After the release of our third album Metal Bridge in 2014 – our first record in over 25 years – it was clear to us that we wanted to reconnect with our roots. Even back then, we aimed to capture the spirit of our early successes from 1984 and 1985, when First Strike and The Enforcer laid the foundation for our signature style. We have always described our music as Speed Heavy Metal, driven by the energy and intensity that have defined us since day one.With our new album The Speed of Metal, we set out to push that vision even further. About four years ago, I began the songwriting process, and very quickly, it became clear – it worked. Within a year, the songs came together almost as if forged from one piece. I was joined in the writing by our long-time guitarist Michael Dietz, who contributed riffs and ideas along the way.Most of the album features brand-new songs, with two special exceptions: It’s Up to You – an older track we originally recorded back in 1988, now reborn in a powerful new version – and Windy City, a cover of a song by The Sweet. I have always adored The Sweet, and covering Windy City has been a lifelong dream of mine. Finally bringing our own version of this track to life was a personal highlight during the creation of this album.The title The Speed of Metal is more than just a name – it reflects the essence of our sound and imagery. Our iconic executioner, who has been a constant presence on our artworks, embodies both speed and power – perfectly representing the energy behind our music.During the creative process, we welcomed Adrian Weiß as our second guitarist and decided, much like during the Enforcer era, to return to a four-piece line-up with two guitars. This gave our sound a massive boost – broader solos, more drive, and a fuller production overall.With The Speed of Metal, we have succeeded in carrying on our legacy as a mid-80s Speed Heavy Metal band, while building a bridge to the present day. We truly believe the album captures where we come from – and where we still belong.