MOTÖRHEAD‘s fifth album, 1982’s “Iron Fist”, will be re-released for its 40th anniversary in new deluxe editions on September 23. There will be hardback book-packs in two CD and triple LP formats, featuring a hammer fist blow, remaster of the original album, previously unreleased demo bonus tracks and a full concert, originally broadcast on Radio Clyde from March 18, 1982, plus the story of the album and many previously unseen photos. There’s also a limited-edition blue-and-black swirl of the original standalone album.

The time-honored phrase “Follow that!” rang with deafening resonance when MOTÖRHEAD was faced with having to follow a rock milestone (“Ace Of Spades”),a No. 1 album (“No Sleep Till Hammersmith”) and their bomber — the most spectacular stage prop rock had ever seen. As last shout from the three amigos lineup of Lemmy, “Fast” Eddie Clarke and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, “Iron Fist” was rudely dismissed by some ignorant loudmouth hap’orths as being “less” and has always suffered slightly from that initial idiotic disdain. We’re here to finally correct that nonsense, as “Iron Fist” reveals itself as a vital snapshot of the band at a crucial period when they found themselves caught in the tornado ignited by success and, in true MOTÖRHEAD style, careered into their next phase at such velocity it transcended logic or reason to become this trio’s final kamikaze joyride. Forty years later, “Iron Fist” sounds like prime MOTÖRHEAD with the gloves and seatbelts off. For sheer velocity, it could be fastest, most out-of-control of them all.