speed metal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “speed metal” mean?
A subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by extremely fast tempos, rapid guitar and drum work, and high-pitched vocals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by extremely fast tempos, rapid guitar and drum work, and high-pitched vocals.
Sometimes used more broadly to refer to anything that is very fast or intense, or as a colloquial descriptor for a type of work or activity done at extreme pace. In non-musical contexts, it's a metaphor for high velocity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The genre name is identical. Conceptually, early development is strongly associated with UK bands (e.g., Motörhead) and the 'New Wave of British Heavy Metal', as well as US bands.
Connotations
Slightly stronger historical association with the UK due to the genre's roots in the late 1970s/early 1980s British scene, though it is a fully established global term.
Frequency
Equal frequency within heavy metal music communities. Very low frequency in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “speed metal” in a Sentence
[band] plays speed metal[album] is a speed metal [album]the speed metal of [band/era]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speed metal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The band decided to speed metal their sound for the new album.
- They've been speed-metalling since the late 70s.
American English
- The new album really speed metals from start to finish.
- They speed-metalled their way through the setlist.
adverb
British English
- The guitars were playing speed-metal fast.
American English
- They tore through the song speed-metal quick.
adjective
British English
- It's a proper speed-metal anthem.
- He has a classic speed-metal vocal style.
American English
- That's a speed-metal riff if I've ever heard one.
- The drummer's speed-metal technique is incredible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Potentially in a metaphorical sense in very informal tech/start-up culture: 'We're working at speed metal pace this quarter.'
Academic
Used in musicology, cultural studies, or sociology papers discussing popular music genres.
Everyday
Rare, except among fans of heavy metal music.
Technical
A precise genre classification in music journalism, fan communities, and streaming service metadata.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “speed metal”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “speed metal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speed metal”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a speed metal' is wrong; it's 'a speed metal band' or 'a speed metal song').
- Confusing it with 'thrash metal' (thrash is generally more aggressive and rhythmically complex).
- Capitalizing it unnecessarily outside of titles.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are closely related but distinct. Speed metal generally emphasises very fast tempos and traditional heavy/power metal melodies. Thrash metal (e.g., Metallica, Slayer) evolved from speed metal but is typically more rhythmically aggressive, uses more palm-muted riffs, and often has angrier vocals and lyrics.
Early influential bands include Motörhead (a major precursor), Judas Priest (particularly their faster songs), and bands from the 'New Wave of British Heavy Metal' like Saxon. Later iconic speed metal bands include Helloween, DragonForce, and early Blind Guardian.
Yes, but only informally and metaphorically. For example, 'The project moved at a speed metal pace' suggests an extremely fast, intense, and relentless rate of work. This usage is stylistic and not standard.
Power metal often evolved from speed metal, sharing the fast tempos. However, power metal typically places even greater emphasis on melodic, anthem-like vocals, fantasy-themed lyrics, and a more 'epic' or uplifting sound, whereas speed metal can be rawer and more directly rooted in traditional heavy metal.
A subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by extremely fast tempos, rapid guitar and drum work, and high-pitched vocals.
Speed metal is usually informal / specialized in register.
Speed metal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspiːd ˌmet.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspiːd ˌmet̬.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable as a term of art. No established idioms.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a racing car (SPEED) made of heavy steel (METAL) playing a guitar.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSITY IS SPEED; MUSIC IS A PHYSICAL FORCE; AGGRESSION IS FAST MUSIC.
Practice
Quiz
Which characteristic is MOST essential to speed metal?