Rattler Reb Unleashes Raw Hillbilly Power Metal with Thunder From The South*
Tennessee’s Rattler Reb is taking the metal scene by storm with their hard-hitting album Thunder From The South, released last November. Known for a unique blend of hillbilly power metal, Rattler Reb delivers an experience that’s equal parts southern grit and heavy metal grandeur. Imagine the gritty theatrics of KISS mixed with the bravado of Manowar and the swampy soul of Molly Hatchet, and you’ve got an idea of what this powerhouse is all about. This album represents years of hard work in the underground scene, honing their craft to capture the true essence of raw, live metal.
Rattler Reb’s journey is the story of resilience and a dedication to staying authentic in a music industry that often encourages conformity. Guitarist and founder Kaney Jaxx’s story is emblematic of the band’s perseverance. In early 2023, a voicemail changed everything: a song he’d submitted months prior had won Rock Song of the Year from the Nashville Music Awards. With renewed confidence, he re-formed Rattler Reb, bringing his southern metal dream to life and electrifying audiences with his heavy riffs and evocative solos. His work on tracks like “When You Got Nothin’” is a testament to his skill in creating powerful anthems, capturing both heartbreak and victory.
Bassist Billy Joe brings a swampy depth to Rattler Reb’s sound, grounding each track in rich, low-end rumble that supports Kaney’s soaring guitar leads. And then there’s drummer Bubba Ray, whose thunderous drumming is a force all its own, powering through songs with relentless energy. Rattler Reb’s rhythm section has a chemistry that’s palpable and undeniable. Together, they embody the unyielding spirit of the South, telling stories that are raw, intense, and deeply rooted in their own lives.
Standout tracks like “Thunder from the South” and “Backwoods Warrior” mix southern storytelling with metal’s aggressive, in-your-face attitude. From whiskey-soaked riffs to driving beats, each song radiates a fierce energy that’s as wild as the landscapes that inspired it. This isn’t just metal for metal’s sake—this is music that wears its scars proudly, embracing the highs and lows of life with every note.
Live, Rattler Reb are a sight to behold. Their shows are packed with raw energy and southern pride, embodying a fusion of heavy metal’s bombast with the humility and grit of true Tennessee rockers. Winning Metal Devastation Radio’s Band of the Month and recent triumphs in the Battle of the Bands have only solidified their status, and fans are hungry for more. Thunder From The South is just the beginning for Rattler Reb, who are set to reach new heights and rock stages far and wide with their unapologetic, hillbilly power metal.
