Hank Williams III may descend from country music royalty but his roots are in punk and hardcore as much as classic honky tonk. Representing the harder-edged side of his music, Hillbilly Joker collects material from the never released album (though bootlegged) This Ain’t Country, plus songs from his metal band Assjack (Williams also plays drums in the punk band Arson Anthem). Despite the hybrid nature of the release the songs fit together well and are performed by a smoking-hot band. Scorching psychobilly (title track, “Life of Sin”), hardcore (“Drunk Again,” “Hellbilly”), metal (“Pistol Packing,” “M.F.J.”), and death metal (the spooky “10 Feet Down”) all run together in an aggressive, brash, and raw release of power. His voice is equally as versatile shifting from sly and clear to demonic growls to hair-raising shrieks that sound like they’re coming from the bottom of a well. Those seeking Hank III’s twangy and traditional side must look elsewhere, but for those inclined, Hillbilly Joker is a chance to hear some of his previously unavailable hellbilly anthems.