The Genesis of Speed Metal: Tracing Its Origins and Influences

Introduction to Speed Metal

Speed metal, a vibrant subgenre of heavy metal music, is characterized by its fast tempos and intricate guitar riffs. This article delves into the origins and influences of speed metal, tracing its evolution from hard rock to its distinct form. The journey through the genre's history reveals how it emerged from the fusion of various musical styles, with particular emphasis on the pioneering work of Anvil and Exciter.

The Evolution of Musical Styles

Speed metal is a culmination of decades of musical evolution. It traces its roots back to rhythm and blues, through rock ’n’ roll, to the development of metal and heavy metal. Over time, these genres blended to produce new forms of metal music, ultimately giving birth to speed metal as we know it today.

The progression of musical styles is as follows:

Rhythm and blues Rock ’n’ roll Rock Hard rock Metal/heavy metal Speed metal

Each step was a significant leap in tempo and complexity, leading to the frenetic yet precise nature of speed metal. This transition not only reflects the evolution of musical techniques but also the changing tastes and musical preferences of listeners.

Early Influential Bands

Several bands played pivotal roles in the development of speed metal, setting the stage for its unique sound and style.

Anvil and Exciter

Anvil and Exciter are often cited as pioneers of speed metal. Their music, characterized by fast-paced and aggressive riffs, serves as a prime example of the genre. Although these bands may not be considered purely as speed metal acts, their contributions to the genre are undeniable. Both bands drew inspiration from British rock bands such as Judas Priest, as well as embracing the faster playing styles of Mot?rhead. Anvil, in particular, gained recognition for their fast-paced compositions and intricate guitar work.

Voivod

Another early influential band in the speed metal scene is Voivod. Emerging in the early 1980s, Voivod experimented with complex riffs and fast tempos, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in metal music. Their unique approach and innovative techniques laid the groundwork for the genre's future evolution.

Impacts on Other Bands

The work of Anvil and Exciter had a significant impact on other bands, many of which followed in their footsteps. Thrash metal bands, in particular, gave credence to these early speed metal pioneers. Bands like Metallica and Slayer, while not strictly classified as speed metal, were heavily influenced by Anvil and Exciter's fast-paced compositions.

Music Labels and Promotion

Music labels played a crucial role in promoting and popularizing speed metal. These labels identified and signed promising acts, ensuring their music reached a wider audience. Support from these labels enabled bands to produce and distribute their music, further accelerating the genre's growth and spread.

Examples of influential labels include

PolyGram: Released early speed metal albums, providing the necessary backing for bands to gain recognition. Warner Bros.: A major label that helped popularize speed metal through its distribution and marketing efforts.

Conclusion

Speed metal emerged from the convergence of various musical styles, ultimately forming a genre that is both technically demanding and rhythmically intense. Bands like Anvil and Exciter, along with Voivod, have left an indelible mark on the genre, setting the stage for its future development. Their contributions, along with the support from influential music labels, have significantly impacted the evolution of speed metal, making it a distinct and influential subgenre of heavy metal.