Having twice witnessed Tailgunner in Dublin, going toe to toe with W.A.S.P. and KK’s Priest, I can safely say that every self-respecting Metalhead should be getting on board with this compelling bunch. And album number two, Midnight Blitz, might not be a bad place to start.
Tailgunner – Midnight Blitz
Release Date: 6 February 2026
Words: Brian Boyle
Tailgunner wear their influences loud and proud for everyone to see. An Iron Maiden impact is glaring, you have the band name for a start, singer Craig Cairns is at times like the second coming of Bruce Dickinson, and bassist Thomas “Bones” Hewson has a jet-fuelled engine and stage poses akin to a certain Mr Harris.
But copycats they are not. Their brain-shaking debut, Guns For Hire, proved that. And by the sounds of this album’s title track, they have re-stocked their arsenal with heavier artillery.
Before you try to catch your breath, the melodic drive of Tears In Rain immediately takes hold of you and shows that Tailgunner are not all about shock and awe. However, on Follow Me In Death, they are well and truly let off the leash with a rampaging campaign of Speed Metal.
It is a case of love at first listen with The Lost Boys-inspired Dead Until Dark. Although some members of Tailgunner were not born when this ’80s horror classic was released, their enthusiasm for the vampire-fest is evident, as the teeth-sinking chorus puts you right at the heart of the blood-sucking action
The fact that Judas Priest legend K.K. Downing is on production duties confirms the excitement and belief that surrounds this band. And with full throttle, Classic Metal gold like Barren Lands And Seas Of Red and Blood Sacrifice, you cannot help but think that these are Mr Miyagi and Daniel son moments, a handing over of the master key if you will.
In vocalist Craig Cairns, they are equipped with an extra gear over most fledgling Metal bands. On War In Heaven, he gives a gargantuan performance that would touch the soul of a punter in Row Z of a 100,000 capacity stadium.
A track like Night Raids might suggest they rely on blinding speed when the ideas are drying up, but the all-action guitar partnership of Rhea Thompson and Zach Salvini more than makes up for any mediocrity.
They sign off with Eulogy, yet another blast of supersonic Metal, and love it or hate it, you simply cannot fault the level of musicianship on offer.
At two albums in, Tailgunner have not truly found their signature sound yet, so let’s just enjoy them letting loose their Metal fantasies for now. It will come, but in the meantime, if you are looking for something to make you fall in love with Metal again, Midnight Blitz has more than enough to make your heart go giddy-up.
Tailgunner release Midnight Blitz on 6 February 2026 via Napalm Records. The album can be pre-ordered at napalmrecords.com/tailgunner. Tailgunner are on the road with Fozzy in the UK this February.
Tailgunner Summer Festivals 2026
05.06.26 IS – Stykkishólmur / Sátan Festival
06.06.26 SE – Sölvesborg / Sweden Rock Festival
13.06.26 UK – Donington Park / Download Festival
26.06.26 CZ – Spálené Poříčí / Basinfire Fest
27.06.26 DE – Dischingen / Rock Am Härtsfeldsee
04.07.26 DE – Ballenstedt / Rock Harz
07.07.26 NO – Trondheim / Trondheim Rocks Festival
18.07.26 UK – Maidstone / Maid of Stone Festival
06.08.26 ES – Villena / Leyendas Del Rock
08.08.26 BE – Kortrijk / Alcatraz
09.08.26 DE – Geiselwind / Keep It True Legions Festival
15.08.26 NL – Eindhoven / Dynamo Metal Fest
21.08.26 DE – Pellingen / Hells Pells Festival
05.09.26 UK – Coventry / Hella Rock Festival (Coventry Empire)
