Search - Hank Ray :: Barbeque of Souls

Hank Ray is a roots man. The extremely prolific Mr. Ray, aka the Godfather of Death Country Rock, cut his teeth in the early 80 s in his fiery psychobilly band The Raymen with 13 albums. He has 4 solo efforts in his dark, Goth c&w style and 1 from a transition mode as Holy Roller Trash from 93. Another Raymen album, Sinister Funtime is scheduled for later this year. Barbeque is his 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 he 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 include, Endless Plains of Delirious Lands, Saturday Satan, Cold Death Angel s Embrace and the Sounds Of Ghosts A Crying. Album artwork is by buddy and awesome artist, Rudi Protrudi of the Fuzztones. Barbecue is slated for early Fall release and comes with a free cd, Broken Angels N Saturday Satans. Devil s Ruin is re-releasing his Countricide and Mainstream Death Country.Oustanding cuts: Barbecue of Souls, Damn River Risin . --Barry St. Vitus - Blurt Magazine