The difference, by ear
Speed metal is what happens when this is pushed past the point a singer can gallop with it. The riffs are the same shape, played too fast to swing.
Both are sung cleanly, but speed metal is faster: 180 to 230 bpm against 140 to 190. To hear the difference, play Iron Maiden next to Motörhead. Both grew out of heavy metal, NWOBHM first and speed metal two years after.
In figures
NWOBHM
Where it sits
In short
New Wave of British Heavy Metal: punk speed, twin guitar harmonies and self-releasing on a large scale. The textbook every thrash band studied.
How it sounds
- Twin guitars harmonised in thirds - the wave's technical signature.
- Faster tempos than the 1970s, with Steve Harris's galloping bass technique.
- Cheap, usually self-funded production and seven-inch singles on local labels.
Key acts
- Iron Maiden
- Saxon
- Diamond Head
- Angel Witch
Start here
The pickDiamond Head - Am I Evil? The riff that half of thrash was born from.
Full page →Speed metal
Where it sits
In short
NWOBHM with the throttle down, but the vocals still melodic. The missing link between heavy metal and thrash.
How it sounds
- Tempos of 180 to 220 bpm with galloping or two-beat drumming.
- Fast palm-muted riffing, but with vocals that stay melodic and high.
- Long solos with NWOBHM-school technique.
Key acts
- Motörhead
- Exciter
- Agent Steel
- Helloween
Start here
The pickMotörhead - Ace of Spades. Thirty-five minutes, constant speed, zero compromise.
Full page →