Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
We sit down with Tailgunner, one of the most exciting rising bands in British heavy metal, to talk about their new album, their rapid rise in the modern metal scene, and what it’s like working with Judas Priest legend K.K. Downing. In this in-depth interview, the band discusses their connection to NWOBHM, classic heavy metal influences, songwriting, guitar work, and how they’re carrying traditional metal into a new era.
From studio insights to touring ambitions, Tailgunner open up about earning the respect of a metal icon, shaping their sound, and standing out in today’s heavy music landscape. If you’re searching for Tailgunner interview, British heavy metal bands, new heavy metal albums, NWOBHM revival, K.K. Downing collaborations, or modern traditional metal, this is a must-watch conversation for true metal fans.
0:00 Intro
2:01 Another Debut Album
4:40 Working with Legends
6:48 More than a Tribute
9:50 From Angel Witch to Ghost
12:40 Classic Album Openers
15:02 Midnight Blitz
16:20 Warhead Mascot
19:40 Outro
New to the channel? #please_subscribe
Video used: TAILGUNNER - Midnight Blitz (Official Video) | Napalm Records
youtube.com/watch?v=nnsTQq_8mR8&list=RDnnsTQq_8mR8&start_radio=1
TAILGUNNER about “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!’”
K.K. Downing on TAILGUNNER:
“TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK. 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 favourite of the fans.”
We sit down with Tailgunner, one of the most exciting rising bands in British heavy metal, to talk about their new album, their rapid rise in the modern metal scene, and what it’s like working with Judas Priest legend K.K. Downing. In this in-depth interview, the band discusses their connection to NWOBHM, classic heavy metal influences, songwriting, guitar work, and how they’re carrying traditional metal into a new era.
From studio insights to touring ambitions, Tailgunner open up about earning the respect of a metal icon, shaping their sound, and standing out in today’s heavy music landscape. If you’re searching for Tailgunner interview, British heavy metal bands, new heavy metal albums, NWOBHM revival, K.K. Downing collaborations, or modern traditional metal, this is a must-watch conversation for true metal fans.
0:00 Intro
2:01 Another Debut Album
4:40 Working with Legends
6:48 More than a Tribute
9:50 From Angel Witch to Ghost
12:40 Classic Album Openers
15:02 Midnight Blitz
16:20 Warhead Mascot
19:40 Outro
New to the channel? #please_subscribe
Video used: TAILGUNNER - Midnight Blitz (Official Video) | Napalm Records
youtube.com/watch?v=nnsTQq_8mR8&list=RDnnsTQq_8mR8&start_radio=1
TAILGUNNER about “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!’”
K.K. Downing on TAILGUNNER:
“TAILGUNNER is a band we should have seen emerge years ago from the UK. 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 favourite of the fans.”
