Who deserves the title of the most “metal” band in the land? One could successfully argue this a number of ways but I’m going to go with the one and only, Motorhead. Why? Before anyone ever heard of speed metal or thrash, there was a little band called Motorhead with a charismatic, larger than life frontman in Lemmy Kilmister that gave us blistering guitars, thundering riffs, and pounding drums. That’s why. For the last 35 years, they have been kicking ass and taking names around the world.
Motorhead is back with their 21st studio album, “Aftershock,” and 14 bone crushing new tunes. The record kicks off with the opening track, “Heartbreaker,” and I am quickly reminded why I love this band. We have the instantly recognizable bass lines and growling vocals of Lemmy, Phil Campbell tearing it up on the guitar, and drummer Mikkey Dee making your heart thump right out of your chest. The classic Motorhead sound continues on “Going to Mexico,” “Paralyzed,” and “Knife.” “Crying Shame” is a little more on the melodic side and the blues come out on the slower grinds of “Lost Woman Blues” and “Dust and Glass.” Let us not forget the piece de resistance, “End of Time,” an epic soon to be classic tune that could be the next “Ace of Spades.”
“Aftershock” is absolute metal mania from start to finish and one of the best Motorhead records in a long time. This my fellow metalheads is what it’s all about. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
