Motörhead - "Inferno" (Sanctuary Records 2004, 06076-85241-2)
Motörhead - "Ace of Spades" (Eagle Rock Classic Albums Series 2004, DVD)
Motörhead - "Inferno" (Sanctuary Records 2004, 06076-85241-2)
Motörhead - "Ace of Spades" (Eagle Rock Classic Albums Series 2004, DVD)
From Aural Innovations #31 (June 2005)
Motörhead are one of the most reliable bands in rock. For 30 years Lemmy and company have been cranking out albums chock full of songs that serve as blueprints for ass kicking, body pummeling rock n roll. And their latest, Inferno, is no exception. Lemmy, Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee are tight as a knot on this set of speedy, punky heavy metal blow outs. Metal just don't get any better than this. Steve Vai steps in this guest role contributing guitar to a couple tracks. And the CD closes with a bit of a surprise - the acoustic guitar and harmonica blues number "Whorehouse Blues".
The Ace of Spades DVD is a celebration of the classic 1980 Motörhead album. The main section of the DVD is loaded with interviews with Lemmy, Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor and Fast Eddie Clarke, plus a stream of other rock luminaries like Slash, Lars Ulrich, Mick Farren, Dave Brock and many others, all commenting on the rock n roll lifestyle, drugs, fun anecdotes and praising Lemmy, a unique character in the rock pantheon. We hear Lemmy reflecting on the recording of the album, reminiscing about playing in Sam Gopal and Hawkwind (we get some brief but very cool archival Hawkwind film bits). There's also a bonus section with many more interviews and fun reminiscing, plus Lemmy, Eddie and Phil performing instrumental versions of "We Are The Road Crew" and "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch" in a non-audience live setting. Definitely a fun couple hours of viewing.
CLICK HERE to read the new Action Man story in this issue: Motörhead In The First Degree.
Reviewed by Jerry Kranitz