Hank Von Hell - I stole the idea from Gandalf...I’m a fucking god

He was the leader of one of the most innovative, and controversial punk rock bands to ever grace a stage, Turbonegro. He spearheaded a unique movement of outsiders that were cast out from the outcasts. He came to rule the filth-ridden underground like a mystical punk rock serpent. He then vanished into a personal abyss that even Satan himself would cower in the shadows from.

Hank Von Hell is unquestionably one of the most unique characters to dominate any stage and when his departure from Turbonegro was announced, it was truly a devastating time, and not even Hank himself knew what would become of his mind or musical career.

But then, from the sexy ashes arose a chubby shark trapped in a man's body, bringing with him one of the most incredible rock and roll albums to ever penetrate your eardrums and tight bums.

Hank Von Hells debut solo record, Egomania stormed the Scandinavian charts, and his first tour sold out faster than you could catch an STD from a cheap hooker.

We went Bum To Bum with the original glam punk god to talk about Gandalf, Badger Cocks, Dwarfs, Hobbits, and Red Wine...

Your debut solo record, ‘Egomania’, has dark and sinister elements to it in terms of the music and lyrical content, something that has been missing from Turbonegro records since your departure. Egomania is basically the Turbonegro record we all wanted but didn’t get. This makes me wonder just how much of an impact you actually had, musically and creatively when it came to recording with Turbo, you obviously had more influence than people realise. Do you see Egomania as a continuation of the person you were with Turbo or do you feel more like your own artist/person now?

HANK: I don’t know how much of an influence I had on the previous albums with TN. Egomania is basically “Hank” as of 2018. It’s just me, myself and I. My, Egomania.

You pretty much disappeared from the music scene and most people assumed you’d never surface again. Why did you decide to release a solo record?

HANK: The timing was just right. I was done with others “angels” in life, and it felt like it was time to go back and do what I always should’ve done – ROCK. And shake ass.

‘Never Again’ is one of the more darker tracks on your record, can you tell us your inspiration behind this song and what is means to you?

HANK: Actually, that’s the one song I don’t wanna talk about. The lyrics are private, but tells a dark story of some even darker times. The rest, I’ll leave to myself.

There seems to be a recurring theme throughout Egomania, a theme of rebirth and enlightenment. Have you drawn from personal experiences to express yourself on the new record?

HANK: Kind of. This is my rebirth, for the like….fourth time, I guess. Or was it the third? Maybe the turd. I don’t know. But, regardless, this album is indeed about my journey back to hell. Back to what makes sense.

Can we assume the new shiney white suit is also a representation of your self development?

HANK: Yeah, I stole the idea from Gandalf of the Harry Potter movies. You know, that movie where Gandalf defeated the vampire bitch monster who stole his hat.

Egomania is an incredibly diverse album, a truly impressive piece of art. How did you approach this record in terms of what you wanted to convey in your lyrics?

HANK: I just wanted to hang it all out you know. Me and my producer A.W. Nine felt that if we wanted to do this, a REAL Hank von Hell album, we needed to make it about everything. And I am everything. Actually, I’m more than that. I’m a fucking god. That’s what the lyrics talks about. A badger flashing his cock, dealing with dirty money (and what you do for dirty money), how you can get going by smelling blood… It’s personal but perhaps more… Person of All. I am that person. Of All.

How do you feel about yourself as a person on this planet compared to who you were 8 years ago when you left turbo?

HANK: Same Hank, different places in life. I still haven’t forgot how to rule the stage and shake ass. That shit never got away. Perhaps it took an unwanted vacation during a certain amount of years…But never forgotten. Just needed to find the passport to get back from vacation you know.

You’ve been very open in the past about overcoming your own personal problems with drug addiction and wanting to help other people avoid this kind of lifestyle, is this still an important aspect of who you are?

HANK: I cant change my past. What’s done is done. As for the future and now, I just hope that every person that has issues and struggle in life, finds the help they need.

You recently said that ‘Blood’ is the greatest song ever written and “I am actually a shark. Yes, a real shark. I am a shark trapped in a fat, handsome and masculine body”. Can you tell us how you came to this conclusion and what metaphorical ocean do you spend most of your time in searching for blood?

HANK: Life man. Just Life. We’re all just fucking sharks looking for blood. If it’s not getting that blood in social media, as in thumbs and BS praises, it’s in other areas of life. Confirmation, Convenient solutions, Quick Fixes…We’re all just sharks. Everybody needs some blood, and preferably someone elses blood, to make them feel better. So, Blood. Think about that.

When people hear your debut album I think they’re going to be pretty blown away at what you've achieved here. A minute into Egomania makes me want to riot and destroy small cities, it’s quite a shock to the system, how do you feel when you hear your own record?

HANK: A full on boner. Honestly, BONER. And even bigger one when I realize that other people actually like the album. That’s hot.

Do you have a specific process when it comes to writing new material?

HANK: Me and A.W. Nine does the schematics for each album. And then we bring on others if needed. All other processes are top secret. But it includes Dwarfs, Hobbits, Red Wine, Pizza, Fishnet stockings and snacks. Can’t tell you more.

When your first single, ‘Bum To Bum’ was released into the world, people went crazy and it was very clear that even after all these years of relative silence, you’ve had a dedicated following just waiting for your return, how does that make you feel?

HANK: Fantastic. I love them, they love me. That’s the way it should be. Free. Free dicks.

What would you consider to be your biggest achievement on this record?

HANK: That it was actually released.

Is there a specific message you'd like people to understand from Egomania?

HANK: I’m Back. For real. That’s the only message that’s clear enough.

Are you still looking for your Sombrero?

HANK: Nope, got it now. And it’s here to stay.