Motörhead Releasing ‘The Manticore Tapes,’ Featuring Classic Lineup’s First Recording Session

Eight months before Motörhead recorded their iconic self-titled debut album, half of those tracks were recorded in an initial 1976 session. Now, nearly 50 years later, those raw versions are set to finally be released for the first time as The Manticore Tapes, due out June 27. The first sample of those potent early recording sessions, “Motörhead,” was released on Thursday (May 8), and this newly unearthed version of their eponymous song showcases the fiery sound of the young band. These 11 recordings capture a pivotal moment in the band’s formation, following lineup changes that eventually led the trio to lock in to their signature hard rock sound that was showcased on later albums like Overkill and Ace of Spades. A special double-vinyl edition of the release will also include a live album, Live: Blitzkrieg on Birmingham ’77, with a bonus seven-inch, Live at Barbarella’s Birmingham ’77. (Rolling Stone)