Speed: Sydney’s Hardcore Juggernaut Shaking the Global Scene

Hailing from the vibrant and ever-evolving music scene of Sydney, Speed have taken the hardcore world by storm, quickly becoming one of the genre’s most exciting acts. With an intense sound and a commitment to pure energy, this five-piece band has not only captured the attention of fans down under but has spread its chaotic fury worldwide. As one of the most electrifying forces in hardcore today, Speed exemplify the spirit of the genre, and their rise to global popularity is a testament to their hard work, authenticity, and unrelenting passion.

The Rise of Speed and Their Impact on Hardcore

Formed in Sydney, Speed drew from the rich traditions of Australian hardcore, yet they took it to the next level by blending classic elements of the genre with a fresh, innovative edge. Their members—each seasoned veterans at this point—came together to create a force of nature. Their dynamic chemistry and diverse influences have helped shape their unmistakable sound.

Since their formation, Speed has become known for their blistering live performances, which have left a mark on the global hardcore scene. Their music fuses elements of old-school hardcore with a new, gritty energy that strikes listeners hard. Speed’s sound draws inspiration from the New York hardcore scene but is also uniquely Australian in its intensity and rawness. It’s a perfect balance of chaos and control, with the band’s ferocious live shows proving to be as unpredictable and thrilling as their recorded material.

But what truly sets Speed apart from many of their peers is their deep-rooted focus on community and family. Despite the chaotic nature of their performances—where fans are often caught in a maelstrom of fast riffs, pounding drums, and guttural vocals—there is an underlying sense of inclusion and camaraderie. The band has cultivated a sense of togetherness with their fans, where the energy of the mosh pit is matched only by the familial bonds that are built between them and the crowd. This connection is what makes a Speed show not just a concert, but an experience.

From their aggressive sound to their undying commitment to their audience, Speed has pushed the boundaries of what hardcore can be, not only in terms of sonic impact but in how the band relates to the fans who support them.

If you’ve ever seen Speed live, you know what to expect: complete and utter chaos. Their live shows are a whirlwind of energy, where fans dive into the madness, and the band feeds off that intensity. It’s the kind of show where you leave drenched in sweat, ears ringing, and adrenaline still coursing through your veins hours later. For a band that’s just as much about the live experience as they are about the music, Speed knows how to make an impression.

When you’re at a Speed show, you’re not just watching a band perform—you’re part of a larger collective experience. It’s about the community, the shared energy, and the deep respect they have for everyone who shows up and throws down with them.

Only One Mode:

If you’ve been following Speed, you already know that they’ve taken their signature sound and blasted it into the global consciousness with their debut album, Only One Mode. This record is a pure shot of adrenaline—a mix of relentless hardcore aggression with unique touches that set them apart from the pack. And, true to form, Speed wastes no time delivering everything they promised with the album’s opener: ferocity, heart, and energy that makes you feel like you've just been hit by a train!

The album, full of heavy breakdowns and scorching vocals, plays like a love letter to hardcore punk—drawn from the gritty, intense influences of the New York hardcore scene but delivered with a fresh, explosive energy. It’s raw, brutal but polished, just like their live performances, which have earned the band their legendary status in the hardcore community. With tracks like "KILL CAP" and "SHUT IT DOWN", Speed demonstrates how to build tension and release it in explosive ways. Every song on Only One Mode feels like an act of destruction, yet it’s calculated in a way that speaks to the band’s mastery of their craft.

One of the most interesting aspects of Only One Mode is the surprising inclusion of a flute—yes, a flute—in certain tracks like “REAL LIFE LOVE” and “THE FIRST TEST”. While this might seem like an odd choice for a hardcore band, it adds a layer of unexpected depth to the record. Though not a dominant feature, the flute provides an element of intrigue, adding texture and contrast to the blistering soundscape of the album. It’s a bold move that shows just how unafraid Speed is to experiment within their genre and take risks to create something truly unique.                       

When I first heard it I was in awe.

As a whole, Only One Mode is a masterclass in hardcore punk done right. It captures everything that makes the genre so exciting—raw energy, defiance, and a sense of rebellion—while ensuring that it doesn’t feel like a mere homage to the past. The album stands on its own, clearly influenced by the legends of hardcore but carrying the torch forward in a way that is distinctively Speed.

Every track is filled with reckless passion, tight instrumentation, and some of the most brutal breakdowns you’ll hear in modern hardcore. The production, too, is clean enough to let every element shine through while maintaining that raw, untamed energy that is synonymous with the hardcore scene.