Review

By Chelsey Flynn | 09/07/2026

I’ll be honest: Motörhead has never really been my sort of music. I tend to gravitate toward more melodic, introspective records, so revisiting Kiss of Death via its brand-new 20th Anniversary Edition (released July 3, 2026) felt like stepping into foreign territory. That said, I can absolutely see the appeal. This is a band that delivers exactly what their fans want with zero compromise, and they do it with such ferocious conviction that even an outsider like me can respect the hell out of it. Originally released in 2006, Kiss of Death has always been one of Motörhead’s strongest later-era statements—raw, loud, and uncompromising. This new edition, newly half-speed mastered from the original tapes, breathes fresh fire into the record while adding substantial bonus material, most notably a previously unreleased live set from the band’s 2007 Lowlands Festival performance in the Netherlands. It’s a fitting tribute that reminds you why this album still hits so hard two decades on. The core album remains a thunderous ride. Standouts like the breakneck “Graveyard Shift” (often called “Sucker” on some editions), the sleazy riff-driven “Black Widow Kiss” (aka “One Night Stand” territory vibes), and the grinding, bluesy “Born to Lose”-style heaviness showcase Lemmy, Phil Campbell, and Mikkey Dee at their road-worn best. The remaster gives the riffs extra bite and the rhythms more punch without losing that gritty, live-in-the-room feel. The added live disc is a real highlight. Captured in 2007, it captures Motörhead exactly as they were meant to be heard: loud, dangerous, and unstoppable. It’s the perfect companion that turns this reissue into more than just nostalgia—it feels like a celebration of the band’s enduring power. Even if the breakneck pace and wall-of-sound approach aren’t my daily drivers, I can appreciate the craftsmanship. The songwriting carries that rare mix of irreverent wit, hard-earned honesty, and pure rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Lemmy turns themes of excess, mortality, and defiance into anthems that still resonate. In the end, this 20th Anniversary Edition of Kiss of Death is essential for longtime fans and a strong entry point for the curious. Released just days ago on July 3, it proves Motörhead’s music still sounds vital in 2026. It’s not going to convert every casual listener, but for those tuned into this wavelength, it’s pure gasoline. As someone outside their core audience, I walked away understanding exactly why this band has endured for decades. Crank it up—preferably when no one else is trying to have a quiet evening.