Motörhead – Bastards (1993)
Album Overview
Bastards is the eleventh studio album by legendary British heavy metal band Motörhead, released on 26 April 1993 through ZYX Music (Europe) and CMC International (US).
Following the collaborative and experimental March ör Die (1992), Bastards marked a return to raw aggression, speed, and heavy metal intensity. The album showcased Motörhead at their fiercest, combining fast-paced tracks, hard-hitting riffs, and Lemmy’s gravelly vocals.
Background and Recording
After the dual-guitar era ended with Würzel leaving the band, Motörhead continued as a power trio:
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Lemmy Kilmister – bass, vocals
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Phil Campbell – guitar
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Mikkey Dee – drums
Bastards was recorded at Ridge Farm Studios in Surrey, England, with production by Howard Benson, known for capturing the band’s raw live energy while maintaining clarity in the mix.
The album reflected the band’s uncompromising approach to heavy music in the early 1990s, combining speed metal ferocity with traditional hard rock hooks.
Tracklist
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Burner
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Death or Glory
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I’m Your Man
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Don’t Let Daddy Kiss Me
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Back at the Funny Farm
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R.A.M.O.N.E.S.
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Going to Brazil
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Ain’t No Nice Guy
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Hellraiser
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Make My Day
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March ör Die
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Stone Deaf in the USA
(Note: Some editions may have bonus tracks or alternate versions.)
Notable Songs
Burner
A furious opening track that immediately sets the tone for the album’s relentless pace and aggression.
Death or Glory
Highlights Motörhead’s ability to write high-energy anthems with memorable riffs and pounding rhythms.
I’m Your Man
A groove-driven track that blends Motörhead’s signature heaviness with slightly melodic hooks.
Don’t Let Daddy Kiss Me
One of the more emotionally charged and controversial tracks, showing the band could tackle serious themes while remaining heavy.
Cover Art
The album artwork was designed by Joe Petagno, featuring the classic Snaggletooth mascot front and center, snarling amidst flames and a battlefield-like background. The design emphasizes Motörhead’s ferocious attitude and aggressive musical identity.
Fun Facts
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Bastards is the first full album with Mikkey Dee on drums, who became a permanent member and contributed to Motörhead’s signature tight and fast rhythm.
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Lemmy described the album as a “no-compromise, full-on Motörhead record”, with no experimentation outside the band’s core style.
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The album title reflects the band’s reputation for rawness, rebellion, and refusing to conform.
Trivia
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The album contains tracks that were tour staples for years, including Burner and Death or Glory.
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Mikkey Dee’s precise and aggressive drumming style is a defining feature of the album.
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Bastards was released during a period when heavy metal was diversifying, yet Motörhead stayed true to their roots.
Did You Know?
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Lemmy wrote most of the lyrics in his hotel rooms while on tour, maintaining the band’s relentless pace.
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Bastards helped solidify Mikkey Dee’s role as one of the tightest drummers in heavy metal.
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Despite being less commercially successful than albums like Ace of Spades, Bastards is considered by fans to be one of Motörhead’s purest heavy metal records.
