photo courtesy of NRT-Records

Single Review of Speed Limit: “Shine Brighter Than the Sun” (NRT-Records)

This past fall, Austrian classic heavy metal veterans Speed Limit released the single “Shine Brighter Than the Sun” (with “Destiny’s Calling” as its B side). It was the second single from the band’s June 2023 NRT-Records release Cut a Long Story Short.

image courtesy of NRT-Records

The current line-up of Speed Limit consists of Chris Pawlak (bass, vocals), Hannes Vordermeyer (drums, lead vocals), Chris Angerer (guitar, vocals), and Joe Eder (guitar, vocals). Pawlak and Angerer have been in the band since its 1986 debut release Prophecy, with Eder also joining the band just a few years into its run. Vordermeyer is a 2107 addition to the Speed Limit line-up.

Single “Shine Brighter Than the Sun” sports heavy, crashing skinswork, serious guitar speed, and edgy-but-tuneful vocals. In true classic metal style, though the beat is pounding and pulsating, there’s a soaring power, and there are moments of guitar shredding that are as likely to be found in progressive rock as in a classic metal song.

photo courtesy of NRT-Records

The single’s B side, “Destiny’s Calling,” features a churning rhythm, a guitar line that’s grindingly steady, a bit of axe virtuosity, and soaring vocals. A fast beat drives the song forward, and prominent heavy metal choir-like backing vocals are featured where appropriate.

Both songs on this two-sided single are fun, energetic listens that would likely be AOR hits during album-oriented heavy-rock’s apex years.

Stylistically, Speed Limit would be an ideal concert pairing with Judas Priest.

photo courtesy of NRT-Records

Looking Ahead

There aren’t a lot of upcoming dates currently listed on Speed Limit’s Bandsintown page. Additionally, the Bandsintown listing appears to populate the “Speed Limit Live” section toward the bottom of the band’s main web page. Both locations list upcoming shows in Graz, Austria on May 3rd and in Salzburg, Austria on October 3rd, 2024. The venues’ websites don’t list those shows, though, so I would suggest checking with the venue box offices to confirm the concert dates and for ticket information.