Snake Bite Love cover

Snake Bite Love

Motörhead · 1998

44 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A gritty blend of hard rock and heavy metal, fueled by relentless energy and raw, unapologetic lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Love for Sale Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Dogs of War — This track stands out for its biting commentary on conflict and militarism, encapsulating the band's trademark aggression and lyrical depth.
  • →
    Snake Bite Love — The title track embodies the album's raw energy and attitude, with a driving rhythm that showcases Lemmy's iconic vocal style.
  • →
    Assassin — This song features a compelling narrative about betrayal and vengeance, highlighted by sharp riffs and a relentless pace that keep listeners engaged.

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 delivers solid hard rock anthems but lacks standout moments that elevate it above typical genre offerings.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a gritty tone, followed by a faster-paced anthem that maintains high energy.
  • Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that are integrated into the structure rather than being purely decorative.
  • The lyrics across the album often employ direct and aggressive language, reflecting themes of conflict and resilience.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 pacing for focused listening
  • fierce riffs for intense moments
  • exploration of love's darker themes
  • gritty vocals for cathartic release
  • for late-night drives

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, light-hearted tunes
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry in the catalog, showcasing consistent energy without major recognition.
Themes
war-torn landscapes· dark romance· betrayal and vengeance
Career context
Released in 1998, Snake Bite Love marked Motörhead's 20th studio album amidst a prolific period for the band. This release followed their critically acclaimed album Overnight Sensation from 1996, and it represents their consistent dedication to heavy metal while maintaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Judas Priest· Iron Maiden· AC/DC

Tracklist

  • 1 Love for Sale Start here 4:52
  • 2 Dogs of War 3:38
  • 3 Snake Bite Love 3:30
  • 4 Assassin 4:48
  • 5 Take the Blame 4:03
  • 6 Dead and Gone 4:18
  • 7 Night Side 3:37
  • 8 Don't Lie to Me 3:59
  • 9 Joy of Labour 4:52
  • 10 Desperate for You 3:27
  • 11 Better Off Dead 3:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata