Tailgunner – ‘Midnight Blitz’

(Napalm Records)

If you’ve been anywhere near the modern heavy metal underground over the last few years, you’ll know that there’s been a serious resurgence of bands flying the flag for classic British steel. And right at the front of that charge is Tailgunner, a band that’s taken the spirit of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and injected it with fresh adrenaline, youthful hunger, and a clear love for the glory days without sounding like a museum piece. The band’s second album, Midnight Blitz, is a statement of intent, and quite frankly, it’s one of the most exciting traditional metal records in years.

From the moment the album kicks in, you’re hit with an energy that feels urgent and alive. This isn’t nostalgia for the sake of it. This is a band that understands exactly what made classic heavy metal so electrifying in the first place, speed, drama, attitude, and that sense that every riff and every scream matters. The production walks a fine line between polished and raw, allowing the instruments to cut through with clarity while still retaining grit. It sounds big, but not sterile. Loud, but not over-compressed. There’s air in the sound, which gives the music room to breathe and hit harder.

What really stands out across the album is the guitar work from Rhea Thompson and Zach Salvini. The twin lead attack is absolutely central to the band’s identity, and it’s executed with confidence well beyond their years. The harmonies soar, the solos feel purposeful rather than indulgent, and the riffs strike that perfect balance between melody and aggression. There’s a genuine sense of movement and storytelling in the playing, something that’s often missing in modern traditional metal where bands can sometimes lean too heavily on retro aesthetics without capturing the emotional core.

The rhythm section, Bones (Bass) and Eddie Mariotti (Drums) deserves serious credit as well. The bass isn’t buried, which is always a blessing in this genre, and it locks tightly with the drums to give the record a powerful backbone. The drumming is energetic, driving, and dynamic. There’s a real push and pull in the tempos, with moments of restraint that make the faster sections feel even more explosive. It never feels mechanical or overly triggered. Instead, there’s a human urgency that adds to the album’s overall sense of danger.

Vocally, this is where the band truly sets itself apart. Craig Cairn’s performance is bold, theatrical, and unashamedly dramatic, but never over-the-top in a way that feels forced. There’s range, there’s grit, and most importantly, there’s conviction. The delivery captures the spirit of classic heavy metal frontmen while still sounding contemporary. It’s the kind of voice that pulls you into the world of the music, making the themes feel larger than life. Whether soaring over epic passages or snarling through more aggressive moments, the vocals remain a focal point throughout.

Lyrically and atmospherically, the album leans heavily into dark imagery, warfare, and cinematic storytelling. There’s a strong sense of mood and tension running through the record, giving it cohesion rather than feeling like a random collection of songs. The pacing is particularly impressive. The band understands how to vary intensity and emotion, ensuring the album never becomes one-dimensional. It moves through different shades of heaviness and drama while maintaining a consistent identity.

One of the most refreshing aspects of this record is its sincerity. In an era where irony and self-awareness often dominate, this album is completely committed to its vision. It believes in heavy metal as something powerful, dramatic, and immersive. That authenticity is infectious. You can hear the passion in every note, and it’s the kind of passion that reminds you why you fell in love with this music in the first place.

Of course, it’s not flawless. There are moments where the band’s influences are very obvious, and occasionally you can predict where a section is heading. But honestly, that’s part of the charm. Rather than detracting from the experience, it places the band firmly within a tradition they clearly respect. More importantly, they bring enough personality and fire to make those influences feel like a foundation rather than a crutch.

The biggest achievement here is how confident the album feels. This doesn’t sound like a band testing the waters. It sounds like a band charging forward, fully aware of who they are and what they want to accomplish. There’s ambition in the songwriting, scale in the arrangements, and a sense that this is only the beginning. If this is their starting point, the future looks incredibly bright.

‘Midnight Blitz’, The title track wastes absolutely no time, kicking the door down with speed, attitude, and that unmistakable twin-guitar charge. It sets the tone for the whole record: urgent, melodic, and unapologetically heavy. The chorus is massive, the riffs are sharp, and it feels like a declaration that this band is here to lead the new wave rather than follow it.

‘Tears In Rain’, this one leans more into atmosphere and emotion, showing early on that the band isn’t just about velocity. There’s a darker, more cinematic feel here, with soaring vocals and a strong sense of drama. It’s the kind of track that sticks in your head long after the album ends.

‘Follow Me In Death’ sees the band back to full throttle. This track is pure heavy metal adrenaline, driven by galloping rhythms and infectious energy. Cairn’s vocal performance is especially powerful, balancing aggression with melody in a way that feels both classic and modern.

‘Dead Until Dark’ – Here the band dips into a moodier, heavier groove. It’s darker, more sinister, and gives the record a welcome shift in pacing. The tension builds beautifully, proving the band knows when to hold back as well as when to explode.

‘Barren Lands and Seas Of Red’ is one of the album’s most epic moments. The scale is bigger, the arrangements more layered, and the emotional weight hits hard. It feels expansive and cinematic, with a strong sense of storytelling.

‘War In Heaven’ brings a more heroic, uplifting energy. The melodies are bold and triumphant, and the guitar work shines with classic heavy metal grandeur. It’s anthemic without losing its bite.

‘Blood Sacrifice’ is gritty and aggressive, this one hits with raw power. There’s a ferocity in both the riffing and Cairn’s vocal delivery that adds a sharper edge to the album. It’s a reminder that the band can be dangerous as well as melodic.

‘Night Raids’ is fast, punchy, and packed with momentum, this is another high-energy highlight. The rhythm section drives everything forward, creating a real sense of urgency.

‘Eye Of The Storm’ balances melody and intensity perfectly. There’s a controlled power here, with dynamic shifts that keep things interesting and engaging.

‘Eulogy’ is the closing track is emotional and reflective, ending the album on a powerful note. It feels like a grand farewell while also hinting that the story is only just beginning. It’s a strong, memorable finish to an impressive album.

This is exactly the kind of record that makes you want to throw on a leather jacket, crank the volume, and remember why heavy metal is supposed to be fun, empowering, and a little bit dangerous. It’s high-energy, memorable, and packed with moments that stick in your head long after the album finishes.

Overall, this is a triumphant album that proves traditional heavy metal is not only alive but thriving. Midnight Blitz captures the lightning-in-a-bottle excitement that so many bands chase but rarely achieve. If you’re a fan of classic British steel, soaring vocals, and razor-sharp guitar work, this is an essential listen. It’s bold, it’s passionate, and it absolutely rips.

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Eye Of The Storm’

Review by Woody