Speed Kill Hate - Acts of Insanity
Listenable Records - 2004
By Adam McAuley
These thrashers have an immediate appeal in having members of the band Overkill, but unfortunately from the outset I have to say they dont quite live up to the standards set by them. The main issues I have with this band are in the performances that slightly mar music that shows a very large amount of potential. The vocalist Mario is a little on the gruff side, even for thrash which is known for having love/hate type vocalists. Some of the shouted tough guy-esque parts of songs are too forced and cheesy sounding.
Additionally, the drumming sounds slightly hollow for my taste and doesnt really do complete justice to what are at times some very punishing riffs. Of note are the bridges and solos which are usually done at appropriate times and effectively. Speed Kill Hate are certainly a solid band, but I guess that the presence of Overkill members makes me expect some pre-defined level of quality. Still, they have to be applauded for having a unique sound and pushing it in some directions thrash isnt normally known for. In particular, the album sounds more modern and less traditional than what Im usually used to in the genre, with an emphasis on being pummeling over creating fancy riffs. Not to say there isnt variety, because a decent amount is present, but the album stays in fairly straightforward gears throughout.
Definately recommended to people looking for something different within the usually pretty narrow frame of thrash, but Speed Hate Kill are far from the greatest band Ive heard within the genre.
7/10
Listenable Records
Speed Kill Hate Website
Listenable Records - 2004
By Adam McAuley

These thrashers have an immediate appeal in having members of the band Overkill, but unfortunately from the outset I have to say they dont quite live up to the standards set by them. The main issues I have with this band are in the performances that slightly mar music that shows a very large amount of potential. The vocalist Mario is a little on the gruff side, even for thrash which is known for having love/hate type vocalists. Some of the shouted tough guy-esque parts of songs are too forced and cheesy sounding.
Additionally, the drumming sounds slightly hollow for my taste and doesnt really do complete justice to what are at times some very punishing riffs. Of note are the bridges and solos which are usually done at appropriate times and effectively. Speed Kill Hate are certainly a solid band, but I guess that the presence of Overkill members makes me expect some pre-defined level of quality. Still, they have to be applauded for having a unique sound and pushing it in some directions thrash isnt normally known for. In particular, the album sounds more modern and less traditional than what Im usually used to in the genre, with an emphasis on being pummeling over creating fancy riffs. Not to say there isnt variety, because a decent amount is present, but the album stays in fairly straightforward gears throughout.
Definately recommended to people looking for something different within the usually pretty narrow frame of thrash, but Speed Hate Kill are far from the greatest band Ive heard within the genre.
7/10
Listenable Records
Speed Kill Hate Website