I agree with the average Amazon reviewer review of 4 stars (out of 5) for this album. This album is essentially a companion piece to what some claim is their masterwork, the "I Against I" album.
One doesn't need to purchase "I Against I" to appreciate this album, but it would be recommended, as the album effectively functions as a sequel. The first track of "I AGAINST I" -- the "Intro" -- contains the riff that would become the backbone of Track 2 here, "Voyage Into Infinity." In that sense, "With the Quickness," is an expansion upon "I Against I," a logical counterpart.
By this time in hardcore history, hardcore punk had given way to metal crossover influences. Bands like DRI, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, the CRO-MAGS, and others were blending speedmetal with hardcore. The BAD BRAINS, though originally from DC, were undoubtedly aware of the New York Hardcore movement that was blending chunka-chunka , palm muted metal with hardcore punk, themselves having moved to New York City by this time. "Quickness" reflects this awareness and incorporates it effortlessly into a powerful combination here.
While this LP is arguably not as good as "I Against I," I think it comes close. It is not the same faster-than-fast thrashy Bad Brains of old, though a few faster numbers are thrown on in what feels like an attempt to prove to people they hadn't abandoned their fastcore punk roots. The best tracks are actually the mid-tempo metal tracks, like the 1st two songs. As with most Bad Brains albums, the best tracks are on the first half of the album, and the 2nd half becomes more experimental, slower, etc.
One warning, it is on this album that Bad Brains included their homophobic song "Don't Blow Bubbles," which is about AIDS and homosexuality. Basically, the gist of that song is that AIDS is the deserved punishment of those who are gay. It's unfortunate that Bad Brains wrote and recorded this. Musically, the song is one of the best on the LP, but lyrically it's basically about as good as a Skrewdriver or M.O.D. song. The Bad Brains caused a lot of controversy in the hc scene when they revealed their essentially homophobic beliefs via this song and various other statements.
So, take that into mind when you buy this album. Bad Brains made a lot of good music early on, but it's a shame they had to delve into anti-gay waters through their music on this album.