Released on March 10, 1998, Snake Bite Love is the 14th studio album by the legendary British heavy metal band Motörhead.
At this point in their career, Lemmy Kilmister, Phil Campbell (guitar), and Mikkey Dee (drums) had firmly established themselves as a power trio capable of delivering high-energy rock ‘n’ roll infused with speed metal aggression.
While Snake Bite Love isn’t their most celebrated album, It remains an interesting entry in their vast discography, offering a mix of classic Motörhead intensity and some experimental twists. A quick side note here: Snake Bite Love was the first Motörhead record I owned thanks to Coloumbia House; the cheque is in the mail, I promise.
Musically, Snake Bite Love sticks to Motörhead’s tried-and-true formula: loud, fast, and unapologetically raw. However, it also explores a few unexpected elements. Songs like "Love for Sale" and "Dogs of War" kick off the album with classic, hard-hitting riffs and Lemmy’s signature gravelly vocals, but there are moments where the band dials things down slightly. The title track, "Snake Bite Love," stands out with a slower, groovier pace that leans more into hard rock than outright speed metal.
One of the more unusual tracks is "Dead and Gone," which features a moody, almost spoken-word intro before launching into a heavy, chugging rhythm. Similarly, "Desperate for You" introduces a slightly bluesier, looser feel, showing that Motörhead wasn’t afraid to experiment—though they never stray too far from their core sound. Meanwhile, "Don't Lie to Me" is pure Motörhead fury, packed with relentless drumming from Mikkey Dee and sharp riffing from Phil Campbell.
As expected from Motörhead, the lyrics on Snake Bite Love cover familiar themes: hard living, war, rebellion, and rough romance. Tracks like "Assassin" and "Dogs of War" continue Lemmy’s tradition of writing about violence and conflict, while "Joy of Labour" has a more abstract, cynical take on human struggle.
One of the more lyrically unique tracks is "Better Off Dead," a song filled with bleak but darkly humorous imagery. Lemmy’s knack for storytelling is evident, even when the themes are grittier than usual.
Produced by lengendary producer Howard Benson, who has worked with bands like Sepultura and later became known for his work with mainstream rock acts, Snake Bite Love has a polished but still aggressive sound. The production is cleaner than Motörhead’s early albums but retains their signature edge.
Critically, the album received mixed reviews. Some fans and critics felt it lacked the sheer impact of classics like Ace of Spades (1980) or Overkill (1979). Others appreciated its subtle diversions from the standard Motörhead formula. While Snake Bite Love isn’t typically ranked among the band’s best, it still delivers solid, high-energy rock that showcases their consistency and willingness to push their sound—if only slightly.
Though Snake Bite Love didn’t produce any major hits or become a defining Motörhead album, it remains an interesting listen for dedicated fans. It captures a band still evolving in the late 1990s, balancing their signature sound with a few stylistic changes. Songs like "Love for Sale" and "Don't Lie to Me" continue to be appreciated by hardcore Motörhead enthusiasts.
Ultimately, while it may not be the first album a newcomer should reach for, Snake Bite Love is a solid addition to the Motörhead catalog, proving once again that Lemmy and company never lost their ability to deliver loud, fast, and raw rock ‘n’ roll.
Until next time, play it loud, friends!
Final Verdict: 7/10
Standout Tracks:
"Love for Sale"
"Snake Bite Love"
"Dogs of War"
"Don't Lie to Me."
