- West-German Release
"ACE OF SPADES" is the 1980 studio album by the British Heavy Metal band Motörhead. It was the first album the band released in the United States. They are also considered one of the first bands part of the NWOBHM ( New Wave Of British Heavy Metal ). This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
Motörhead's 1980 album "Ace of Spades" is not just a record; it's a declaration of war. With its title track serving as the ultimate battle cry, this album cemented the band's reputation as the loudest, fastest, and most uncompromising force in rock and roll history.
The album explodes with the title track, "Ace of Spades." Featuring Lemmy Kilmister's raspy snarl over a relentless, pummeling riff, the song is a pure adrenaline shot of rock and roll fury. It's an ode to gambling, risk-taking, and living life full-throttle – a philosophy embodied by Motörhead itself.
But "Ace of Spades" is far more than just its iconic opener. Tracks like "Love Me Like a Reptile" and "Shoot You in the Back" deliver further salvos of blistering speed and swagger. Even slightly slower tunes like "(We Are) The Road Crew" and "The Chase is Better Than the Catch" drip with a gritty, blues-infused attitude that only Motörhead could pull off.
Behind the musical assault lies a surprising tightness and precision. Guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke delivers tight, searing solos and riffs, while drummer Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor proves he's not just a human drum machine, but a driving force behind the band's relentless groove. And of course, Lemmy, a battle-scarred road warrior with whiskey-soaked vocals, delivers every line like a punch to the face, his iconic bass less an instrument and more a blunt-force weapon.
"Ace of Spades" wasn't just a musical revolution; it was a cultural one. It transcended its hard rock and heavy metal roots, influencing countless bands across genres like punk and thrash metal. The album's imagery, with its skull-and-crossbones motif and Lemmy's outlaw persona, became synonymous with a defiant spirit that continues to resonate even today.
With "Ace of Spades," Motörhead created a masterpiece of raw, unfiltered rock and roll aggression. It's an album that perfectly balances blistering speed and precision with a good old-fashioned middle finger to the establishment. "Ace of Spades" isn't just an album – it's a manifesto for living life loud, fast, and unapologetically.
Motörhead's 1980 anthem, "Ace of Spades," is more than a song – it's a sonic brawl. Lemmy Kilmister's trademark growl kicks things off, declaring his allegiance to the "Ace of Spades," a metaphor for living life on the edge. Gambling references weave through the lyrics, reflecting a "damn the consequences" attitude fueled by distorted guitars and Philthy Animal Taylor's relentless drumming.
"Ace of Spades" isn't just about taking risks; it's about embracing them. Fast Eddie Clarke's searing riffs propel the song forward, leaving no room for hesitation. It's a celebration of individuality and an unapologetic middle finger to authority.
Though short, clocking in at under three minutes, "Ace of Spades" leaves a lasting mark. It's a timeless rock anthem that continues to ignite audiences and inspire musicians decades later, solidifying Motörhead's place in rock and roll history.
British Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, NWOBHM
Bronze 202 876 (202876)
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1980 Made in Western Germany
Vic (Chairman) Maile - Producer
Alan Ballard - Photographer
Alan Ballard a British photographer who did photograph album covers for Motorhead, Girlschool and Tank.)
Lemmy Kilmister - bass, vocals
"Fast" Eddie Clarke - guitar
("Fast" Eddie Clarke was a British guitar player and music producer, better known for the period he performed with Motorhead from 1976 until 1982 and as producer of several Tank records.)
Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor - drums
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
BRONZE 202 876 Record Label Details: LC 2313 GEMA ℗ 1980 Bronze Records
Bronze 202 876 (202876) , 1980 , Western-Germany
Motörhead's 1980 album "Ace of Spades" is not just a record; it's a declaration of war. With its title track serving as the ultimate battle cry, this album cemented the band's reputation as the loudest, fastest, and most uncompromising force in rock and roll history.
Ace Of Spades 12" Vinyl LPMILAN A 120 174 , 1982 , France
Released under the label Milan, with the catalog number A 120 174, "Beer Drinkers" captures Motorhead's early years and showcases their evolution as a band. The album features a collection of tracks from their 12" EP of the same name, along with other notable songs from their early discography.
Beer Drinkers 12" Vinyl LPBronze 893.048 , 1982 , France
'Iron Fist' wasn't a departure from Motorhead's established sound; rather, it was a refinement, a distillation of their essence. The album's opener, the title track, is a prime example, a breakneck-paced assault on the senses, Lemmy's gravelly vocals snarling over a maelstrom of distorted guitars
Iron Fist 12" Vinyl LPBronze BRSP 6 , 1984 , Canada
In the heart of the grim, Orwellian year of 1984, amidst Cold War tensions and the looming threat of nuclear annihilation, Motörhead unleashed their aptly titled compilation album, "No Remorse". It was a defiant roar in the face of bleakness, a collection of their most ferocious tracks, both old and new
No Remorse 12" Vinyl LPBronze 203 801 , 1981 , Germany
Recorded during their "Short, Sharp, Pain in the Neck" tour, the album featured performances from three iconic venues: Leeds Queens Hall, Newcastle City Hall, and, of course, the Hammersmith Odeon in London. The production team, led by Vic Maile, known for his work with artists like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin,
No Sleep Til' Hammersmith 12" Vinyl LPLiberty United Records LBR 1004 , 1976 , England
Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales under the watchful eye of producer Dave Edmunds, known for his work with artists like Brinsley Schwarz and Love Sculpture, "On Parole" was a raw, unpolished gem. It captured the band's early sound, a potent blend of blues-infused rock and roll, proto-punk aggression
On Parole 12" Vinyl LPGWR Records 24 701 , 1986 , France
Recorded at the renowned "Master Rock" studios in London, England, this album marked a pivotal moment in Motörhead's career. Under the skilled production of Bill Laswell and Jason Corsaro, the band's sound took on a new dimension, a testament to their evolution as musicians.
Orgasmatron 12" Vinyl LP