The difference, by ear
Several revival bands sit closer to speed metal, and the tell is whether the singer can still gallop with the riff.
Both are sung cleanly, but speed metal is faster: 180 to 230 bpm against 140 to 180. To hear the difference, play Enforcer next to Motörhead. They share a root in heavy metal, and speed metal came first, by 24 years.
In figures
NWOTHM
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Traditional heavy metal › NWOTHM
In short
New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal: a new generation deliberately playing like it's 1982, down to the tape production.
How it sounds
- Deliberate reproduction of 1981-1984 production, often recorded to analogue tape.
- Riffs and harmonies straight in the NWOBHM tradition, with no modern elements.
- Hand-painted covers and cassette releases - it is all part of the package.
Key acts
- Enforcer
- Cauldron
- Haunt
Start here
The pickEnforcer - Diamonds. Sounds like 1983 and was recorded in 2010.
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 →