Album Details

• Artist: Motorhead
• Album: Motorizer
• Label: SPV
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2009-02-05

How many metal bands, or bands period, have been able to stay relevant over the course of 3 decades? An extreme few is the answer, and Motorhead are perhaps the most consistent and enjoyable of the bunch, depending on who you ask. While their glory days were no doubt within their first decade of existence, even now Lemmy and co. still bring the down and dirty "metal'n'roll" (as I like to call their sound) in a way that reminds one of the youthful energy they oozed on their early classics. Sure, they may have never changed the direction or the mechanics of what they do, but with age has come a sort of rugged, weathered grace that translates more into bluesly, ballsy rock than full-on thrash assaults. Both are present, of course, on Motorizer.

Opener "Runaround Man" has been described by Lemmy as being "Nonsense set to an infectious beat", a quote that could easily sum up a big portion of their back catalog and it does more justice here. "When the Eagle Screams" is an early highlight, a mid-paced political burner regarding today's warfare and those with hidden agendas who control it. Lemmy may never be known as a great vocalist in general, but his ability to create gruff harmonies atop ravaging heavy rock is pivotal to the catchiness and overall success of these songs. "Rock Out" is a single that really pays tribute to the overall idea of Motorhead. The Black Sabbath-y "Back on the Chain" is probably my highlight, as the band shows more technical chops here than anywhere else. 

Similar to bands like Rush, it's incredible how big of a sound a three-piece such as Motorhead can create. The only negative anyone can speak of this band is that they never accepted the idea that change would keep them in the spotlight; it's been their consistency at one particular sound, and their fans' knowledge of what to expect and still being pleased album after album, that's made Motorhead into one of hard rock/metal's biggest names. Nothing's changed but the fact that, in their increased age and maturity, the music becomes more refined and easier to digest. I've never been the biggest fan, but Motorizer certainly proves to me that these guys may never stop bringing the good stuff and bringing it loud. You have to bow to such a grace, such elder wisdom, such power. 

User Reviews and Comments

on 2009-02-06 SolitaryMan Said:

The aging, and probably far less mentally stable Lemmy...that man must have shoveled more booze and drugs into himself than any rocker besides maybe Keith Richards and those in the Crue.
Not Rated

on 2009-02-05 dscanland Said:

ah Kev, I've had this on my list to review for quite some time. Thanks for doing it. I love Motorizer. I think its one of the best things that Motorhead have done for quite some time. Definitely a solid album. Who would have expected this from the aging Lemmy.
Not Rated