TAILGUNNER help pave the way for a new generation of Heavy Metal loving hooligans with their upcoming powerhouse 'Midnight Blitz'

(Image: Tunde Valiszka)

TAILGUNNER (Not in order): Bones, Craig, Eddie, Rhea, Zach

Let’s be honest, the 80s era of powerful and in your face metal never truly died. Sure, its an era that modern times will forever idolize and hope we can emulate in current climates, but there was something magical about the era of music that helped shape how we see Metal today. Of course, that doesn’t stop modern bands from giving their own spin on the stylings of the 80s. And if done correctly, it can help bring back those nostalgic vibes to audiences to enjoy all over again.

One of the bands who are leading the charge with pizzazz and power are Tailgunner, a band who encapture the 80s in everything they do. The look, the music, the smell (…ok look, I don’t really know what the 80s smells like but this sounded like a much better thing in my head. Just…just humour me and go with the flow, yeah?)…they do it all whilst keeping it fresh and modern. And they’re preparing to take this rollercoaster of a journey to whole new levels and loops with upcoming album ‘Midnight Blitz’.

Each track is an explosion of flavour, a palate of power and a spicy splash of zing. Expect fast riffs, even faster drums and vocals that’ll send tingles down your spine. Tailgunner do it all over the space of 10 jaw-dropping tracks that could easily slide its way into the catalogues of icons Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Europe and many many more. Of course, the only way you could really emphasize how big this album is would be having one of the icons of the era being involved…OH WAIT, WE GET THAT EXACTLY THAT. Because in case you weren’t aware, this album had the watchful eye of KK Downing overseeing the production…a truly incredible honour indeed!

Kicking off the party is title track ‘Midnight Blitz’, a track that sets the tone, the vibes and the bar for everything that is due to follow. As an opener, it’s the perfect blend of speed and rhythm – dual guitar jams, thunderous drums, powerful bass and of course crushing vocals. The air raid siren at the start is the only warning you get that this album is going to grab you by the wrists and swing you into hectic times.

You won’t have chance to breathe or relax as we make our way into ‘Tears In Rain’ and ‘Follow Me In Death’, each song a portrait of musical grandeur and infectious choruses. The quintet have no intention of easing off the accelerator as we’re thrown into a showcase of talent by each member over and over again.

Just when you think the pace MIGHT change with ‘Dead Until Dark’, you get thrown back into high speeds and Maiden-esque vibes. This track could easily make the metal giants blush with the blend of insane guitar solos and commanding basslines. Of course, we can’t ignore the constant drive of the crashing drums and epic vocal work.

‘Barren Lands and Seas of Red’ is a real powerhouse, containing perhaps one of my favourite intros of the entire album with its intricate and unity of riffs from both guitars and bass. Another track full of speed and oomph, it again feels like a track that would make Iron Maiden blush with how masterful and operatic it sounds in its own unique way.

A surprising break from the formula occurs in ‘War In Heaven’. Don’t get confused into thinking you’ve left the TV on by the Stranger Things style intro (yes, we’re all still mourning the loss of the Netflix staple…), its merely the band creating an atmosphere ahead of the ballad of the album. A welcome change of pace, this track shows how the band can switch modes but still deliver the goosebumps and chills. Haunting vocals, slower tempos and yet the same level of epic delivery we’ve experience so far.

…but then the group say ‘Yeahhhhhh you’ve had enough time to breathe, and shift things back into high gear with ‘Blood Sacrifice’. A track that ignites the flame with a powerful drum fill, the thunder is brought down once the guitars play and the vocals ring. The lyrics ‘Creature of fire, rising from the deep’ sets the tone here – the band are bringing hellfire to Earth as they utilizing a galloping technique to bring the masses back to speed ready for the last stretch of the album.

‘Night Raids’ and ‘Eye of the Storm’ begin the epic conclusion of this album…there’s not much more I can really say at this point that hasn’t been highlighted earlier. The band are still full of so much energy and steam by this point, it’s a testament to their drive and motivation that even this far into the album, they have no desire of slowing down or calming down. More catchy riffs, more melodic vocals…its great to see they’re clearly enjoying every step of the journey.

Finally, we hit the grand finale – ‘Eulogy’. And as much as ‘Midnight Blitz’ was the perfect introduction to the album, this track is the perfect end of the run. A beautiful blend of orchestrated melodies, powerful guitars and memorable vocals is presented from start to finish of this track, even as the song fades out it continues to send the goosebumps all over the body.

‘Midnight Blitz’ isn’t a parody or an idolization of a bygone era, nor is it necessarily just a tribute to a bygone era. It’s much more than that. It’s a sign of determination and inspiration that showcases the skills of a modern generation trying to keep the fire burning for the old and future generations. Tailgunner masterfully capture the essence of what it means to be the future of heavy metal and the inspiration of a new generation of headbanging loving hooligans who just want to keep the very meaning of music alive for many more years to come.

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