The difference, by ear
Speed metal is faster and simpler; US power metal writes longer songs with more harmonic movement.
Both are sung cleanly, but speed metal is a little faster: 180 to 230 bpm against 150 to 200. To hear the difference, play Manowar next to Motörhead. They share a root in heavy metal, and speed metal came first, by two years. United States appears in the origins of both.
In figures
US power metal
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Traditional heavy metal › US power metal
In short
The American version, rawer and closer to thrash than its melodic European cousin.
How it sounds
- Riffing closer to thrash, with aggressive palm muting and variable tempos.
- Very high vocals, often at the top of the register.
- Epic, martial or mythological lyrics; rawer production than the European version.
Key acts
- Manowar
- Riot
- Jag Panzer
- Vicious Rumors
Start here
The pickJag Panzer - Ample Destruction. The best US power metal album, no argument.
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.
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