Motörhead – 'Aftershock' Album Review
Motörhead's latest offering in the form of "Aftershock" is like an earthquake tremor though not a destructive one but you can feel the shocks that Motörhead are capable of giving.
The 21st studio album by the British rockers is not something that Motörhead fans have not witnessed before. It has the same formula "bring it on hard and heavy" and it seems to work for the band.
Motörhead are often criticised for playing the same tunes and songs over and over again with little variations in terms of structure. We agree with this fact, but with "Aftershock" they tried to take a different route with a few songs. Motörhead have created a definitive sound and type of music that is loved by the fans across the world. So even if the album "Aftershock" offers repetitive music, it is still a great listen and a solid album.
"Aftershock" opens with "Heartbreaker" (also the first video from the album) and it is a classic Motörhead number, no non-sense, to-the-point rock 'n' roll. With the opening song, Lemmy Kilmister (vocalist/bassist), Mikkey Dee (drummer) and Phil Campbell (guitarist) made the point that this album is nothing short of any other past Motörhead material.
Things change with the unusual "Lost Woman Blues," as the title suggests the song is covered with bluesy colours of 70s and reminds us of the early Motörhead songs.
"Death Machine" is the shortest song at 2:38 but packs a mighty punch for the fans. "Silence When You Speak To Me" has great chorus lines and is one of the best songs in the album. "Queen of the Damned" comes with a classic Motörhead style intro, it is strong, groovy and heavy.
This is Lemmy's first studio album after his chronic health issues surfaced. His bass playing in "Aftershock" is quite different as he treated his instrument like a guitar. Mikkey Dee is solid behind the kit and delivers with technical virtuosity but also keeps things simple when needed.
Lemmy will turn 68 soon, but still the man can rock your socks off with his signature whiskey and cigarette-powered voice.
"Aftershock" is a true Motörhead album and nothing less or more than that. Go and buy the album, if you are a diehard Motörhead fan.
Rating: 3/5