Bullet – ‘Kickstarter’

(Steamhammer)

There’s a certain kind of record that doesn’t knock politely before kicking the door off its hinges. Kickstarter, by Sweden’s Bullet, is that kind of album. It’s loud, proud, unapologetically old-school, and powered by enough denim and leather energy to make your speakers feel underdressed. In the grand tradition of rambunctious European hard rock, Bullet aren’t here to reinvent the wheel, they’re here to set it on fire!

From the first rip of guitar, Kickstarter announces itself as a no nonsense rock and roll album. This is straight ahead, high octane hard rock with its heart firmly planted in the late Seventies and early Eighties – the era when riffs were sharp and choruses were built to be shouted into the night. Bullet wear their influences proudly: there’s AC/DC’s swing, Accept’s grit, early Judas Priest’s steel, and a healthy dose of Scandinavian stubbornness that keeps the whole thing charging forward even when common sense might suggest slowing down.

The production is refreshingly raw. Kickstarter doesn’t sound polished to a mirror sheen; instead, it crackles and snarls like a live amp pushed just past its comfort zone. The guitars are thick and muscular, buzzing with that perfect balance of clarity and grime. The rhythm section drives hard, pounding out grooves that feel made for packed clubs with sticky floors and sweat dripping from the ceiling. And hovering above it all is vocalist Dag “Hell” Hofer, whose delivery is pure hard rock attitude gritty, commanding, and just melodic enough to hook you. Admittedly his vocals aren’t for everyone, but they suit the swagger of Bullet’s style. If Accept and Udo’s voice are the sort of vibe you dig then you’ll have no problem here – but alternatively if you struggle with that style of vocal delivery this band probably won’t tickle your fancy!

What really sets Kickstarter apart is its commitment to fun. This is an album that understands rock and roll as a physical experience. These songs aren’t designed for overthinking; they’re built for fist-pumping, head-nodding, and shouting along by the second chorus. Bullet know exactly when to hit the gas and when to lean into a groove, and that sense of pacing keeps the album charging ahead without burning out too early.

Track after track, the band delivers riffs that feel instantly familiar but never lazy. There’s a craft to this kind of throwback hard rock, and Bullet clearly know how to write a song that sticks. The choruses are big, anthemic, and shamelessly catchy, the kind that linger long after the album ends. You can practically hear the crowd participation baked into the songwriting, with gang shouts and call-and-response moments that scream for them to be regular live set inclusions!

The album launches with its title track hitting like a boot to the chest. ‘Kickstarter’ sets the tone immediately: swaggering riff, driving rhythm, and a chorus built for mass chants. It’s pure ignition music, screaming intent and promising zero compromise for the ride ahead.

‘Caught In The Action’ locks into a tight groove. The riff has a nasty little strut to it, while the vocals ride the rhythm with confident grit. It’s classic hard rock momentum, fast enough to excite, heavy enough to bite.

No buildup, no mercy. ‘Open Fire’ barrels forward with sharp guitar work and a sense of urgency that feels almost militaristic. The solo slices clean and fast, reinforcing Bullet’s love for precision as much as power.

Here’s where the AC/DC spirit really kicks in. ‘Keep Rolling’ thrives on swing and attitude, driven by a riff that feels like it’s been on the road for decades and proud of it. Simple, effective, and dangerously catchy.

‘Hit The Road’ is a road anthem through and through. The tempo is punchy, the chorus wide open, and the message clear: movement equals freedom. It’s the kind of song that feels tailor-made for long drives and loud stereos.

Darker and more metallic, ‘Avenger’ leans into Bullet’s heavier side. The riffs are tougher, the vocals more commanding, and the mood slightly menacing. This is where the European steel really shows its edge.

‘Chained By Metal’ is a love letter to heavy metal devotion, built on thick riffs and gang-shout energy. It’s defiant, loud, and unapologetically loyal to the genre that forged the band.

Fast, fiery, and relentless. ‘Spitfire’ lives up to its name with rapid-fire guitars and an aggressive pace. It’s one of the album’s most adrenaline-fueled moments, perfect for maximum headbanging.

‘Full Throttle’ surges forward with relentless drive, blending groove and speed into a fist-pumping rocker. The chorus hits hard and stays stuck, fuelled by pure rock and roll joy.

‘Strike At Night’ brings a sense of drama, balancing melody with menace. The night-time atmosphere adds depth, showing Bullet can shift moods without losing intensity or grit.

‘Night Falls Down’ closes the album on a heavier, more brooding note, it slows the charge just enough to let the weight sink in. It’s a powerful finale, leaving the echoes of steel and sweat hanging in the air long after the last note fades.

Lyrically, Kickstarter doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. This is classic hard rock territory: speed, freedom, rebellion, good times, and living loud. It’s refreshingly honest in its simplicity. Bullet aren’t preaching or posturing; they’re celebrating the sheer joy of rock and roll. In an era where many bands feel the need to layer on irony or self-awareness, there’s something deeply satisfying about a record that just throws its horns in the air and means it.

There’s also a distinctly European flavour running through Kickstarter. While the band clearly draws from classic British and Australian hard rock, there’s a toughness and precision that feels very much rooted in the continental scene. It’s less bluesy swagger and more iron-fisted drive with songs that march as much as they swing. That blend gives Bullet a sound that feels both nostalgic and distinctly their own.

As an album experience, Kickstarter holds together remarkably well. It’s lean, energetic, and consistently engaging, never overstaying its welcome. There’s a sense that Bullet understand the importance of momentum, every track feeds into the next, keeping the adrenaline up and the volume knob begging to be turned just a little higher. It’s the kind of record that works just as well blasting through headphones as it does rattling the windows on a late night drive.

Kickstarter is a love letter to hard rock in its most rambunctious form. It doesn’t chase trends, it doesn’t soften its edges, and it doesn’t apologize for wanting to be loud. Bullet have delivered an album that feels made by fans of the genre, for fans of the genre, a reminder of why this style of rock and roll refuses to die.

If you’re looking for introspection or experimentation, Kickstarter isn’t your album. But if you want roaring guitars, pounding rhythms, and the kind of hard rock that makes you grin like an idiot while throwing the horns, Bullet have you covered. Crank it up, clear some space, and let Kickstarter do exactly what its name promises: start the engine and don’t look back.

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Kickstarter’

Review by Woody