“It’s like déjà vu, all over again.” Quoting the late Yogi Berra has become commonplace in the sports world, but it also applies in the music world with the recent release of Motörhead’s 22nd studio album Bad Magic. This album could have been released at any time in the last 20 years or so, and it would still be relevant. Their spectacular thud of sound is not only instantly familiar, but expected. Like walking into your favorite dive and ordering a Jack and Coke, you know what you are getting, and you crave what it does to you.
It’s the same trio from the last 20 years or so that I was referring to: guitarist Phil Campbell, the thundering machine known as Mikkey Dee on drums, and, of course, legendary bassist and vocalist Lemmy Kilmister. Together, they have created another collection of songs that’s guaranteed to knock the wax out of your ears, especially when played at a high volume that all Motörhead music should be listened at.
‘Victory Or Die,” the opening track, is more than just a song, it’s a metaphor for the last 40 years of Motörhead, as well as the last 60 or so of Lemmy Kilmister, whose signature raspy growl enhances the brutal assault that Motörhead injects into every song. There are no duds in this artillery.
“Choking On Your Screams” takes Kilmister’s voice to its raspiest, raw best. The metaphors are everywhere. Phil Campbell’s guitar breaks are the Heimlich maneuvers in this case, as Lemmy coughs up whatever is in his throat in between solos. “Teach Them How To Bleed” is one of my favorite tracks, and it’s mainly because of Mikkey Dee’s drumming tempo throughout. This one truly screams to be played live, and I’d be shocked if it wasn’t. It’s in line with being a classic Motörhead number. Dee also shines on “Evil Eye” with a great Bo Diddley-style intro that glides into a headbanging stomp. “Shoot Out All The Lights” just screams MOSH PIT! The classic drum beat supplied by Mikkey Dee drives this one right up your ass.
I have heard Motörhead cover other artists before, and here they cover the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy For The Devil.” Kind of fun to hear Lemmy Kilmister sing “I’m a man of wealth and taste” with some great guitar from Campbell and Mikkey Dee gluing it all together around Lemmy’s vocals and thundering bass.
This record is a must for any Motörhead fan, and a proper intro for new fans. With all of Lemmy’s recent health issues, I would hope they have more material in the future that will be released. But if Bad Magic, by any chance, happens to be the band’s swan song, it is indeed as strong a release as Motörhead has ever put out. Get it now and play it LOUD!
~ Junkman
