What makes Fast as a Shark by Accept notable?

The album is often credited with influencing the speed metal subgenre, inspiring countless bands that followed. Its title track became a staple in live performances and garnered significant acclaim for its aggressive tempo and complex arrangements, contributing to Accept's reputation in the hard rock community. Fast as a Shark marked Accept's third studio album, released in 1982 during their ascent within the heavy metal scene. Following their earlier works, this album showcased the band's growing confidence and technical prowess, positioning them as pioneers of speed metal.

How many songs are on Fast as a Shark?

Fast as a Shark has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Fast as a Shark

Accept · 1982

7 min · 2 tracks · heavy metal

Blistering guitar riffs and relentless rhythms propel an exhilarating heavy metal experience that shaped the genre's future.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fast as a Shark — This track represents a defining moment in speed metal with its rapid-fire riffs and high-energy delivery, showcasing Accept's innovative sound.
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Get Ready — Get Ready embodies the classic heavy metal anthem structure with powerful hooks and an infectious chorus, highlighting the band's ability to blend melody with aggression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong writing and performance, though it has limited cultural reach.

What we noticed

The title track features rapid-fire guitar riffs and a fast tempo that sets a relentless pace throughout its duration.
Vocals are delivered with aggressive intensity, matching the urgency of the instrumentation.
The second track shifts to a slightly slower tempo but maintains a heavy sound, creating contrast while still feeling cohesive.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single helped establish Accept's reputation in the heavy metal scene.
Themes: speed metal revolution· blistering guitar riffs· heavy metal anthems
Career context: Fast as a Shark marked Accept's third studio album, released in 1982 during their ascent within the heavy metal scene. Following their earlier works, this album showcased the band's growing confidence and technical prowess, positioning them as pioneers of speed metal.
Stylistic neighbors: Judas Priest· Iron Maiden· Helloween