SPEED operates with a single, unwavering focus: to be the best at what they do, and what they do is creating relentlessly powerful, no-holds-barred hardcore music. Their debut album, which arrived with high expectations, carries the weight of a band poised to dominate one of the most influential genres of the past decade. Against this backdrop, they have delivered a record that is both beautifully heavy and accessible, appealing to both long-time hardcore veterans and newer fans alike.
The band’s signature high-flying guitar riffs are inventive yet grounded in respect for hardcore’s roots, blending innovation with tradition seamlessly. The drumming is nothing short of massive—dynamic, precise, and full of taste, propelling each track forward with explosive energy. The bass work on this album is especially notable, smooth yet unrelenting, adding a layer of depth that complements the sound while keeping it weighty and impactful.
Then there are the vocals, which are pure, raw, and uncontainable. From the lead vocals to the gang chants, backing vocals, and guest features, every vocal element brings an infectious, untamed energy that is quintessential to hardcore. They even push boundaries, introducing unconventional instruments like flutes and vinyl scratches to their sound, offering a fresh twist that reinvigorates the scene while still remaining firmly rooted in its core principles.
Every element of the band’s performance on this record feels perfectly balanced. The guitars know when to step back, allowing the vocals to take center stage or letting the bass shine with a solitary moment of clarity before everything crashes back into the intense frenzy of the track. It’s clear that SPEED is more than a band—they’re fans themselves, deeply in tune with what the hardcore community craves. And what the people want is simple: to unleash chaos in the pit. This album is built for just that. Each song is crafted to get you hyped, to build you up, and to send you into a frenzy, ready to dive headfirst into the pit with reckless abandon. These guys know how to turn up the intensity and create that perfect storm of energy that makes you lose yourself in the music, and they do it flawlessly. If you’re looking to get lost in the madness, this album is the soundtrack to your wildest pit dreams.
RATING: 9.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Don't Need
The First Test
Send Them 2 Sydney
Shut It Down
I Mean It