Release date: November 21st, 2025

Speedclaw is a Croatian band formed in 2015 that blends the raw energy of classic heavy metal with the speed and sharp edge of early eighties metal. After two EPs that positioned them as one of the fiercest promises in the European underground, they debut with Stardust, a 33-minute album crafted with precision and grit, where melody, power, and old-school spirit reach their peak.

Review

Without introductions or cinematic build-ups, the Croatians strike with a devastating engine of fast chords and racing bass lines in Tonight. The twin guitars, one on the right and the other on the left, give a classic trademark sound that runs through the record, with inspired harmonized leads and a central space for the bass, which sounds clear alongside the drums. The drumming alternates between double-bass bursts and traditional heavy patterns, with plenty of fills and breaks. The vocals carry that warm eighties vibe, slightly reverberated, with a focus on the mid-range.

Allnighter follows with a more rock and roll structure, but also more aggressive, with riffs fired like bursts, halfway between Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden, with a Sabbath-like feel from the Dio era. The percussion is solid, with pounding toms and hammering rolls. The song’s attitude is pure party energy, with choruses sung at full blast, perfect for headbanging and raising a beer.

In Queen of the Night the tone shifts to something more solemn. If Saxon wrote Princess of the Night, then of course there had to be a queen as well. Same epic eighties vein, with sustained, emotional vocals soaring like an eagle over a solid and varied rhythmic base, alternating between double-bass runs and syncopated patterns. The bass lines feel inspired, especially under the power chords, adding mystery and energy. The drumming feels human and organic, alternating snare-kick sequences with powerful rolls.

Nightwatch keeps the same spirit but lowers the tempo, relying more on power chords, bass gallops and extended use of choruses. The leads are short and melodic, supporting the song rather than showing off. Between-chorus arrangements and consistent hits on toms and cymbals stand out. A simple but memorable closer.

Back to the speed of Allnighter, Fly High moves with frantic chord repetition, ascending and descending runs, and quick gear shifts, with spiraling bass lines. The voice is not extraordinary, but it delivers energy and strength without forcing the highs.

Crystal Light is quite similar, showcasing the bass-drum foundation in full power. It is the band’s strongest suit, driving the melodic machine carried by the guitars. The vocals sound more relaxed yet polished, leaning slightly toward crossover energy. The solo section is remarkable, especially with the constant interplay between left and right channels. The final third shines with tempo changes, playful hi-hat work, and galloping bass over the guitars. A true gem.

White Town Rider opens with a brief drum intro before unleashing a fast strike of palm-muted riffs, fifth-chord progressions and fleeting solos, mixing the malice of classic thrash with bluesy, sustained old-school phrasing. It does not reinvent the wheel, but it perfectly represents what the band is about.

Finally, The Curse Never Dies lets the guitars intertwine freely, one soloing while the other maintains the rhythm, creating a stereo sensation reminiscent of the NWOTHM’s finest works. The track introduces more breaks and sections that lean toward speed and thrash, with chromatic and sharp riffs meant to unleash the mosh. It’s the kind of song designed for the stage, containing all the band’s strengths: versatility, rhythm, and tight execution.

Conclusion

Viewed as a whole, Stardust may not aim for a global concept or reinvent the style, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable ride from start to finish. Its concise 33-minute length works in its favor, showing the band’s discipline in trimming excess and keeping only what matters. Perhaps a ballad or a more progressive piece could have added contrast, but that might have weakened the direct and vigorous character of the record. What remains is a well-produced, well-mixed album with a pure retro pulse for those who still worship the golden age of metal.

TheNwothm Score: 8.5/10

Speedclaw’s album stands strong on its identity: speed, instrumental clarity, and unfiltered eighties energy. The production is clean, the mix lets every instrument breathe, and the bass(rare in this kind of release) commands attention. There is internal coherence, momentum between tracks, and a genuine understanding of the heavy and speed metal legacy.

Links

Bandcamp:https://speedclaw.bandcamp.com/album/stardust-3

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/speedclawrijeka/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/speedclawmetal/

Label: Dying Victims Productions