Is Kiss of Death a good place to start with Motörhead?

Yes, Kiss of Death is recommended as a starting point for new Motörhead listeners. Raucous riffs and relentless rhythms collide with Lemmy's gravelly growl, embodying the raw spirit of rock and roll. Kiss of Death is Motörhead's 15th studio album, released during a period of renewed vigor for the band. Following their 2004 album Inferno, this release showcased Motörhead's enduring relevance in the heavy metal scene, as they continued to tour extensively and maintain a loyal fanbase despite their long tenure.

Who is Kiss of Death for?

Kiss of Death works well if you're into steady pace for energetic sessions, gritty anthems for late nights and raw power for adrenaline boosts.

How many songs are on Kiss of Death?

Kiss of Death has 14 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Kiss of Death

Motörhead · 2006

50 min · 14 tracks · hard rock

Raucous riffs and relentless rhythms collide with Lemmy's gravelly growl, embodying the raw spirit of rock and roll.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sucker Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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God Was Never on Your Side — This track features powerful instrumentation and poignant lyrics addressing themes of betrayal and perseverance, making it a standout anthem that resonates with listeners.
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Trigger — With its infectious chorus and driving beat, 'Trigger' exemplifies Motörhead's classic sound while showcasing their knack for catchy hooks within heavy metal.
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Whiplash — 'Whiplash' captures the band's frenetic energy and celebrates the thrill of live performance, a hallmark of Motörhead's legacy that excites fans.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks the standout tracks that define Motörhead's work.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the sixth track introduces a slower, more reflective tone.
Lemmy's vocal delivery is consistent throughout, characterized by a gravelly growl that complements the heavy instrumentation.
Several tracks incorporate classic rock elements, such as 'Be My Baby' which features a more melodic approach compared to the surrounding heavier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pace for energetic sessions
gritty anthems for late nights
raw power for adrenaline boosts
engaging riffs for driving moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer soft and mellow sounds
seek intricate musical complexities

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases the band's enduring relevance and vitality in their later years.
Themes: betrayal and disillusionment· nostalgic aggression· punk rock lineage
Career context: Kiss of Death is Motörhead's 15th studio album, released during a period of renewed vigor for the band. Following their 2004 album Inferno, this release showcased Motörhead's enduring relevance in the heavy metal scene, as they continued to tour extensively and maintain a loyal fanbase despite their long tenure.
Stylistic neighbors: Judas Priest· Iron Maiden· AC/DC