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HAMMERED
Since 1975 Motörhead--spearheaded by the grungy, iconic British metalhead Lemmy Kilmister--has been churning out speedy, macho, aggro anthems, including "Ace of Spades," "Killed by Death," and "Eat the Rich." The phrases "trendy" or "critical favorites" have never been attached to the Grammy-nominated band, and Hammered isn't the record to change Motörhead's antiestablishment standing. The 11-song outing (plus two bonus tracks) will, however, satiate longtime fans. The power trio rages--complete with piercing guitar solos and double-bass drums--on the urgent and winning "Brave New World," and is only slightly more mainstream on "Walk a Crooked Mile," which boasts melodic choruses and backup vocals, and crunchy rhythms matched with Lemmy's trademark gruff, guttural talk-singing. Lemmy's no sex symbol, and it's disquieting to hear him sing somewhat romantic lyrics on "Dr. Love" and "Mine All Mine." The songs like "No Remorse" and "Voices from the War" seem more suited to the singer-bassist's brusque persona. In fact, Hammered's most definitive Motörhead-esque cut is probably the bloody "Red Raw," which will give all but the most practiced headbangers whiplash.
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