For Tailgunner, the Norwich show in July 2025 seemed almost like the closure of Phase One. Thomas Hewson said that the new album had been recorded and the artwork was complete. Now, Phase Two kicks in with the news that the band have signed a record deal with Napalm Records and K.K. Downing has taken on a new role of producer.
“Tailgunner is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK,” K.K. Downing told us. “They personify everything that is Heavy Metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in Metal that has gone before.
“Their energy and rawness, together with their brand of Metal, incorporate all of the godfathers and much more. Maiden, Priest, Motörhead, Def Leppard – the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true Metal favourite of the fans.”
K.K. was one, like MetalTalk, who saw the potential of this band early on, and Tailgunner have moved mountains ever since. From the July 2023 that we covered at KK’s Steel Mill, it has been clear to band and fans that the addition of Rhea Thomson was a huge moment.
In Norwich, the new addition of drummer Eddie Mariotti was noticed. As Thomas said, “The band feels stronger than ever.”
All this and more has seen Napalm Records step up to push the band to greater heights. “Over the past few months, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the development of the new album,” Senior A&R Sebastian Münch told us, “and it’s simply incredible.
“K.K. Downing has already said everything perfectly here. Tailgunner are not a copy or nostalgically drawing on Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, or Def Leppard, but are creating their own fresh, authentic Heavy Metal universe.”
For Tailgunner, the rewards are justified for the superb effort and care taken along the road. The future is bright, the excitement and pride naturally high. “There are iconic partnerships,” the band said. “Like denim and leather, Jack and Coke, and swords and tequila. Now we hope to add Tailgunner and Napalm Records to that list.
“We’re proud of being pure Heavy Metal, with zero apologies or compromise. That’s why joining the world’s biggest independent Metal label feels right at home. The blitzkrieg of our first three years as a band continues full throttle.”
There is no release date for the new album yet, but a January 2026 show at Planet Rock Winters End Festival is followed in February by Tailgunner on Fozzy’s Eyes On You Tour.
Will it be spring? Will it be summer? The new material is sounding awesome live already. This is going to be big.
“With our upcoming sophomore album,” Tailgunner said, “together with the incredible team at Napalm behind us and the great and legendary K.K. Downing producing the record, we’re taking on the world n’ planting the flag for British Metal right at the top of it.
“Heavy Metal for eternity!”
Tailgunner – Fozzy Tour 2026
06.02.26 EN – Brighton, England / Chalk
07.02.26 EN – Margate, England / Dreamland
08.02.26 EN – Manchester, England / The Ritz
10.02.26 EN – Norwich, England / Epic Studios
11.02.26 EN – Bradford, England / Nightrain
13.02.26 EN – Nottingham, England / Rock City
14.02.26 SC – Glasgow, Scotland / TV Studios
15.02.26 EN – Newcastle, England / Boiler Shop
17.02.26 WL – Cardiff, Wales / Tramshed
18.02.26 EN – Torquay, England / The Foundry
19.02.26 EN – Southampton, England / The 1865
20.02.26 EN – London, England / Electric Ballroom
21.02.26 EN – Wolverhampton, England / KK’s Steel Mill
