Motörhead - Ace of Spades
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Written By: Moti Kupfer
Album review - Motörhead - Ace of Spades
Release date - 8.11.1980 (According to some sources October 1980)
Label - Bronze
Genre - Heavy metal / speed metal
In 1979, music writer Geoff Barton coined the term "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" (NWOBHM) to classify a series of new bands such as "Iron Maiden", "Def Leppard" and "Saxon". Bands that combined the heavy sounds of traditional metal with the energy of punk rock.
Another band that fell under this definition was "Motörhead", which was among the bands that were difficult to define precisely, and actually played rock and roll influenced by British metal, only they played really fast and wild, when their defining moment came with the title song of their fourth album "Ace of Spades", which was released on November 8, 1980 (and according to some sources in October 1980).
The unique playing style that made it difficult to define, together with the growling vocalist, with his hoarse voice, would have a decisive influence on the thrash metal movement that developed two years later, and included bands like "Metallica" and "Megadeth".
Power, energy and unrelenting speed. "Motörhead" showed no mercy with their constant, fast, and energetic rhythm. The classic line-up of the band, included Lemmy Kilmister (bass/vocals), "Fast" Eddie Clarke (guitar), and Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor on drums. The band's undisputed leader, and its raspy-voiced lead singer, was Lemmy Kilmister.
Kilmister was greatly influenced by the rock 'n' roll style and the early work of the "Beatles", and joined several rock bands during the 1960s. The most important of which was the "Rockin' Vickers".
He later became a member of Jimi Hendrix's touring crew, and "The Nice", and next joined the space rock band "Hawkwind" in 1971. Four years later, he was fired from the band after being caught with drugs at the Canadian border.
Lemmy said that this was just an excuse to fire him, and that the real reason was the jealousy of the band's lead singer, Dave Brock, who was jealous that the song "Silver Machine" on which Lemmy sang was the one that became a hit.
Shortly after his dismissal from "Hawkwind", Lemmy formed a band called "Bastard", changing It was later renamed "Motorhead", after the last song he wrote and sang in "Hawkwind".
Before "Ace Of Spades", "Motorhead" had already made an impact with albums such as "Overkill" and "Bomber". These albums showcased the band's unique combination of punk energy and powerful heavy metal playing, which laid the foundations for their masterpiece.
Recording sessions for "Ace Of Spades" took place at "Jackson Studios" in Rickmansworth, England, during August and September 1980. This studio, known for its intimate setting and quality acoustics, provided the perfect environment for "Motorhead" to unleash their musical abilities. The band's decision to work with Vic Maile, a producer with an impressive reputation, proved to be a key choice in shaping the album's sound. Maile, affectionately known as "Turtle" by the band, brought a wealth of experience to the project, having worked with such legendary artists as Jimi Hendrix and "Led Zeppelin".
The album's constant use of harmonies, vocals, and instrumentation made it a hit for its time, making its heavy sound more accessible. An example of this can be found in the song "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch".
It was undoubtedly "Ace Of Spades" that made Lemmy a living legend. Through his lyrics, music, bass and voice, he reflected a "real" lifestyle, a man who literally lived for rock and roll. The song was written by Lemmy Kilmister as a metaphor for gambling, with an emphasis on cards and dice, with the song's progression sounding like the middle of a poker game.
The song "Shoot You in the Back" uses the classic Wild West motif.
Beyond the title track, the album is packed with gems like "(We Are) the Road Crew," a tribute to the band's crew, and "The Hammer," which perfectly illustrates the tireless energy of "Motörhead."
Lemmy established his style with raspy vocals, aggressive lyrics, and a bass that not only accompanied but also served as a leading instrument. Direct bass distortion from his Marshall amplifier can be heard throughout his work.
The influences that shaped "Ace Of Spades" were diverse, stemming from rock and roll, blues, and punk. Lemmy Kilmister's admiration for artists like Little Richard and Chuck Berry infused the album with a raw, unfiltered energy that set it apart from its contemporaries.
The band's ability to combine these elements with the evolving sounds of heavy metal and speed metal resulted in a unique sonic experience. Released in 1980, "Ace Of Spades" coincided with significant global events, such as the election of Ronald Reagan as President of the United States, the eruption of Mount St. Helens, and the launch of CNN, the first 24-hour news channel.
The album's title, "Ace Of Spades", was inspired by Lemmy Kilmister's love of gambling and the lifestyle that went with it. The concept of living on the edge permeated the album, from its lyrics to its cover art. The artwork, designed by Joe Pettenuo, depicted the band dressed as outlaws in a desert setting, reinforcing "Motörhead's" rebellious image.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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