Motörhead – Hammered (2002)
Album Overview
Hammered is the sixteenth studio album by British heavy metal legends Motörhead, released on 3 June 2002 through SPV/Steamhammer.
Following the live-in-studio album We Are Motörhead (2000), Hammered returned to original studio material, featuring the band’s signature fast, aggressive, and uncompromising heavy metal sound. The album captures the tight trio of Lemmy, Phil Campbell, and Mikkey Dee at peak performance.
Background and Recording
The lineup remained the classic power trio:
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Lemmy Kilmister – bass, vocals
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Phil Campbell – guitar
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Mikkey Dee – drums
Hammered was recorded at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, produced by Cameron Webb. The production aimed to capture the live energy of the band while providing a clean, modern sound. Lemmy described the album as “fast, heavy, and exactly what Motörhead fans expect.”
Tracklist
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Down on Me
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Hammered
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Torn and Frayed
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I’m So Bad (Baby I Don’t Care)
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Speedfreak
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The Game
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Brotherhood of Man
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Dirty Love
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Death or Glory
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Lord of the Flies
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Going to Brazil
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Angel City
Notable Songs
Hammered
The title track is a high-octane heavy metal anthem, with crushing riffs and relentless energy.
Down on Me
A fast-paced opening track that immediately sets the aggressive tone for the album.
Speedfreak
A blistering song that highlights the trio’s tight musicianship and rapid-fire tempo.
Going to Brazil
A re-recorded fan favorite, keeping the live energy alive while linking to the band’s classic catalog.
Cover Art
Designed by Joe Petagno, the artwork features Snaggletooth, the band’s iconic mascot, in a warrior-like pose surrounded by flames and metallic textures. The imagery emphasizes Motörhead’s ferocity, aggression, and enduring visual identity.
Fun Facts
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Hammered is the first full studio album produced by Cameron Webb for Motörhead.
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Lemmy described the record as a return to the raw, aggressive style of their earlier 1980s work.
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Mikkey Dee’s drumming was praised for its precision and intensity, driving the album’s relentless pace.
Trivia
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Several songs, including Hammered and Speedfreak, became live staples in the band’s 2002–2003 tours.
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The album includes both new material and updated versions of older fan favorites, showing the band’s commitment to continuity.
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Hammered was part of a resurgence in Motörhead’s early-2000s creativity, keeping the band relevant in the modern metal scene.
Did You Know?
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Hammered received critical praise for maintaining Motörhead’s signature sound while incorporating modern production values.
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Lemmy often referred to the album as one of his favorites from the 2000s, highlighting its pure Motörhead energy.
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The cover art by Joe Petagno continues a visual legacy spanning over two decades, making Snaggletooth instantly recognizable to fans.
