Speed Metal
tagStarted 1981Peak 1984-1989Last big hit still active
Located in 2 routes
All-out velocity with melody intact: blistering tempos and frantic riffs inherited from NWOBHM and Motorhead, but cleaner and more tuneful than thrash, with soaring high vocals and dexterous, neoclassical lead solos. Less about thrash's dissonant aggression than sheer technical speed and anthemic, hook-driven choruses.
History
Grew alongside early thrash in the early 80s as Motorhead's raw pace met NWOBHM melody. Canada's Exciter, US acts Agent Steel and Helstar, and Germany's Helloween and Running Wild pushed for breakneck speed while keeping clean, high vocals and harmony. It bridged traditional metal and thrash and seeded European power metal's melodic-but-fast lineage that still thrives today.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence_%26_Force
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walls_of_Jericho_(album)
- https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Agent_Steel/529
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helstar