Hank Ray
(Devil's Ruin)
Berlin's Hank Ray is a roots man. The extremely prolific Mr. Ray, aka the Godfather of Death Country Rock, cut his teeth in the early ‘80s in his fiery psychobilly band the Raymen with 13 albums. He has 4 solo efforts in his dark, Goth c&w style, plus on from a transition mode as Holy Roller Trash from '93. Another Raymen album, Sinister Funtime, is scheduled for later this year.
Barbeque of Souls is Ray's personal homage to his glam heroes Pop/Reed/Bowie and Cale, aiming for a goth/glam/country hybrid. Ray says that Tex Ritter and Iggy are the greatest influences on his distinct, baritone singing style, but I also hear a bit of Cash and Orbison in several of these dark ballads. Another influence is Blind Lemon Jefferson, whose portrait Ray sometimes hangs at solo gigs. The backup playing on the album is a drive through dusty desert back roads towards forbidding ghost towns boding evil. Titles are instructive: "Endless Plains of Delirious Lands," "Saturday Satan," "Cold Death Angel's Embrace" and the "Sounds of Ghosts A-Crying."
Featuring album artwork is by Ray's buddy - and awesome artist - Rudi Protrudi of the Fuzztones, Barbeque is getting a September 23 release Stateside from Indiana-based indie Devil's Ruin. Worth noting: not only is the label re-releasing earlier Ray albums Countricide and Mainstream Death Country, folks who preorder Barbeque will receive a free Ray CD, Broken Angels ‘N' Saturday Satans. Meanwhile, you can also check out Ray at his MySpace page.
Standout Tracks: "Barbecue of Souls," "Damn River Risin'" BARRY ST. VITUS
