Blistering riffs and hellish speed collide in a sonic assault. 129–178 BPM.
Black Speed Metal is a subgenre that combines the blistering tempos and punk-influenced aggression of speed metal with the icy, tremolo-picked riffs and shrieking vocals of black metal. It emerged in the early 1980s, pioneered by bands like Venom, Bathory, and Hellhammer, and is characterized by raw production, fast double bass drumming, and an occult or satanic lyrical theme.
The defining artists of Black Speed Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Black Speed Metal.
Black Speed Metal is defined by its breakneck tempo, typically between 129 and 178 BPM, driven by rapid-fire double bass drumming and aggressive, palm-muted guitar riffs. The guitars often employ tremolo picking and chromatic runs, while vocals are high-pitched shrieks or harsh rasps. Production is intentionally raw and lo-fi, giving the music a chaotic, underground feel.
Rhythmically, the genre emphasizes speed and aggression, with frequent blast beats and d-beats. Melodic elements are minimal, focusing instead on atmosphere and intensity. The overall sound is a relentless, blistering assault that prioritizes energy over technical precision.
Black Speed Metal originated in the early 1980s, primarily in the UK and Scandinavia, as a fusion of the nascent black metal sound with the high-speed energy of speed metal. Bands like Venom (UK) and Bathory (Sweden) laid the groundwork with albums such as 'Welcome to Hell' (1981) and 'Under the Sign of the Black Mark' (1987).
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the genre evolved as bands like Sodom and Destruction in Germany incorporated speed metal elements into their blackened thrash, while later acts like Absu and Aura Noir refined the blend. The sound remained underground, prized for its raw, lo-fi production and relentless pace.
Culturally, Black Speed Metal is tied to the early extreme metal scenes, often associated with Satanic imagery, anti-Christian sentiment, and a DIY ethos. It influenced the development of black metal and thrash metal, and remains a niche but revered style among metal purists.
How Black Speed Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Black Speed Metal, aim for a raw, unpolished sound. Use minimal compression on drums to preserve the attack of the double bass pedal; the kick drum should be punchy but not overly clean. Guitars benefit from high-gain distortion with a mid-range scoop, and the bass should be distorted to blend with the guitars. Vocals are typically recorded with a slight reverb or delay to create an eerie, cavernous effect.
Tempo-wise, stay in the 130-180 BPM range. Drum patterns often rely on blast beats and fast punk-influenced d-beats. Swing is minimal; the feel is straight and driving. Typical samples include eerie synth pads or spoken word occult samples. Mixing should prioritize the snare and kick to drive the rhythm, while guitars and vocals sit slightly back in the mix for a chaotic wall of sound.
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