How Do You Spell SPEED METAL?

Pronunciation: [spˈiːd mˈɛtə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of "speed metal" uses the IPA phonetic symbols /spiːd/ for the beginning of the word and /ˈmɛtəl/ for the ending. The "ee" in "speed" represents the long "e" sound, while "d" is a voiced consonant. In "metal," the stress falls on the first syllable, and the "e" is pronounced with a schwa sound. This genre of music is characterized by its fast tempo and aggressive sound, with the use of heavy distortion and rapid guitar solos.

SPEED METAL Meaning and Definition

1. Speed metal is a genre of heavy metal music that emerged in the late 1970s and reached its peak popularity in the 1980s. Characterized by its fast tempo, aggressive guitar riffs, complex and intricate guitar solos, and rapid drumming, speed metal is known for its intense and frenetic sound. The genre borrows elements from both traditional heavy metal and hardcore punk, resulting in a unique blend of speed and aggression.

   In speed metal, the guitar is a dominant instrument, often featuring rapid palm-muted picking and alternate picking techniques. This style of guitar playing, coupled with high-pitched vocals that are often delivered at a rapid pace, forms the distinctive characteristics of speed metal. Additionally, speed metal lyrics tend to focus on themes such as rebellion, war, mythology, and social issues.

   Bands like Motorhead, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden are considered pioneers of speed metal, influencing subsequent generations of bands in the genre. Speed metal became particularly popular in the 1980s with the emergence of bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, who incorporated even faster tempos and heavier guitar riffs into their music.

   Overall, speed metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emphasizes speed, aggression, and technical prowess. Its blistering guitar solos, rapid drumming, and intense energy create a powerful and exhilarating listening experience for fans of heavy and fast-paced music.

Etymology of SPEED METAL

The term "speed metal" originated in the world of heavy metal music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The etymology of the term is derived from its two components: "speed" and "metal".

"Speed" refers to the fast and aggressive style of music that characterizes the subgenre. Speed metal emerged as a faster and more intense variation of traditional heavy metal, incorporating rapid guitar riffs, fast double-bass drumming, and high-pitched vocals. The term "speed" was chosen to emphasize the high tempo and energy of the music.

"Metal" refers to the broader genre of heavy metal itself, which originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The term "heavy metal" was often used to describe music that was characterized by a powerful, distorted guitar sound, complex song structures, and dark or intense lyrical themes.