"Motörhead" is the self-titled debut studio album by the British rock band Motörhead. It was released on 21 August 1977, through Chiswick Records, one of the leading indie labels of that era. Originally, the album was intended to be titled "On Parole," a cumulative effort of the band's early years, but it was shelved by the first record company, United Artists, as they believed it was not commercially viable. After the band gained popularity due to extensive touring, Chiswick Records capitalized on it and released their debut album.
The album is distinct for its fusion of heavy metal and punk rock, creating a new genre known as speed metal. It features classic tracks like "Motörhead," "Vibrator," "Iron Horse/Born to Lose," and "White Line Fever." Production-wise, it differs from the band's later albums as it has a less polished sound, providing a raw, proto-punk vibe. The album's artwork is also iconic, the first representation of the band's mascot, Snaggletooth.
Although the album was not an immediate success, it has retrospectively been hailed as a classic in the band's discography and as a vital catalyst in the creation of the speed metal and thrash metal genres. Band members on this record included Lemmy (bass and vocals), Larry Wallis (guitars), and Lucas Fox & Phil Taylor, who both played the drums on different tracks. "Motörhead" was the springboard for the band’s illustrious career, shaping them into one of rock music's most influential bands.
