Speed Metal

Speed metal is traditional heavy metal played fast and clean, emphasizing galloping riffs, rapid tempos, shredding solos, and usually melodic, high-pitched vocals — more disciplined and tuneful than the thrash it helped inspire. It took shape in the early 1980s from Motörhead’s raw velocity and the NWOBHM, with Canada’s Exciter and America’s Agent Steel refining a distinct speed identity. Songs keep clear structures and hooks even at breakneck pace. It is the high-octane link between classic metal and thrash.