Motörhead – Bad Magic (2015)
Album Overview
Bad Magic is the twenty-second and final studio album by legendary British heavy metal band Motörhead, released on 28 August 2015 via UDR Music.
The album showcases Motörhead’s signature aggressive sound, combining fast riffs, pounding drums, and Lemmy Kilmister’s gravelly vocals. Bad Magic stands as a powerful final statement from the iconic trio, highlighting the band’s unrelenting energy and influence on heavy metal.
Background and Recording
Lineup:
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Lemmy Kilmister – bass, vocals
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Phil Campbell – guitar
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Mikkey Dee – drums
Produced by Cameron Webb, the album was recorded at Plum Studios in Los Angeles. The production aimed to capture the band’s classic live energy while providing modern studio clarity. Lemmy described the record as “pure Motörhead, nothing fancy, just loud and heavy.”
Tracklist
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Victory or Die
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Thunder & Lightning
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Teach Them How to Bleed
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Shoot Out All of Your Lights
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Electricity
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Devil
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When the Sky Comes Looking for You
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Outlaw
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Till the End
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Lucky Star
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Silence of the Hammmer
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Queen of the Damned
Notable Songs
Victory or Die
The opening track delivers high-octane riffs and relentless energy, setting the tone for the album.
Thunder & Lightning
A fast-paced anthem combining Motörhead’s signature aggression with memorable hooks.
Teach Them How to Bleed
Aggressive and riff-driven, showcasing the trio’s tight musicianship and heavy metal precision.
Shoot Out All of Your Lights
A re-recorded track from Kiss of Death, updated with modern production while maintaining classic Motörhead intensity.
Cover Art
Designed by Joe Petagno, the cover features Snaggletooth, Motörhead’s iconic mascot, engulfed in flames with a dark, apocalyptic background. The artwork reflects the raw aggression and heavy metal attitude that the band maintained throughout their career.
Fun Facts
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Bad Magic is Motörhead’s final studio album, recorded while Lemmy was battling health issues.
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The album contains a mix of new songs and re-recorded classics, bridging Motörhead’s history with their final era.
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Lemmy considered the album a return to the band’s uncompromising, heavy-metal roots, emphasizing raw energy and speed.
Trivia
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Tracks like Victory or Die and Thunder & Lightning were highlighted in the band’s final live performances.
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Mikkey Dee’s drumming and Phil Campbell’s guitar work are tight and ferocious, maintaining the classic Motörhead sound.
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The album was praised for staying true to the band’s legacy while offering fresh material for longtime fans.
Did You Know?
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Snaggletooth, the mascot, has appeared on nearly every Motörhead studio album since 1977, making the artwork instantly recognizable.
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Bad Magic is considered a fitting final chapter for Motörhead, capturing the essence of the band one last time.
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Lemmy described the album as “loud, fast, and exactly what fans expect from Motörhead”, despite his declining health.
