The albums that define
speed metal.
Our picks for where to start with speed metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top speed metal artists
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The speed metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Megadeth
Peace Sells… but Who's Buying?
A blistering fusion of intricate guitar work and rapid-fire rhythms that define the thrash metal sound of the mid-1980s.
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Megadeth
Super Collider
A dynamic blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks that reflect both aggression and introspection.
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Motörhead
On Parole
Raw energy collides with gritty riffs as relentless rhythms push the boundaries of rock and roll.
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Motörhead
Motörhead
Raw energy and raucous riffs collide in a relentless barrage of hard rock and metal fury.
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Europe
Start from the Dark
A powerful blend of hard rock anthems and emotional ballads, showcasing Europe's signature sound with renewed vigor.
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Europe
Wings of Tomorrow
Anthemic choruses and soaring guitar solos define this hard rock album, embodying the spirit of 1980s glam metal.
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Babymetal
Metal Forth
A vibrant fusion of pop melodies and heavy metal instrumentation that redefines kawaii metal for a new generation.
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Babymetal
Metal Resistance
An exhilarating fusion of J-pop and heavy metal that balances sugary vocals with thunderous instrumentals.
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Blind Guardian
At the Edge of Time
Epic orchestral arrangements intertwine with thunderous guitar riffs, creating a fantastical metal odyssey that transports listeners through time.
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Blind Guardian
Beyond the Red Mirror
Epic melodies intertwine with intricate arrangements, creating a narrative tapestry that elevates the power metal experience.
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Pretty Maids
Red Hot and Heavy
A high-octane blend of hard rock and melodic metal that showcases powerful vocals and intricate guitar work.
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Pretty Maids
Stripped
An intimate acoustic reimagining of classic hard rock infused with emotional depth and melodic finesse.
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Gamma Ray
Heaven Can Wait
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Gamma Ray
Heading for Tomorrow
Epic melodies and soaring vocals intertwine with aggressive riffs, creating a powerful blend of progressive and traditional metal.
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DragonForce
Maximum Overload
Epic guitar solos and soaring vocals collide with high-energy rhythms, creating a fantastical soundscape of power metal.
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DragonForce
Warp Speed Warriors
Epic guitar solos and soaring vocals propel a fantastical journey through space and fantasy realms, embodying the essence of power metal.
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Riot V
Inishmore
Epic melodies intertwine with driving rhythms, creating a vivid soundscape that marries power metal and hard rock elements.
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Riot V
Angel Eyes
A high-octane blend of power metal and hard rock, propelled by soaring vocals and relentless guitar riffs.
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Venom
Metal Black
Raw, aggressive riffs meld with sinister lyrical themes, embodying a relentless dedication to the heavy metal genre.
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Venom
Resurrection
A brutal onslaught of thrash metal aggression meets dark, thematic lyrics steeped in horror and mythology.
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Lovebites
Battle Against Damnation
A high-octane blend of melodic riffs and powerful vocals that defy the boundaries of traditional metal.
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Lovebites
Electric Pentagram
A high-octane blend of melodic harmonies and ferocious guitar riffs fuels this power metal explosion.
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Raven
Nothing Exceeds Like Excess
A frenetic blend of speed metal and British heavy metal, dripping with irreverence and sharp guitar riffs.
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Raven
Everything Louder
A relentless barrage of speed metal riffs entwined with anthemic choruses and raw, energetic vocals defining a bold return.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where speed metal landed in each era.