Release date: 5. Sept. 2025

SPEED QUEEN.  The infamous Belgian speed metal commando (not to be confused with the 1980s French band) have clearly spent a good amount of time cooking up their newest full-length album, to be released under the auspices of High Roller Records: “…With a Bang!” After almost five years, we’re promised a title that vows to deliver uncompromising speed, intensity, and an aggressive edge. Rapid tempos dance in candlelight with technical precision, hand in hand, draped in a veil of old-school heavy metal authenticity.

If I were to compare this record to SPEED QUEEN’s  earlier material, it’s instantly noticeable how the band didn’t shy away from crafting a bigger, more “in-your-face” atmosphere. Perhaps they aimed to achieve this through the creative use of layered instrumentation, which also lends the album a more polished edge. Overall, I think the record genuinely strives to live up to its potential, delivering punchy, catchy riffs from beginning to end.

Review

The musical journey kicks off with a synth intro titled “5678” (I love the creativity here). It builds slowly, just enough to summon tension before hurling the listener straight into the eye of the storm. Not an unusual choice for a speed metal record, but it works perfectly for its purpose.

However, “Showdown” is where we finally reach the pit of the raging thunder amid the clouds. With blistering precision and a relentless tempo, the track wastes no time sweeping you off your feet.  Its chorus, bolstered by commanding backing vocals, channels an almost anthemic power that demands to be shouted back: “Showdown, tonight, you can’t run, you can’t hide!”

Moving on to “I Want It.” (First of all –  the intro especially – reminded me of Mechanic Tyrants’ Tower 42 for a while). Compared to the first track, the chorus vocal line takes on a slightly more melodic edge, blending well with the short-but-powerful harmonized guitar section that follows. A sudden break around the 3:17 mark hit me like a hammer, catching me off guard before launching it straight back into full-speed intensity. The track then builds toward a climax by shifting into a higher pitch, amping up the energy before everything comes crashing down in one final burst.

Compared to the first two songs, “Eye to Eye” eases into a slightly slower tempo. While still intended to be a strong track, it gives the listener a moment to catch their breath for a while (I think that the people hearing this thing live are going to be thankful) after the blizzard of breakneck picking that came prior. A longer-than-usual guitar solo – for a speed metal record, at least – showcases the guitarist’s absolutely insane technical chops, tying the track together with a sense of controlled chaos that wraps things up nicely.

However, I can’t help but feel like there’s a missing element – something that could make the song breathe a bit more. The overall feel is just a little too tight.

“Chasing Ghosts” lets go of some of that tightness from the previous track. The idea is clearly there, and the technical execution is on an incredibly high level. But for some reason, it just doesn’t speak to me – it feels like it needs more warmth. There’s something about the track that gives it a slightly sterile feel. Don’t get me wrong, the song isn’t bad, and it’s definitely not boring in a way that would make me skip it. Still, I know Speed Queen can do way better.

The band didn’t forget to toss in a touch of epic majesty, either. Well, maybe for about a minute. “I Walk Alone” initially comes across like an homage to those once oh-so-popular ’80s metal ballads… until it pulls a full 180 with a cheeky little “nope, not today.” It’s kind of fun, honestly, though I still think squeezing an actual ballad into the album somewhere would’ve been a pretty cool move. Bunched with the rest of the album, it’s maybe a bit repetitive for my taste.

“Skygazers” instantly became my personal favorite, mainly because it sounds a lot like Venator’s Paradiser :D. This track is without a doubt the least focused on delivering a faster-than-light speed. While it still carries some speed metal elements, it leans way more into classic heavy metal – and I mean way more. I love the build-up in the intro, which begins with percussion and lead guitar, gradually joined by the rest of the instruments. Overall, it’s the most melodic track on the album. (10/10)

The eighth track, titled “The World Ends Tonight”, finally snaps the listener out of their little skygazing daydream and throws them right back into the gnawing den of pure speed metal madness. The vocalist really plays with intensity here, building up tension and flinging it around like a firework. Overall, it feels the most primitive and raw – not as complex as the rest of the album, but that actually works to its advantage. The true ’80s speed metal feel is super real here.

“Time To Go” definitely carries a very subtle Warlock vibe. I especially like how the song suddenly slows down around the 2:05 mark, giving out a brief, but still welcome taste of that balladic groove once again. (I also noticed how I Walk Alone and Time To Go have a similar theme going on, coincidence?) Yet another track that leans more into the heavy metal territory, overall. What signifactly stands out is most likely how dynamic the structure is – by that, I mean the way it plays with tempo shifts in a way that’s reminiscent of Skull Fist. Moving from fast to slow, then surging right back into high gear. That push and pull keeps it engaging all the way through.

And finally, “Fire.” As fast as the album started, it ends. I personally expected the record to gradually fade out, so Fire felt like a slap in the face – but a pleasant one! The song is carried by unrelenting intensity from beginning to end, much like Fullmoon Sorcery by Deathhammer. It feels raw overall, despite having a certain technical edge, which is of course achieved through nothing less than supersonic riffing… And that commanding chanting in the chorus: “FIRE!!!”

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Conclusion

Speed Queen’s upcoming release, …With a Bang!, is definitely a display of tight musicianship and technical skill. While it didn’t blow me away as a perfect 10, and some parts do start to feel a bit repetitive or sterile, there’s no denying the effort and intensity poured into it. The band clearly knows what they’re doing, and when it works – it really works. Despite a few weaker spots, there are several standout tracks I’ll definitely be coming back to. Happily.  All in all, it’s a solid release that fans of fast, old-school metal will likely appreciate.

The NWOTHM rating: 7.5/10

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Bandcamp: https://officialspeedqueen.bandcamp.com

High Roller Records: https://www.hrrecords.de