TAILGUNNER Guitarists RHEA THOMPSON & ZACH SALVINI Show Off The Riffs That Taught Them

Tailgunner guitarist Zach Salvini is here to show off all the classic metal riffs that taught him to shred! Which makes sense, because have you heard Tailgunner? This band fucking rocks. Check out our video above and pre-order Midnight Blitz here.

The rising UK outfit have announced their sophomore album, Midnight Blitz, due out February 6, 2026 via Napalm Records, and have unveiled the blistering title track as the record's first single.

Freshly signed and already carrying rare approval from the genre's elite, Tailgunner enlisted none other than K.K. Downing (Judas Priest) to produce the album. After making a strong impression supporting KK's Priest, Downing's involvement became a natural next step.

The band explains: "Whilst touring our debut album, we shared stages with members of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Accept – we watched, we learned, and we put it all down on tape. The aim behind 'Midnight Blitz' was to craft an all-time album opener, like 'Aces High', 'Painkiller', 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'Hells Bells'."

That influence is worn proudly, but with ambition: "We are not just worshipping at the altar of those who have gone before, but determined to stand upon it and be the heroes for a whole new generation."

K.K. Downing himself offered glowing praise: "Tailgunner is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK. They personify everything that is heavy metal… Maiden, Priest, Motörhead, Def Leppard – the list is endless. Their youthful freshness and uniqueness will no doubt elevate them to being a true Metal favourite of the fans."