A new album by Tailgunner. I was lucky enough to meet the band and watch them at Stonedead Festival 2024. They were excellent. Such a great and assured performance. They have a line-up of Craig Carns (Vocals), Rhea Thompson (Lead Guitar), Zach Salvini (Lead Guitar), Bones (Bass Guitar) & Eddie Mariotti (Drums).

 

'Guns For Hire' came out in 2023 and we have waited patiently for this release. Previously, we have been treated to two songs from the album, 'Midnight Blitz' and 'Tears in the Rain'. Singer, Craig Carns has an absolutely incredible voice and these two singles really wet the appetite for the album.

The influence of Iron Maiden is evident from the singing and the guitar sound. They are definitely the New wave of traditional heavy metal!

 

The guitars are fast and intricate but the melodies they are thrashing out with speed. Power and perfection are such a pleasure to listen too. The way Midnight Blitz starts is something even Iron Maiden would be proud of! The power and drive hits you with each song, it is relentless.. until track six, 'War in Heaven'. It starts with an 80s sounding synth followed by Craig Carns clear and crisp vocals. It's a beautiful balled, the vocals are just simply incredible.

 

Full of emotion and that power just leaves you with goose bumps. My hair standing up as we go into this perfect guitar solo. It's the sort of song that belongs in the 80s with W.A.S.P or Europe. But this is Tailgunner and they have brought it back, made the power ballad relevant again!

 

After the heavy, fast drumming and guitar shredding, 'War in Heaven' is that moment in the album you needed, to make you stop and take notice. The metal comes back, harder and in your face with 'Blood Sacrifice'. I'm loving this album but it gets better when we finally get to the last track 'Eulogy'. Just when I didn't think they could improve they give me this one! In my opinion the best track on the album. It has everything, all through the album we have amazing vocals, incredible drumming, tremendous bass and that guitar. But oh wow, this song delivers some serious metal!

 

This album has been mixed by the metal legend KK Downing and with Midnight Blitz, he has managed to capture everything that is brilliant about Tailgunner and somehow made it better! They have taken the Ν.W.0.B.H.Μ. sound and somehow improved it! Best Heavy Metal/ Power Metal album I have had the pleasure of listening too in such a long time. No fillers, no bad songs. Tremendous.

 

Definitely five star.