K.K. DOWNING-produced second album from British heavy metal band TAILGUNNER, 'Midnight Blitz', to arrive in February
First single “Midnight Blitz” out now
07-11-2025
Carrying the torch of NWOBHM are TAILGUNNER. Recently signed to Napalm Records, the young British band announces their upcoming second record, Midnight Blitz, out February 6, 2026. TAILGUNNER have found support in the very heroes they follow: after making a strong impression supporting KK’s Priest, legendary guitarist K.K. Downing went on to produce “Midnight Blitz”. The band celebrates the announcement with the release of their new single and video for the title track.
Watch “Midnight Blitz” below.
TAILGUNNER comments on “Midnight Blitz”: “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’. Everyone remembers the first time you hear the opening track on an album that changes everything. The hair stands up on the back of your neck and you know from this moment onwards, nothing will ever be the same. The launch sequence on the next era of TAILGUNNER has been hit. ‘Masters of the skies, never call it quits. Time to do or die, we are the Midnight Blitz!'”
Downing comments on TAILGUNNER: “TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the U.K. They personify everything that is heavy metal. They are loud and proud, and totally descended from everyone in metal that has gone before — their energy and rawness, together with their brand of metal, incorporates all of the godfathers and much more. MAIDEN, PRIEST, MOTÖRHEAD, DEF LEPPARD — the list is endless. The band has a youthful freshness and a uniqueness that will no doubt elevate them to being a true metal favorite of the fans.”
TAILGUNNER about the “Midnight Blitz” album:
“Like phantoms of the clouds, the Midnight Blitz screams silently through the air. Descending on their prey, a Heavy Metal militia striking at the speed of sound. Only blood can run! Whilst touring our debut album, we were described by one roadie as ‘The bastard child of Maiden & Priest’ and that became the ethos for our new album Midnight Blitz. Just like our fore bearers, we are determined to push forward, always crafting our sound and building on what we have, whilst never compromising on what we started with – Pure Heavy Metal! 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! We played over 100 shows touring our debut album, sharing the stages with some of the most legendary names in Metal while paying our dues in blood, sweat, tears and endless nights out on the road. Everything we learned is on display here, packed into 10 tracks in what we feel can be a true, essential TAILGUNNER album. Produced by none other than the Metal guitar God K.K. Downing, working closely with K.K. during this entire process has been the ride of a lifetime and you can hear those touches of a bonafide Metal God throughout this album!”
Midnight Blitz tracklisting:
- Midnight Blitz
- Tears In Rain
- Follow Me In Death
- Dead Until Dark
- Barren Lands And Seas Of Red
- War In Heaven
- Blood Sacrifice
- Night Raids
- Eye Of The Storm
- Eulogy
Midnight Blitz will be available in the following formats:
– 1LP Gatefold Splatter CRISTALLO/RED, SKYBLUE – strictly limited to 300 copies
– 1LP Gatefold Splatter Dark Night Blue – strictly limited to 300 copies
– 1LP Gatefold Translucent Red
– 1LP Gatefold Solid Baby Pink – strictly limited to 300 copies (Band shop only)
– 1LP Gatefold Translucent Blue – available in the UK only
– Digipack & Shirt Bundle
– Music Cassette GREY – strictly limited to 100 copies
– 6 Page Digipack
– Digital Album
TAILGUNNER Live 2026
With HAMMERFALL
14.01.26 CH – Pratteln / Konzertfabrik Z7
15.01.26 CH – Lausanne / Les Docks
17.01.26 ES – Barcelona / Razzmatazz
18.01.26 ES – Murcia / Mamba
20.01.26 ES – Sevilla / Custom
21.01.26 PT – Lisbon / Republica Da Musica
22.01.26 PT – Porto / Hard Club
23.01.26 ES – Madrid / La Riviera
24.01.26 ES – Villava / Sala Totem
26.01.26 IT – Milan / Alcatraz
30.01.26 WL – Porthcawl, Wales / Planet Rock Winters End Festival
Tour Support for Fozzy’s “Eyes On You” Tour
06.02.26 EN – Brighton, England / Chalk
07.02.26 EN – Margate, England / Dreamland
08.02.26 EN – Manchester, England / The Ritz
10.02.26 EN – Norwich, England / Epic Studios
11.02.26 EN – Bradford, England / Nightrain
13.02.26 EN – Nottingham, England / Rock City
14.02.26 SC – Glasgow, Scotland / TV Studios
15.02.26 EN – Newcastle, England / Boiler Shop
17.02.26 WL – Cardiff, Wales / Tramshed
18.02.26 EN – Torquay, England / The Foundry
19.02.26 EN – Southampton, England / The 1865
20.02.26 EN – London, England / Electric Ballroom
21.02.26 EN – Wolverhampton, England / KK’s Steel Mill
Summer Festivals 2026
05.06.26 IS – Stykkishólmur / Sátan Festival
06.06.26 SE – Sölvesborg / Sweden Rock Festival
13.06.26 UK – Donington Park / Download Festival
26.06.26 CZ – Spálené Poříčí / Basinfire Fest
18.07.26 UK – Maidstone / Maid of Stone Festival
09.08.26 DE – Geiselwind / Keep It True Legions Festival
15.08.26 NL – Eindhoven / Dynamo Metal Fest
05.09.26 UK – Coventry / Hella Rock Festival (Coventry Empire)
TAILGUNNER are:
Craig Cairns – Vocals
Rhea Thompson – Lead Guitar
Zach Salvini – Lead Guitar
Bones – Bass Guitar
Eddie Mariotti – Drums
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