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
Start with one of these.
The speed metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Megadeth
Super Collider
A blend of classic thrash energy with polished production and introspective lyrics that explore personal and societal themes.
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Megadeth
Dystopia
A relentless barrage of intricate riffs and politically charged lyrics fueled by a return to thrash metal roots.
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Megadeth
Endgame
Aggressive riffs and intricate solos intertwine with politically charged lyrics, delivering a potent thrash metal experience.
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Megadeth
Youthanasia
A potent blend of melodic thrash and introspective lyrics that captures the angst of a generation.
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Megadeth
Thirteen
A relentless barrage of thrash metal riffs paired with sharp political commentary and intricate solos.
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Megadeth
The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!
Pummeling riffs intertwine with dark themes, showcasing a fierce return to form for a thrash metal titan.
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Megadeth
Rust in Peace
A relentless barrage of intricate riffs and socially charged lyrics drives this thrash metal cornerstone.
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DragonForce
Valley of the Damned
Epic power metal anthems collide with lightning-fast guitar solos and soaring vocals in a fantastical sonic landscape.
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DragonForce
Reaching into Infinity
Epic guitar solos and soaring vocals create a relentless power metal odyssey full of fantasy themes.
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Megadeth
Countdown to Extinction
A blistering blend of intricate riffs and socially conscious lyrics, driving heavy metal into new territories.
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Europe
Last Look at Eden
A revival of classic rock energy, blending anthemic choruses with polished production and powerful guitar riffs.
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Europe
Prisoners in Paradise
Melodic hard rock infused with anthemic choruses and powerful ballads that explore themes of love and longing.
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Europe
The Final Countdown
Anthemic choruses and soaring guitar riffs encapsulate the exuberance of 80s glam metal.
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Europe
Out of This World
An electrifying blend of soaring vocals and anthemic riffs that define late '80s glam rock.
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Europe
Secret Society
A blend of melodic hard rock and introspective lyrics, echoing the classic sound of the late '80s with modern polish.
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Europe
Europe
Melodic hard rock anthems blend with soaring vocals and rich guitar harmonies, encapsulating the spirit of early 80s glam metal.
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Europe
War of Kings
A triumphant blend of hard rock anthems and melodic hooks that harkens back to classic glam metal roots.
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Megadeth
Peace Sells… but Who's Buying?
Razor-sharp riffs and aggressive rhythms create a relentless thrash metal assault that critiques societal norms.
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Megadeth
The System Has Failed
A relentless barrage of aggressive riffs paired with darkly introspective lyrics reflecting societal disillusionment.
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Megadeth
Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!
Frenetic guitar riffs and aggressive drumming drive a raw, unfiltered expression of thrash metal energy.
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Megadeth
So Far, So Good… So What!
A relentless barrage of intricate riffs and politically charged lyrics defines this thrash metal milestone.
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Blind Guardian
Battalions of Fear
Epic melodies and soaring vocals intertwine with intricate guitar work, creating a fantastical metal landscape.
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Pretty Maids
Stripped
A raw, acoustic-driven exploration of emotion that strips back the band's heavy metal roots to reveal poignant songwriting.
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Gamma Ray
Heading for Tomorrow
Epic power metal anthems intertwine with melodic hooks and soaring vocals, encapsulating a spirit of resilience.
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