TAILGUNNER – MIDNIGHT BLITZ

The opening title track wastes nobody’s time, with twin guitars cut in tight formation over a rhythm section, prioritising propulsion. The war in the sky imagery is familiar terrain, but the execution is leaner. Craig Cairns delivers the hook with an authority that keeps the chorus grounded, minus all the theatrics.

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“Tears In Rain” shifts the register. Built on a broad melodic spine, it gives Cairns space to explore texture, moving from restrained verses to a sustained, reflective refrain. The band demonstrates an understanding of the dynamics often absent from younger traditionalist acts, instead allowing songs to build rather than accelerate.

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“Follow Me In Death” and “Dead Until Dark” channel the theatrical edge of late-80s metal, the latter nodding to The Lost Boys without devolving into complete novelty. The guitars of Rhea Thompson and Zach Salvini remain as central as could be throughout, alternating between harmonized leads and muscular riffing that keeps even the longer tracks fully focused.

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One of the core moments in the album lands with “Barren Lands And Seas Of Red,” where battlefield imagery is matched by restless, thrash tinged momentum. “War In Heaven” pulls back into a restrained ballad format before “Blood Sacrifice” and “Night Raids” reassert full velocity. Closing track “Eulogy” expands into a more power metal scale, transitioning from measured orchestration to a final surge of speed.

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Midnight Blitz is a complete execution from start to finish. Ten tracks, no excess, and a clear understanding of the tradition they intend to extend rather than imitate.

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SCORE 9/10

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Words by LearnTwoExist

In collaboration with Headbangers Australia