Hard to believe that the iconic grandfather of metal Lemmy has now been gone from from this world for a couple of weeks, but I've also just realized that we've failed to review Motorhead's final album Bad Magic, released mid 2015, so what better time to tackle it than now? As a final statement from Lemmy, it's a damn solid album that might not measure up to what most of us consider classic Motorhead (Ace of Spades, Overkill, Bomber, Another Perfect Day, Orgasmatron, Iron Fist, etc.), but it's certainly one of the better efforts in recent years. To be honest, this band has never released a stinker, though some releases shine more than others, but Bad Magic contains a lot of fire considering the state of Lemmy's health in recent years.
The mellow "Till the End" seems somewhat prophetic after the fact, as Lemmy sings abut the uncertainty of tomorrow and how he's going to live his life as he sees fit, and it's one of the more endearing tunes here. For the most part, it's rough and rocking Motorhead, as evident by powerhouse tracks "Teach Them to Bleed", "Victory or Die", "Thunder & Lightning", and "Evil Eye", each one complete with plenty of ragged guitar riffs from Phil Campbell, Mikkey Dee's speedy drumming, and Lemmy's hoarse roar & booming bass. Though the man does sound a tad tired in spots, his patented roar still hits the mark here, despite how much he might have been suffering. "Chocking on Your Screams" is one of the heavier tunes here, complete with massive riffs and a ragged vocal from Lemmy, and the cover of the Rolling Stones classic "Sympathy for the Devil" is a lot of fun, though sure to be puzzling to some.
As with The World is Yours and Aftershock which came before it, Bad Magic is plenty enjoyable and a fine addition to the Motorhead discography. Due to Lemmy's recent passing, chances are it will also be looked on more lovingly as time goes on, and as a final testament, it's a damn good one. RIP Lemmy, you will be greatly missed.
Track Listing
1. "Victory or Die" 3:09
2. "Thunder & Lightning" 3:06
3. "Fire Storm Hotel" 3:35
4. "Shoot Out All of Your Lights" 3:15
5. "The Devil" 2:54
6. "Electricity" 2:17
7. "Evil Eye" 2:20
8. "Teach Them How to Bleed" 3:13
9. "Till the End" 4:05
10. "Tell Me Who to Kill" 2:57
11. "Choking on Your Screams" 3:33
12. "When the Sky Comes Looking for You" 2:58
13. "Sympathy for the Devil" (The Rolling Stones cover) 5:35
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