Built for Speed

Much like the grand thrash revival of the early 2000′s, that is really still going strong today, good old fashioned speed metal seems to be making a major comeback in recent years. While many bands no doubt realize the importance of acts speed metal classics like Motörhead, Exciter and Razor, it would seem that not until recently, at least, that the younger generations are realizing just how fun speed metal can be. Speedbreaker is one such speed metal revival act, focusing on fast and rollicking paced heavy metal with a melodically infused dual guitar attack and whiskey drenched vocals that would make Lemmy proud. The band’s debut album, the aptly titled Built for Speed, was released by Dying Victims Productions on CD, Destruktion Records on vinyl and Urtod Void on cassette; no matter what format you prefer, Speedbreaker has you covered.

Formed in 2011, this Düsseldorf based act has thus far released two demos and a split before honing their axes for their debut Built for Speed. Citing influences such as Tank, Motörhead, Venom and Iron Maiden, it’s clear that Speedbreaker isn’t setting out to break new ground in the metal world. Like mentioned earlier, speed metal can be such a fun genre when played correctly and Speedbreaker seems to be having one hell of a good time paying tribute to the old school. The band’s general sound lies somewhere between the classic vibes of Motörhead and the dirty, sleazy retrofitted style of Midnight. The impressive dual guitar work exudes a classic, syncopated Iron Maiden feel at times, but things remain consistently raw and sleazy despite the instrumental proficiency displayed.

From the opening riff on “Shoot, Shoot!”, Speedbreaker does what their name implies and speeds through the remaining nine tracks with no abandon. Rollicking drum beats and thundering bass fill in the gaps as the licks and riffs sneak in and flee, creating a solid pacing with hook after hook. Tracks like “Night Patrol” and “Black Leather Queen” continue the trend, showing that the opener wasn’t just a fluke, with more dueling guitar leads and pummeling rhythms than you can shake a stick at. Fueled by whiskey drenched shouts, Speedbreaker’s sound is old school enough to appeal to fans of the classics, yet the sound is raw and energetic enough to sate the appetites of the newer generations.

Built for Speed is an album that wears its influences directly on its sleeves. Sleazy, bar room vocals, riotous dual guitars and a pummeling rhythm section show Speedbreaker bursting at the seams with creativity and hook-filled intensity. Speed metal is all about attitude and presence, and if the sounds on Built for Speed are any indicator, then Speedbreaker is poised to enjoy one hell of a career. Fans of Motörhead, Tank and Exciter should find plenty to keep banging along to. Like the title suggests, Speedbreaker is Built for Speed.

Written for The Metal Observer.