Justin Nuoffer
SPEED
Milwaukee Metal Fest – 5/18/25
©Justin Nuoffer/NuofferMedia.com
The gang called SPEED is one of the hottest names out there. Hell, they went and dominated the desert at Coachella. They were the first hardcore band to ever play the festival. That stop in Indio, CA, blasted their name across the world. The band that formed in 2019 has made their boot stamp on one of the biggest stages and has now brought it to the historic Rave room in Milwaukee, WI. The Australian five-piece from Sydney has turned the scene on its head. Speed sticks to their guns and has no fear.
The Rave room was packed. Every possible sightline was filled. The hardcore people filled the floor, ready to two-step and spin their asses off. Jem Siow stomps and walks around with a scowl on his face. Opening with “Kill Cap,” they detonated the atmosphere like a nuclear bomb. Like heavy atoms splitting in fission, SPEED’s guitarists Dennis Vichidvongsa and Joshua Clayton lay down those deep and dirty riffs that keep the leg kicks flying.
The purest form of hardcore made its way to Milwaukee and didn’t disappoint. Tearing through the opening few tracks, “I Mean It” and “We See You,” they approached “Not That Nice,” and untold levels of chaos took off. They are real and true to their roots.
Their sincerity oozes out of their pores. They have no fear and spoke earnestly on various topics raging across the world. Principles of brotherhood and kicking racism in the teeth rang loudly. The cheers confirmed the support of the ideals. Rattling off eleven fist-clenching masterpieces that featured members taking turns on vocals and swapping instruments, they kept it straight to the point. The circle pit was easily one of the largest of the entire festival, and why not with gems like “Big Bite,” Shut It Down,” “Only Foes,” and “First Test.” Closing out their time, there was no reason for the crowd not to give every ounce of energy they had.
It is easy to say that SPEED’s first appearance at Milwaukee Metal Fest was an overwhelming victory. The hot and sweaty room was bursting with happiness. With a lightning-quick efficiency, the band tore through their set list. The crowd’s reaction to it ending was disappointment. That should tell you how highly anticipated and loved they were. If you missed out on this legendary performance, you’d better be disappointed.
Check out the SPEED concert photo gallery below:
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