Scene Of The Crime

Speed Stroke

There are a couple different types of bands out there who are billing themselves as […]
By Mike McMahan
December 27, 2020
Speed Stroke - Scene Of The Crime album cover

There are a couple different types of bands out there who are billing themselves as "Sleaze Rock" these days. You have the goofy bastards who are parodying the genre; those mental giants who consider themselves clever because they pretend to live a lifestyle they couldn't possibly comprehend, all in the name of making a buck... then you have the true believers. MADHOUSE and CONFESS are great examples of the latter, as is SPEED STROKE, flying in out of Italy like their hair is on fire. These five gentlemen originally formed in Italy in 2010. Their work was featured in 2011, on the tribute album "Rebom of Sleaze", which was released in the memory of Dave Lepard of CRASHDIET. Their self-titled debut was released in 2013; and was followed by "Fury" in 2016.

They honed their skills on the road, around Italy, and abroad, opening for CONFESS, Phil Campbell and GOTTHARD, amongst many others. They do seem to be genuinely passionate about the music, separating themselves from the "cheese" and concentrating on laying down some of the tastiest eighties style grooves I have heard of late. The latest release, "Scene Of The Crime", should stand as evidence.

Opening up the record is the absolutely sublime "Heartbeat", with its bluesy intro leading into a pummeling, straight forward blast of musical bliss. There are some incredible turns here, musically speaking, with some time signature changes, fills and a solo from D.B. that is so hot that it could start a fire. The vocals are also on point, with Jack driving like a great front man should. As an opener, I'm not sure you will find much better in the genre.

Slowing things down, although minimally, is "After Dark". This song has a shuffling feel not unlike the GUNS N' ROSES cut "14 Years" from "Use Your Illusions II". It is a little more faithful to straight up Metal than that particular song, however; and, again, contains all the ingredients. Kudos to the rhythm section on this one. They lay down the bottom end perfectly. The guitar work here is also particularly tasty, never overstepping or getting in the way of the song.

I could talk highlights for damned near every song on the album; from the punishing "Red Eyes" to the swaggering "Who Fked Who", I haven't heard a dull moment anywhere to speak of. Bands like this restore my faith that there is still great Sleaze Metal to be heard out there. Keep 'em coming!

10 / 10

Masterpiece

Songwriting

10

Musicianship

10

Memorability

10

Production

10
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"Scene Of The Crime" Track-listing:

1. Heartbeat
2. Scene Of The Crime
3. After Dark
4. Soul Punx
5. No Love
6. Red Eyes
7. Out Of Money
8. Who Fked Who
9. One Last Day
10. Hero No.1

Speed Stroke Lineup:

Jack - Vocals
D.B. -Lead Guitar
Michael - Rhythm Guitar
Fungo - Bass
Andrew - Drums

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