Motörhead – Kiss of Death (2006)
Album Overview
Kiss of Death is the eighteenth studio album by legendary British heavy metal band Motörhead, released on 29 August 2006 via SPV/Steamhammer.
The album is a high-energy, no-compromise Motörhead release, showcasing the classic trio lineup of Lemmy, Phil Campbell, and Mikkey Dee. Kiss of Death combines raw riffs, aggressive rhythms, and Lemmy’s gravelly vocals, appealing to longtime fans and reaffirming the band’s status as heavy metal icons.
Background and Recording
The 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 Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. The production focused on capturing the band’s live energy, delivering crisp, powerful sound without compromising Motörhead’s trademark aggression.
Tracklist
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King of Kings
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Sword of Glory
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Going to Brazil
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Ramones
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Shoot Out All of Your Lights
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Down on Me
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Running Blind
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Long Way to Go
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Rock Out
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Borkstaf
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Devil
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Torn and Frayed
Notable Songs
King of Kings
A powerful opening track that sets the tone for the album with fast riffs and driving rhythm.
Going to Brazil
A re-recorded fan favorite connecting the band’s past classics with the present era.
Ramones
A tribute to the iconic punk band, showcasing Motörhead’s connection to punk roots.
Shoot Out All of Your Lights
A heavy, aggressive track exemplifying the band’s unrelenting sound.
Cover Art
Designed by Joe Petagno, the cover features Snaggletooth, Motörhead’s iconic mascot, surrounded by flames and skulls, reflecting the aggression and power of the music. The artwork continues the visual legacy of the band, reinforcing their unmistakable brand.
Fun Facts
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Kiss of Death features re-recordings of fan favorites, connecting Motörhead’s legacy with contemporary releases.
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The album includes tributes to bands and influences, such as the track Ramones.
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Lemmy described the album as “pure Motörhead: loud, fast, and heavy”, maintaining the band’s identity.
Trivia
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Tracks like King of Kings and Borkstaf were included in live sets during the 2006–2007 tours.
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The album showcases the tightness of the classic trio lineup, with Mikkey Dee’s drumming driving the rhythm relentlessly.
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Kiss of Death helped introduce Motörhead to a younger generation of metal fans, keeping the band relevant in the mid-2000s.
Did You Know?
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The album’s title references the band’s uncompromising and hard-hitting nature.
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Snaggletooth remains the visual symbol of Motörhead, appearing on nearly every studio album since the 1970s.
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Lemmy often cited Kiss of Death as one of the trio’s most cohesive efforts of the 2000s.
Cultural Legacy
Kiss of Death is celebrated for capturing the spirit of Motörhead’s live performances while delivering fresh studio material. The album reinforces the band’s reputation as heavy metal stalwarts, proving that even decades into their career, Motörhead could still deliver speed, power, and uncompromising music.
The release is a testament to the trio’s enduring chemistry and Motörhead’s lasting influence on the heavy metal genre.
