Motörhead - Aftershock (2013)

Reviewing a band like Motörhead is not the easiest thing in the world. During the 30+ years that the band has been active, they have more or less played the same music over and over again, a trend that is more or less impossible in today's society. Cause if a newer band tried to make it just like Motörhead, everyone would in one point or another think that it is a boring band that cannot evolve and has no talent what so ever. Motörhead however, have done this for so long that most of the metal community would be pissed if the band tried something new. So there is no surprise at all when I take on Motörhead's 21st studio album entitled "Aftershock" only to find out that it is very much alike album number 20, 19, 18 and so on, and there by I could easily stop this review right here.

But I chose to continue since there is more below the surface. We all know Lemmy's recent health problems, and unfortunately, they are present in this record. His voice is not particularly strong and it helps dragging down the album slightly. It is sad since the rest of the gang is holding up their part nicely. This of course makes me ask the question if this is the last Motörhead album we will ever witness? I sure hope not, but it clearly seems like it if Lemmy's health situation does not change.

Even with this health situation, I still find some go in this album, especially in the speedy "Heartbreaker" and high rolling "End of Time". It is still clear that Motörhead knows what they are doing and the overall song quality is actually not that bad, even though I found more variety in their last album, "The Wörld Is Yours". One other notable thing with "Aftershock" is that the band has gone back to some of its blues roots in this album. Pretty nice, even if it is not my kind of taste.

Otherwise it is the same old story. Stable rock 'n' roll with great riffing, groovy drumming and Lemmy's characteristic whiskey voice. Also, there are few and small things that gives the songs a own personality. Like the heavy drumming in "Death Machine", the insane riffing in "End of Time", the attitude in "Silence When You Speak To Me", the clinky keyboard in "Crying Shame" and the lyrics in the "Ace of Spades" like "Going To Mexico". And that is also why I think Motörhead still gets this attention even though they play the same music as they did 30 years ago. They still find ways to make the songs standing strong on their own.

If you have listened to any Motörhead album in their career, then you probably know what "Aftershock" has to offer. It is not an innovative album, it is Motörhead from top to bottom. Just like Winter comes after Autumn, Motörhead does not surprise at all. So "Aftershock" is just like the band's own wine. Good, but not even close to being extra ordinary.

Songs worthy of recognition: Going To Mexico, Silence When You Speak To Me, End of Time

Rating: 6/10 Heartbreakers

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