Motörhead’s “Bad Magic”

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Written By: Ryan Okerstrom

Motörhead was formed in 1975 by Ian Fraser Kilmister, who you might know better simply as “Lemmy”. Forty years later, Motörheadbangers around the globe have a 22nd album to throw down to. That’s right, on August 28, 2015 Motörhead released their 22nd album entitled Bad Magic.

Some people may be asking, “What kind of music can a 69 year old bass player possibly come up with in 2015?” Simply put, the 69 year old bass player came up with thirteen ass-kicking tracks that are as good or better than most rock music being pushed by radio stations across the country. Bad Magic is a combination of old school, in your face Motörhead, punk rock and modern rock and roll. The signature basslines and guitar solos are exactly what you expect them to be. This record is not only recognizable as Motörhead, but is certainly some of the best work we have seen from the band in two decades.

“Victory or Die” is the opening track and right from the start you feel the influence of classic punk from the late 70’s. The lyrics get right to the point with references to war and the simple fact that you will win or you will die. “Thunder & Lightning” continues with the fast paced drum beat and basslines laid down in the opening track. This song smacks you right in the face as if to say, “How dare you question us on our 40th anniversary?” The guitar solo is pure gold and reminds you right away that Motörhead hasn’t gone away. Not one bit.

You want classic rock and roll sound? Forward to the third track called “Fire Storm Hotel” and it will take you down memory lane to a time when three musicians could write a song without gimmicks and tracking and still shake you to the core. Just when you think it’s safe to say that classic Motörhead is back, Mikkey Dee’s drums ignite in the song “Shoot Out All of Your Lights”. This high-tempo tune immediately beats you senseless as you headbang to the drums and the killer guitar riffs while Lemmy serenades you with his signature vocals. “The Devil” follows with sick guitar work from Phil Campbell – something you are used to if you are a true Motörheadbanger.

As we hit the halfway point of Bad Magic, we return to the punk roots as Campbell thrashes his way through “Electricity”. Any fan of punk rock will immediately put this tune into their rotation. “Electricity” is properly named as it lights up the speakers from start to finish. “Evil Eye” picks up right where “Electricity” left off with the same fast-paced tempo complete with some sinister lyrics to go along with the title of the song. The fierce drum smashing and classic Motörhead guitar riffs continue on “Teach Them How To Bleed” and lead right into the ballad “Until The End” where Lemmy leaves his heart and soul in the recording booth.

Everyone knows that the song that follows the power ballad has to deliver an knock-out blow and “Tell Me Who to Kill” does just that. The intense bassline drives it’s way right into your chest while the drums and guitar follow the lead. After you recover from the bass resonating through your body, “Choking On Your Screams” delivers a haunting message through the low growl of Lemmy’s vocals. “When The Sky Comes Looking For You” picks the tempo back up in that old school rock and roll way and you find yourself nodding to the beat throughout the song. Just when you think Motörhead couldn’t possibly outdo themselves they drop a surprise at the end of Bad Magic in the form of The Rolling Stones classic “Sympathy For The Devil”. The Motörhead version is a little dirtier than what you’re used to thanks to Lemmy’s vocals and Campbell’s guitar.

All in all, the 22nd album is a home run. There is absolutely no reason to think that Motörhead is done making music. I expect this record to revitalize the Motörheadbangers as well as the band themselves. With Lemmy fighting (and winning) the battle with his health concerns there is a new fire in his heart. That fire is clearly evident in the form of Bad Magic.

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