Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Hey !

We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it first appeared. I named it: The Speed Metal!

Let’s discover together what is behind this one!

DISCLAIMER: This post is based on some of my knowledge and is backed up and supplemented by research done before its writing. You can find the sources at the bottom of the page.

Note: Bands/ artists I quote in the posts, I only mention them to give you an idea of the sounds you find in the different genres. But I want to be clear that over time it has become more and more complicated to do it with style blends and so on. In addition, my goal is not to categorize artists, but to present them to you so that you discover the different possibilities that there are in rock and metal. And even make you enjoy those genres.

WHAT IS SPEED METAL ?

Speed metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. Its existence as such is relatively short because the genre will quickly merge with others.

SPEED METAL ORIGINS

It appeared in the 80s relatively at the same time as thrash metal. Moreover, in the early days some Thrash bands were considered part of the genre. This has led to the use of both names interchangeably. However, the two can be differentiated by differences in their characteristics.
Now, some people think that speed metal is actually the precursor of thrash (and power metal). Which may have a truth because if you place both on a timeline, speed appeared a little earlier. After that, was this time lapse enough to influence each other, I do not know.

As for the influences of speed metal, a large place is given to the NWOBHM.

SPEED METAL CHARACTERISTICS

MUSIC AND INSTRUMENTALITY

One of the most obvious features is the speed of the music. We play as fast as possible. Some tempos can exceed 200 BPM.

As for the practice of instruments, a certain virtuosity is required.

For the guitars, we find elaborate solos, instrumental passages of great intensity, the use of techniques such as palm mute, tremolo picking, and syncopated riffs.

The bass, too, is played with precision and generally quickly and incisively.

The drum is particularly sharp. It uses a combination of double pedal, blast beats and syncopated rhythms.

BAND FORMATION

Most of the time, we find a basic formation composed of one or two guitars, a bass, drums, and a singer. Now, the bands can vary according to their influences and add a synth.

SINGING

Compared to singing techniques, one can hear both clear voices and saturated voices. Although the use of clear singing will be preferred for some bands.

LYRICS

The themes addressed in the genre are fantasy, mythology, or existential conflicts. These are usually lyrics to empower, to “reclaim its power”.

SPEED METAL BANDS AND ARTISTS

Among the groups that can be classified as speed metal, we can mention:
Helloween, DragonForce, Venom, Motörhead, Children of Bodom, Darkthrone, Annihilator, Wintersun, Angra, Accept, Avantasia, ADX, Rage, Blind Guardian, Running Wild, Atomkraft, Agent Steel, Angel Dust, Savage, Ranger, Demonaz, Evil Invaders, Speedwolf

However, it is rare to have artists who only play speed. Many are related to Power Metal as well because a lot of Power bands started as speed bands.

EVOLUTION

Over time, speed metal has been integrated into various other genres and sub-genres. The genre with which we find the most similarity is Power metal. But, we can also find it in Black metal or neo-classical.

It will especially mark a turning point as to the speed and virtuosity of metal music that will follow later.

Conclusion

So, although the genre lived only a certain period as such, its influence is still present today in various metal genres.

If you want to listen to this kind of music, I invite you to check out the playlist below!

Feel free to like and share this post if you appreciated it !

I also remind you that if you want to discover all the caricatures/ drawings of artists on the blog you can access them right here!

See you soon !

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Sources :

Melody Mind – La Révolution Speed Metal | Comment Riffs Électriques a Fait l’Histoire – 10 avril 2025 : https://melody-mind.de/fr/knowledge/speed-metal/

Metal Music Archives : https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/subgenre/speed-metal

Dead End Follies – A Subjective History of Speed Metal – Jul 20 : https://www.deadendfollies.com/blog/metal-outsiders-journey-speed-metal

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Claire Abe