Speed Metal: Explore Its Fast-Paced Evolution & Influence

Kristian Gorenc Z

Sep 25, 2024

Speed metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that exploded onto the scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for its blistering tempos, aggressive guitar riffs, and high-energy performances, speed metal set itself apart from other metal genres with its sheer speed and technical precision. It played a vital role in the evolution of modern metal music and continues to influence bands across various metal subgenres today. But how did this fast-paced genre come to be, and why does it remain a significant force in heavy metal?

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Origins of Speed Metal

Speed metal’s roots can be traced back to iconic heavy metal bands such as Motörhead and Judas Priest, who laid the groundwork with their fast tempos and aggressive approach. However, it was bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer that took these influences and pushed the boundaries further, refining the genre and establishing speed metal’s distinct sound. Their relentless drive to innovate and outdo themselves led to the creation of music that was faster, louder, and more technically demanding than what the heavy metal scene had ever experienced.

At its core, speed metal is characterized by rapid drumming techniques, including the use of double bass drums, and intricate guitar solos that showcase exceptional musicianship. The vocals, while more melodic than those found in extreme metal genres like thrash or death metal, still carry a fierce intensity that complements the high-speed instrumentation. Lyrically, speed metal is diverse, with songs often exploring themes ranging from mythology and fantasy to personal struggles and societal issues.

Speed Metal's Lasting Legacy

Speed metal’s influence is undeniable, especially when considering its impact on the development of other metal genres. Thrash metal, for example, owes much of its ferocity and tempo to speed metal. Similarly, power metal borrowed the melodic aspects of speed metal, blending them with grand, epic themes to create a style that is both fast and dramatic.

Despite its peak in the 1980s, speed metal has not faded into obscurity. Its legacy lives on, with many modern metal bands drawing inspiration from the fast tempos, aggressive guitar work, and high-energy performances that define the genre. In fact, speed metal’s influence can be heard in everything from thrash and power metal to newer subgenres that embrace fast, high-intensity music.

For music professionals looking to tap into this energy, it’s important to have the right tools to analyze the genre's trends and artist performance. continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and understanding how this genre has evolved is crucial for anyone working in the music industry.

Viberate: Empowering Music Professionals in the Speed Metal Scene

If you’re a music professional working with speed metal artists or any other genre, having access to comprehensive analytics is crucial for making informed decisions. Whether you're an A&R looking to discover new talent, a manager monitoring an artist’s growth, or a marketer planning a promotional campaign, Viberate offers the tools you need to succeed.

Music Analytics for Every Use Case

Viberate is designed to cater to the needs of A&Rs, artist managers, music marketers, event organizers, and data analysts. With its powerful analytics suite, you can easily track and compare artist performance across various platforms, allowing you to make data-driven decisions with confidence.

Artist Charts and A&R Filters

One of the standout features Viberate offers is the industry’s most comprehensive artist chart. This chart allows you to rank speed metal artists (or those from any other genre) by their performance on different channels. With proprietary A&R filters, you can narrow down your selection to find the right artists for potential signings or collaborations. Whether you're looking for established stars or up-and-coming talent, Viberate provides the data to guide your decisions.

Monitoring Artist Performance

Viberate makes it easy to monitor the performance of artists on your roster. You can analyze their individual performance or rank them based on relevant metrics, such as streaming numbers, fan engagement, and social media growth. Weekly performance reports are delivered straight to your email, ensuring you stay up to date with the latest trends in the speed metal scene.

Understanding Your Audience

To effectively market speed metal or any other genre, understanding your audience is key. Viberate helps you maximize your marketing efforts by providing insights into the demographics and geo-location of your fanbase. With this data, you can segment developed markets from those that need extra attention and tailor your messaging to resonate with specific age groups.

Playlist Performance and Targeting

In the digital age, playlists play a significant role in an artist's success. Viberate offers tools to monitor an artist’s playlist performance, with daily updates on adds and drops. The comprehensive Playlist Chart helps you identify the most relevant playlists for your genre, whether you're promoting speed metal or any other style of music.

Detailed Song and Artist Analytics

For a complete overview of an artist's performance, Viberate delivers channel-specific analytics and synthetic indicators that make tracking and comparing easy. You can use these insights to optimize promotion and release cycles, ensuring that your speed metal tracks reach the right audience at the right time.

Benchmarking and Comparison Tools

When it comes to comparing career trajectories, streaming numbers, fanbase growth, and other important metrics, Viberate’s benchmarking tools are second to none. You can compare any two artists side by side, making it simple to see how speed metal artists stack up against each other or other genres.

Festival & Venue Finder

For speed metal bands looking to perform live, Viberate offers a customizable list of venues and festivals worldwide. Whether you're targeting specific countries, fanbase sizes, or career stages, this tool helps you identify the best gig opportunities based on real data.

Social Insights Across Channels

With social media playing an increasingly important role in the music industry, Viberate provides detailed insights for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and more. You can assess an artist’s potential and plan effective campaigns based on channel-specific data, ensuring that your speed metal artists get the exposure they deserve.

The Power of Viberate for Speed Metal Professionals

Speed metal remains a vital force in the heavy metal genre, and as a music professional, having access to the right data is essential for making informed decisions. Viberate offers a comprehensive and user-friendly analytics suite that provides everything you need to succeed in the fast-paced world of speed metal.

From artist discovery to performance monitoring and audience insights, Viberate empowers you with the tools necessary to thrive in the music industry. Whether you're working with established speed metal legends or scouting the next big thing, Viberate’s powerful analytics platform will help you stay ahead of the competition and make data-driven decisions that lead to success.