechless!
Martin Luther Presley
June 23, 2011 @ 8:43 am
I can’t remember an artist not getting criticism for releasing too much at once (or in a short period of time). It’s bound to happen. The usual “could’ve been one REALLY good album” angle. Thinking bout Guns N Roses Or especially Ryan Adams. I usually disagreed. I hope this won’t backfire. Fittingly, Tom Waits pulled it off before. I’m really excited and LOVE the idea of the so much stuff at the same time.
Trailer
June 23, 2011 @ 8:48 am
All of those but the Cattle Callin’ sound intriguing. That sounds like a white elephant gift.
killer
June 23, 2011 @ 8:54 am
The Goddamn King from Hellstomper does guest vocals!?!
HELL YEAH!!!!
The Bookie
June 29, 2011 @ 5:12 pm
Yeah GD KING kicks ASS ..
Kyle Slagle
June 23, 2011 @ 8:54 am
I’m in. This is shaping up to be one hell of a year for good music.
Colby Jack
June 23, 2011 @ 9:04 am
Hes doing something that people will remember. And he wants people to remember this, not the 14 years of curb. This is awesome, and I have nothing but respect for Shelton. I’m very happy about it.
Denise
June 23, 2011 @ 9:17 am
I second that emotion.
Sean
June 23, 2011 @ 10:00 am
I have a feeling this wasn’t rushed, the songs were probably written while he was still with curb and just waiting for his release date to get started laying them down. I, for one, am stoked.
The Triggerman
June 23, 2011 @ 10:36 am
I was more worried about the quality of the content when the word was he was going to put out three albums. For some reason, him releasing four, including two with a total of 41 songs, makes me less worried. 😉
ShadeGrown
June 23, 2011 @ 11:12 am
I keep remembering an interview I read back around the time that STH was released, and perhaps before (?) where III said he should have 5 country releases already… I would have to guess he hasn’t quit writing since then, he just kept his best shit quiet. He was no doubt ready, material-wise for his release from Curb. That doesn’t mean there won’t be some less than stellar tracks among these 41 tunes, but I don’t find myself running for the skip button on any of his country stuff.
Martin Luther Presley
June 23, 2011 @ 10:10 am
I hope there’ll be decent distribution in Europe, including vinyl.
Otherwise this will cost a fortune. 3bay is the most expensive online shop I’ve ever came across (re: shipping costs).
The Triggerman
June 23, 2011 @ 10:38 am
Word is this will all be available on vinyl, though maybe not the country, at least at first, because that would constitute four LP’s. All of this is being distributed through MRI which I’m sure has Euro channels, so my guess is you’ll be fine.
Metalupyourthrash
June 23, 2011 @ 5:04 pm
You bet they have Euro channels! Megaforce is a big name in underground metal (early Metallica, anyone?) and metal is still pretty huge in Europe.
ShadeGrown
June 23, 2011 @ 10:23 am
I cannot fucking wait! Hopefully he will get back to Spokane this fall so I can see it all live. The A.D.D. stuff has me most excited. It would be great if one could buy this all together and maybe save some coin cause that’s alot to buy – for me atleast – all @ one time. I totally love the idea of coming out strong though, and I for one will not be complaining about him needing to have edited himself more… I can do that myself if I don’t care for some stuff. And Shelton’s bad songs are better than most artist’s average/good stuff anyway. This completely made my year in music, though I’d also love to get some new Down before snow falls.
wayne
June 23, 2011 @ 10:32 am
AWOL…. HAHAHA !!!
Kyle
June 23, 2011 @ 10:37 am
hell yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this news has made my like year man…III is back man…its gonna be absolutely killer!!!!
Brooke
June 23, 2011 @ 11:06 am
It looks like MRI distributes Housecore’s stuff which may be the connection. Doesn’t matter….can’t wait to hear all of it. I love the way that Three Bar Ranch Cattle Callin’ rolls off the tongue! Can’t wait to hear those calls!
Brooke
June 23, 2011 @ 11:07 am
and……all this right after the weekend that I am already concerned about having a musical overdose! This is going to be one hell of a September!
Brooke
June 23, 2011 @ 11:09 am
DAVEY on mandolin…….this keeps getting better! LOVE IT!
Debi Buttram
June 23, 2011 @ 11:11 am
Shelton is a musical genious. His work speaks for itself, his fans adore him, as much as he appreciates their support. I know of no other artists who work as hard as he does and puts out this kind of music ALL THEIR OWN!
I hope that someday the recording industry will recognize Shelton for ALL that he is!
cathy
June 23, 2011 @ 4:37 pm
Well said Debi…
NLindsay
June 23, 2011 @ 11:13 am
Now cmon and calm down yall. There’s gotta be SOME party pooper who says “Four albums? Ain’t that a little too much saturation? I’d rather he have spent more time to make sure each song is truly perfect.” How are we going to respond to that person?
As for me though, I’m fuckin stoked man. New Hank III, released completely on his terms for the first time ever, and it’s four damn albums. Awesome.
Pagoul
June 23, 2011 @ 12:34 pm
Anyway, he probably have worked on these songs for years when he was chained by curb so i expect a lot of quality stuff. I’m so excited with that news
Sandman
June 23, 2011 @ 11:21 am
Cattle Callin sounds like the metal version of the Straight To Hell bonus disc, ADD could be a new level of his live shows and 2 new country albums….this is what I expected, September can’t come soon enough.
Colby Jack
June 23, 2011 @ 2:32 pm
ADD, Cattle Callin, and Assjack and three very different things. I mean, I just to someone who doesnt listen to metal it would seem the same, but its not.
Ga. Outlaw
June 23, 2011 @ 11:35 am
I’m not a fan of his metal stuff, but the Cattel Callin’ album has me curious. Can’t wait for the country stuff.
Jason3.14
June 23, 2011 @ 12:19 pm
I think he should do his cd release party at Muddy Roots!!!!! Let’s all ask him.
AdamSheets
June 23, 2011 @ 2:33 pm
I’m looking forward to hearing all of these, but the one that has me the most intrigued is Cattle Callin.
Chris Lewis "Louie"
June 23, 2011 @ 3:05 pm
I’m right there with ya Adam. I love III’s country and hellbilly stuff so I’m also intrigued by this mixture of Cattle Callin’. Since I’m not big on his metal stuff even though I respect it, he will probably lose me on those albums.
Big A
June 24, 2011 @ 5:34 am
I’m with you guys. I can’t wait to hear what this Cattle Callin thing is all about. It’s things like this that make III a musical artist rather than a performer, to me. It could fail miserably, but this is why I love the guy. It’s odd, but I feel that I naturally gravitate toward people that aren’t afraid to take a big fucking risk and fail rather than succeeding at something easy. Talk about taking advantage of creative freedom – most pop country artists record even shittier pop songs when the get it.
noshowjones23
June 23, 2011 @ 2:40 pm
how do you go from true country music to fucking cattle callin? wtf
Carla
June 23, 2011 @ 2:42 pm
AMEN!
bumhead
June 23, 2011 @ 3:11 pm
“…and heavily weighted with Cajun influence (especially on Guttertown)…”
I am particularly excited by this aspect of III’s new release.
It amazes me that Cajun hasn’t been an influence on more of the neo-Country artists. The only artist I know of that has used that influence in his music really well is Tom VandenAvond.
Really looking forward to “Guttertown” now!
Brander
June 23, 2011 @ 6:01 pm
Speaking of Cajun influences, the band Ol Red Shed has some Cajun Fiddle on there new album. The fiddler is Dennis Stroughmatt and is a well known musician in the Cajun music world.
AdamSheets
June 23, 2011 @ 6:20 pm
Caleb Klauder has a Cajun band in addition to his honky tonk stuff.
bumhead
June 23, 2011 @ 6:36 pm
I’d heard of Caleb Klauders Cajun band, but haven’t heard any of the material. Thanks guys, I’ll definitely be checking them out!
Aran
June 24, 2011 @ 3:09 pm
I’ve heard about this side project of Caleb’s, but I also haven’t actually heard the music. It’s got to be good, everything Caleb does (musically speaking) is fantastic.
Ian
June 23, 2011 @ 3:19 pm
Hell yeah 3!
Mcshane02
June 23, 2011 @ 8:25 pm
I dont know why he has to throw all of it out there all at once. Its gonna be great music but watered down because of the overload of Hellbilly greatness.
Stubblejumper
June 23, 2011 @ 10:09 pm
This one’ll be the litmus test that I (and others likely) will be judging him by. That said, it sounds like he’s got his ducks in a row, and I have high hopes for the country albums. Never been much of a doom metal fan, but I may have to pick up the cattle callin’ one. It’ll either be great or a complete disaster.
Ray Lawrence Jr.
June 24, 2011 @ 12:20 am
I think Hank III is about to blow the minds of those record execs that will be wishin they had more respect for III. Do not under estimate the power of a true artist. III is about to change the music world FOREVER!!! This is going to be VERY cool.
wayne
June 24, 2011 @ 5:35 am
AMEN Mr. Ray AMEN…
HBHQ
June 24, 2011 @ 7:33 am
You are a good man Ray. I miss you, and I am glad this is happening for you…seriously…
Bradley
June 25, 2011 @ 4:35 pm
Congratulations Ray on your songs, this must be so exciting for you after all you have endured. Keep on keepin on brother!
DraftRider
June 24, 2011 @ 7:00 am
Yee MF’in Haw s’all I can say.
HBHQ
June 24, 2011 @ 7:26 am
Well if the Bloodline can have 300 some odd recordings before the age of 29, I must say…. with a lot of folks knowin my III disposition, I have faith in these releases. He a bit more grown, approachin 40 and had time to maybe utilize or even truley recognize his resources. I think everything has been there…. just waitin. I think a lot of these recordings are gonna reflect his mirrored image, not a foggy one. I have faith. I am ready for him to have some good releases, shit…Im ready to listen….. cmon Sept 6th
Kyle Slagle
June 24, 2011 @ 7:49 am
We might finally get to see a Hank reach his prime. No disrespect to Jr. … well, maybe just a little.
Metalupyourthrash
June 24, 2011 @ 7:46 am
I truly believe that Hank’s country albums are gonna reflect a side of him we haven’t seen yet. I could be totally wrong, but I feel like the two country albums are gonna have a very Satanic bent to them. I think he probably wasn’t able to show this side with Curb due to Mr. Curb’s Christian leanings. This will be very interesting to say the least. Can’t wait!
IceColdCountry
June 24, 2011 @ 11:20 am
With respect, did you listen to the previous country albums? Part of the reason HankIII hasn’t broken the mainstream barrier is the satanic feel to his music. Drugs, drinking are part of it too, but his pervious stuff most definitely has satanic references. I expect we get even more, although I hope not.
Metalupyourthrash
June 24, 2011 @ 3:03 pm
I recognize that, I just think we will get more Satanic stuff and less drinking and drugging. I own all of his previous albums (even Assjack, Superjoint, and Arson Anthem). I think maybe Hank emphasized the drinking and drugging more than he wanted too on the last couple of albums because that was what Mr. Curb would let him do (I doubt Hank wanted to go back to court and he probably just wanted to release his final couple of albums without a hassle) I’m not saying he didn’t want to sing about drinking and drugging, just thinking that he might want to go more Satanic. If you look at the cover for Ghost to a Ghost and ADD they’ve both got blatant Satanic imagery on them. I think this new material will be really interesting because it’s coinciding with the an uptick in underground Satanic metal and I think it will be a very dark album. Again, I can’t wait!
Pillsbury
June 24, 2011 @ 5:27 pm
Where can you see the cover art for the new albums at?
ShadeGrown
June 24, 2011 @ 6:15 pm
Yeah, where is this cover art?
The Triggerman
June 24, 2011 @ 6:57 pm
Patience, grasshoppers, I’m sure cover art and track lists will be released in due course. As of yet they have not been.
Metalupyourthrash
June 25, 2011 @ 9:33 am
I saw the covert art at http://www.herfitzpr.com/http___web.me.com_herfitz_Site_Welcome.html/Hank3_Photos_Art.html
The Triggerman
June 25, 2011 @ 12:24 pm
Good find!
Gillian
June 24, 2011 @ 8:53 am
BREAKING NEWS: Hank3 & Attention Deficit Domination & the Exit in July 8th and 15th
Hour to a hour 1/2 Country then a hour of Doom.
Ticket price 13 $ http://www.exitin.com
JD Nashvegas
June 27, 2011 @ 5:41 am
Already gots my tickets…Can’t Wait!!! (hope he debuts some of the new stuff)
hank3
June 24, 2011 @ 12:31 pm
Speaking of quality of the content …
Funny the headline should read Hank3 to release……………………………………
Not Hank III…….
Denise
June 25, 2011 @ 6:45 am
Who wrote this release? It didn’t come from III’s camp? I think that in terms of speaking Hank III some might think it reads better to write it as it’s spoken thus Hank3. Some people say Hank the Third, some say Hank III (Hank3) some say Hank’s grandson and some say Hank Jr’s son. I’ve even seen it on the internet as Hank iii.
I also think that by having a double country release shows where his roots really are and his metal just speaks for itself.
Vince Gill Gets a Star in Hollywood; Four New Hank Williams III Records On the Way; Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes? | Country California
June 24, 2011 @ 3:22 pm
[…] Finally free of Curb, Hank Williams III will release four new records on September 6… including a straight country double album called Ghost to a Ghost/Guttertown. Saving Country Music has details. […]
HBHQ
June 24, 2011 @ 4:38 pm
it is clarified in the 1st paragraph “Hank Williams III, aka Hank3, is coming out swinging ….. ”
using “III” in the headline also gives the reader a nice transition to hank3 all the while giving an undertoned visual reference to the upcoming ‘3 bar ranch…’ release
RestlessInAmsterdam but Reinstate Hank Worldwide
June 25, 2011 @ 2:56 am
that is some great news, I can’t wait to hear it!
Mississippi Lee
June 25, 2011 @ 9:23 am
The release of these long anticipated records may very well coincide with a divorce. Perfect timing.
ibwip
June 25, 2011 @ 12:41 pm
probably shouldnt have gotten rid of keith.. those album covers blow
Martin Luther Presley
June 26, 2011 @ 5:17 am
Agreed.
Motor
June 25, 2011 @ 12:42 pm
Ever since Rebel Within I can’t help but think, I miss Neltner doing good cover art.
Jake
June 25, 2011 @ 3:59 pm
uh. are those album covers a joke?
John
June 26, 2011 @ 9:50 am
Man I fucking hope they are!!! Gimmie some rub on letters an exacto knife a gallon of coffee and a kinkos and I will come up with something way better.
Brooke
June 25, 2011 @ 10:53 pm
Very interesting that the picture of III and Waits together has re-appeared for the new album artwork. Same background, but only III and shot at a different angle.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/tom-waits-interviews-hank-iii-in-mojo-magazine#comment-44662
Ojaioan
June 26, 2011 @ 8:32 am
GREAT NEWS, tHANKS!!!
Big G
June 26, 2011 @ 8:53 am
Good, news, The Playlist expands!
AdoptedSon
June 26, 2011 @ 7:07 pm
Can’t wait for Sept. now! So excited for some post-Curb Hank!
JD Nashvegas
July 8, 2011 @ 2:48 am
Nashville news: Hank III is playing Exit Inn Fri. July 8 and again Fri. July 15. And Wayne Hancock is playing Foobar this Sunday the 10th. Good time to live here!
Denise
July 8, 2011 @ 6:16 am
uh huh! I been wanting to move to Nashville 🙂 I would love to see the music scene detour from POP back to REAL and witness that firsthand.
JD Nashvegas
July 8, 2011 @ 6:53 am
The pop crap is just on tv and radio–Nashville’s club scene is full of good music of all stripes!
Denise
July 8, 2011 @ 9:20 pm
very cool! I love the vibe of Layla’s and Robert’s. Isn’t there a blues block somewhere downtown?
Duluke
July 8, 2011 @ 9:58 pm
Gotta throw my 2SENSE in. The few times I’ve been there, Robert’s has stood out as the best of the Broadway honky tonks. Wish I was able to spend more time down there more frequently. Those who are able to should consider themselves very lucky.
Mark
July 8, 2011 @ 9:25 am
This is the best news I have heard all year. I knew he would kick some serious ass after leaving Curb. Wonder if the CD’s will be available through sites like Amazon, or is he releasing them a different way?
kookydoright
July 9, 2011 @ 4:13 pm
wish i had read this post sooner. the clocks tick’n and i’m already behind. gotta find and stockpile drugs[script narcotics, powdered & crystallized speed, cow patty shrooms, a shit ton of pot, mule tranquilizers, etc.], out-of-state booze, various loaded firearms, and fists full of bail money. alot to be done and little time to do it. i’ll be damned if i’m the last one in my area belligerent, listening to new hank III albums, fall’n down drunk, and shoot’n off guns whilst in a drug fueled psychosis come this september 6th! hell no, no way my friends. first things first though, i need to stop and pray on it. looks like i picked the wrong year to straighten out my life…again.
Hank3 Debuts New Songs in Nashville « Saving Country Music
July 9, 2011 @ 9:08 pm
[…] has a whopping 4 albums coming out September […]
kdub
July 23, 2011 @ 8:58 am
Who gives a F*ck if he sang the weather report over and over 41 times!! Its Hank III. Its gonna be killer!!!!
Hootie
August 10, 2011 @ 9:29 am
Buying extra cases of beer..Ready and waiting for this…………Put the kids away ..Lets burn one