Speed Queen, from
Limburg, Belgium, formed in 2014 and took their name from the attitude they
bring to traditional heavy metal. After a demo and two EPs—“King Of The Road”
in 2017 and “Still On The Road” in 2020—they’ve built a reputation for fast,
hard-hitting performances, touring with bands like Night
Demon and appearing at festivals like Wacken
and Alcatraz. Their style draws from
the classic school of metal with an approach that’s about keeping it loud,
fast, and fun. The current lineup features Thomas
Kenis (vocals, tambourine), Andreas
Stieglitz (guitars, synths), Lander
Savelkoul (bass), and Toon Driezen (drums).
“...With A Bang!” is Speed
Queen’s first full-length album, and it delivers exactly what the title
promises: direct, energetic heavy/speed metal that doesn’t waste time. Across ten
tracks and just over forty minutes, the band plays with confidence and
intensity, blending fast riffs, melodic hooks, and occasional synth touches
without letting anything drag or drift too far off course.
The opening
instrumental “5 6 7 8” serves as a quick lead-in before the band launches into
“Showdown,” which immediately makes it clear that Speed
Queen is here to go full throttle. The guitars are the main driving
force, with steady rhythms and harmonized leads, but there are also moments
where the synths and backing effects add a bit of depth without pulling focus.
“I Want It” features a guest solo by Jonny Nesta (Thunderor, Skull Fist), which fits neatly into the band’s sound. Tracks like “Eye To Eye” and “Skygazers” bring mid-tempo variation, while “The World Ends Tonight” is a short, sharp burst with punk energy. Vocally, Thomas Kenis delivers in a style that sits comfortably between classic metal and early 80s rock. He keeps it raw and lively, complementing the band’s no-frills songwriting. The lyrics don’t aim to be deep or dramatic—they’re direct, in line with the music’s focus on adrenaline and action.
The
production is balanced and modern enough to hit hard. Everything sits where it
should: drums punch through clearly, the bass gives enough low-end support, and
the guitars take center stage without overcrowding the mix. The album was
recorded and mixed by Koen Keijers and mastered by Thibault Chaumont, both of whom
help keep things tight and loud without sounding forced.
“...With A Bang!”
is a fun, consistent release that reflects a band comfortable in its own skin.
There are no wild swings or unexpected shifts—just a solid run of classic metal
that feels natural and well-played. Speed Queen’s
debut album is energetic and straightforward, filled with tight arrangements
and a clear sense of identity. It’s a strong introduction for those new to the
band and a satisfying release for longtime fans waiting for a full-length.
Score: 7.8
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