Motörhead Set to Unveil ‘Lost’ Album, ‘The Manticore Tapes’

Embrace the Raw Energy of Motörhead with The Manticore Tapes

In an electrifying nod to their legacy, Motörhead is set to unleash The Manticore Tapes on June 27, almost 50 years after the legendary band first laid down tracks that would define a genre. This gem captures the raw essence of the classic trio during a pivotal August 1976 session at the U.K.’s Manticore studio, where they recorded early renditions of half the songs that would later appear on their self-titled debut.

The first single from the release, a gritty take on the band’s iconic eponymous track, showcases a different flavor than the manic energy fans have come to cherish. Here, Lemmy Kilmister’s booming boogie-woogie bass lines reveal an unexpected influence, channeling the spirit of 1950s R&B, while “Fast” Eddie Clark’s guitar work ventures into blues-rock territory reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor’s fierce drumming crackles with palpable intensity, each hit a testament to the band’s raw beginnings. Compared to the hyper-speed incarnation on the self-titled album, this version is a refreshingly punk-inflected statement of a band finding its groove.

These sessions reflect a transformative moment for Motörhead, following the departures of guitarist Larry Wallis and drummer Lucas Fox just a few months earlier. The patchwork of early songs from The Manticore Tapes contrasts sharply with the glam-rock vibes found on On Parole, as it veers closer to the heavy metal evolution that would skyrocket with their iconic lineup. A mere year later, this ensemble, featuring the dynamic talents of Kilmister, Clark, and Taylor, would go on to pen some of rock’s most beloved albums, including Overkill and Ace of Spades.

The forthcoming release will be available on both CD and vinyl, with a deluxe double-vinyl edition including the live album Live: Blitzkrieg on Birmingham ’77, which features additional renditions of “Motörhead,” amplifying the anticipation for long-time fans. The limited edition will also come with a bonus seven-inch record titled Live at Barbarella’s Birmingham ’77, serving up even more of that genuine live energy.

Reflecting on the origins of the seminal song, Kilmister shared, “I wrote ‘Motörhead’ when I was in Hawkwind… It was about speed and it was an issue to Hawkwind, and that’s why I got fired.” Even today, he expresses ambivalence about the track that would become synonymous with his name, viewing it as just another moment in his storied career.

As he once remarked, "I don’t think of ‘Motörhead’ as a defining song…that song’s long gone for me now." Yet for fans, its rebirth comes as a thrilling opportunity to revisit the formative days of a band that changed the face of rock ‘n’ roll.

The Manticore Tapes – Track List:

1. “Intro” (Instrumental)
2. “Leavin’ Here”
3. “Vibrator”
4. “Help Keep Us on the Road”
5. “The Watcher”
6. “Motörhead”
7. “Witch Doctor” (Instrumental)
8. “Iron Horse/Born to Lose” (Instrumental)
9. “Leavin’ Here” (Alternate Take)
10. “Vibrator” (Alternate Take)
11. “The Watcher” (Alternate Take)

With The Manticore Tapes, Motörhead reminds us of their roots, propelling us through a sonic journey that paved the way for a legacy that continues to resonate with thunderous brilliance.

Written by Rolling Stone