Desolator is a British speed metal band formed in 2010. In 2013, the band released their debut album Total Attack, followed by an EP in 2014 and a live album in 2016. Now, nine years later, they’re finally back with a new record. Titled Spirit of Speed, the name alone says just about everything you need to know about what this band is all about. What we get is just over half an hour of speed metal that could’ve been pulled straight out of the 1980s.
The trio charge ahead with fast-paced tracks, plenty of guitar solos, and a solid dose of testosterone. Starting with the positives: there are a lot of cool riffs on this album – and riffs are exactly what Desolator is all about. On the downside, the vocals aren’t much to brag about. The production also falls short of top tier. The bass is comically loud in the mix, yet somehow still lacks low-end depth. In a way, I kind of like it – it has a bit of a Steve Harris vibe – but in Desolator’s case, it comes off a bit rattly, and the overall sound is a bit thin. Still, I find Spirit of Speed has its charms, and there’s definitely some cool music to dig into here. Plus, the album cover is pretty rad.
Released April 26th, 2025 independently.
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