Motörhead – Inferno (2004)
Album Overview
Inferno is the seventeenth studio album by legendary British heavy metal band Motörhead, released on 22 June 2004 via SPV/Steamhammer.
Inferno marked a return to raw, aggressive Motörhead metal with modern production, combining the trio’s signature speed and heaviness with fresh energy. The album was widely praised for balancing classic Motörhead intensity with contemporary sound quality, appealing to both long-time fans and newer metal audiences.
Background and Recording
The lineup for Inferno consisted of:
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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 Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. Lemmy aimed to capture the band’s live ferocity while keeping a tight, modern production. The result is a polished yet aggressive heavy metal record that highlights the trio’s cohesion and musicianship.
Tracklist
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Terminal Show
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In the Name of Tragedy
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Devils in My Head
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Down on Me
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Whorehouse Blues
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Killers
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Blood for You
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Heaven or Hell
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Shake the World
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Shine
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The Wörld Is Yours
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Inferno
Notable Songs
Inferno
The title track is a blazing heavy metal anthem, featuring driving riffs and Lemmy’s commanding vocals, perfectly summing up the album’s fiery energy.
Devils in My Head
A fast-paced, aggressive song showcasing the band’s tight rhythm section and guitar work.
In the Name of Tragedy
A standout track with melodic hooks without sacrificing the band’s signature heaviness.
Whorehouse Blues
A slower, acoustic-inspired track that adds variety while keeping the Motörhead attitude intact.
Cover Art
Created by Joe Petagno, the artwork features Snaggletooth engulfed in flames against a dark background. The fiery design mirrors the aggression and intensity of the music, while maintaining the band’s iconic visual branding.
Fun Facts
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Inferno debuted at number 2 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart and was praised for its return to classic Motörhead energy.
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The album includes Whorehouse Blues, a rare acoustic-style track, showing the band’s playful side.
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Lemmy described the album as a “full-on Motörhead record”, emphasizing speed, heaviness, and no filler.
Trivia
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Cameron Webb’s production brought a modern edge while retaining the raw power Motörhead is known for.
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Tracks like Devils in My Head and Terminal Show became fan favorites in live performances.
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The album reaffirmed the stability and tightness of the classic trio lineup, which had been together since the late 1990s.
Did You Know?
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Inferno was recorded in Los Angeles, but the fiery theme was inspired by Motörhead’s touring lifestyle and chaotic energy.
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Snaggletooth’s fiery depiction on the cover is one of the most iconic renditions in the mascot’s history.
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Lemmy often referred to this album as one of the band’s strongest 2000s releases, blending classic and contemporary metal perfectly.
