Motorhead –Bad Magic

Yes, we are a little late for a review, but when it comes to Motorhead, we can’t just turn on the music and crank out banal writing that states how much of a god Lemmy is and how much we love him. We need to take a nice long listen and write until our fingers bleed, because our god and savior Lemmy commands us to! Let’s jump right in and begin peeling this one apart!

“Victory Or Die” kicks off with an oldschool punk feel. The guitars are grueling, crunchy, riffy,  just the way we love them and expect them out of such accomplished artists.  When Lemmy says “That’s the spirit! Victory or Die!’, he ignites a victorious exuberance within each and every rock fueled fan.

Motörhead – Victory Or Die (Bad Magic 2015)

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“Firestorm Hotel” with classic rock components, including the deep rhythm guitar groove with, matching lyrics, and a heavy, yet soaring guitar solos, set the stage to showcase Lemmy’s vocals, dexterity, and grit. I can’t think of any other place to lay my head other than a hotel to which Lemmy has dedicated such a song.

With a syncopated riff, “Shoot Out All of Your Lights” is a high tempo classic rock song waiting for its time to explode. The song moves between tempos and keys relentlessly as Lemmy glides over with his experienced lyrics. The solo is gritty and intense, just as one would expect from such a legend. The refrain of “Shine, Shine, Dynamite,” on the next phrase shouted at any event from sport to hooligan fueled tennis match.

The bass and rhythm guitar of “The Devil” are funky and dirty rhythm that brings forth the nature and intention of the song. The lyrics warn that the devil is seeking your soul, and we will turn it over willingly if Lemmy commands it. Brian May is brilliant, with his dirty and riffy guitar, giving this song every component we have come through appreciate from such an artist’s repertoire.

Halfway through the 14 track album we have “Electricity”. I would be hard-pressed to find a more savory, classic, and all-around rock ‘n roll song. “Electricity” features the same flavors we’ve come to enjoy from Lemmy, as well as a Philip Campbell on a guitar that takes the center stage and makes the song a true juggernaut to be reckoned with.

“Evil Eye” definitely has an ominous undertone, with tribal drums and vivaciousness infused tambourine. The song also brings forth a newer sound we haven’t heard on this album previously, those of Lemmy growling. Let me tell you, this is treat and panty dropper! The combination of visceral drumming with Lemmy’s deep dark voice are enough to send any heavy metal maiden into rock and roll frenzies.

“Till The End” has an introduction that has a very Eagles-esque, with a Hotel California feel, that evolves into a lovely ballad that only Lemmy could deliver with his Godlike prowess. Evocative, provocative, seductive, all the elements you would want in a rock ballad, it’s one of those songs that you either make love to, or belt out on your drive time home. It’s that song that you would find yourself playing air guitar to, as the guitars play an emotion that words have difficulty expressing. It is the quintessential power ballad.

Lemmy definitely shows us all facets of rock ‘n roll, displaying elements from every genre. “Choking on your screams” gives us a tiny flavor of his darker side of metal. From a lyrical and musical perspective, “Choking” is another heavy delight on this record in which we can feel the master at his craft, not just from a singer’s point of view, but from an engaging and viscerally strong driving bass.

In true rock ‘n roll vein, the album comes to a close with a heavy hitting cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil”. Lemmy brings out all the stops, proving that he has the biggest balls in the business. The Cambpell’s guitar solos are savory, Dee’s drumming is carnal, and Lemmy has proven that once and for all that he is immortal. Oh yes, Motorhead is here, and they ain’t going anywhere!

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