Throw Back Thursday: Acid (Belgium)

Acid emerged from Bruges in 1980 as one of Belgium’s earliest speed‑metal forces, carving out a reputation built on velocity, attitude and the unmistakable presence of Kate de Lombaert. Their music fused razor‑sharp riffs with themes rooted in Satan, sex and pure metal provocation, placing them firmly within the raw underground of early European heavy metal. Across their initial run from 1980 to 1985, they released a string of demos, singles and full‑lengths that helped define Belgium’s contribution to the speed‑metal movement.

The band’s story became more complex in later years. After decades of silence, Acid resurfaced in 2019, only for internal disagreements to fracture the reunion. A statement claimed that Kate had left and that drummer Anvill would continue as the sole original member. Kate countered this by launching Kate’s Acid, performing at Keep It True Rising in 2021 and reigniting debate over which incarnation represents the true continuation of the band. This dispute has since become part of Acid’s modern identity, reflecting the passion and ownership surrounding their legacy.

Despite the turbulence, Acid’s influence remains intact. Their catalogue, from the feral energy of Acid and Maniac to the later punch of Engine Beast, continues to resonate with fans of early speed metal. Their work stands as a testament to a band that pushed boundaries, embraced extremity and helped shape the sound of European metal at a time when the genre was still finding its fastest form.