Speed Queen from Belgium plays speed metal with a definite Exciter influence, as well as a lot of NWOBHM and early Motley Crue feel. It reminds me a lot of the albums Metal Blade would release in the 1980s as the speed metal scene was burgeoning. It has that same atmosphere to it. The vocals aren't incredibly melodic, they're more melodically-yelled, if that makes sense, in a flat style. They often punctuate the choruses of their songs with gang vocals, which gives this album almost a punk sound at times. In fact, the drums accentuate this punk side of the band, being a bit simpler than the average metal band. I wasn't terribly excited by the lyrical material, with stuff about women, partying, and other similar subjects. I prefer darker material. Where this band does shine, though, is the guitar work. They trade amazing dueling leads and have effective harmonies all throughout the record. Their guitarists are doing all the heavy lifting here. In all, I'd have to say this is worth picking up if you like old heavy metal, but if you're a stickler for fantastic vocalists, I'd steer clear. He gets the job done, but isn't spectacular.
