My interest in TAILGUNNER was piqued by the number of positive comments of friends and acquaintances after seeing them live. So, when "Guns For Hire" came up on the METAL TEMPLE spreadsheet for reviewing, I jumped at the chance. I was hoping that what I heard about them live would translate well in a studio setting. And to put your mind at ease, it has.

I for one haven't seen TAILGUNNER live yet, a feat that I need to correct whenever they visit my shore (the Netherlands, or even Belgium). Until then I will have to suffice by listening to "Guns For Hire", the debut album. Just five years after forming the band has been able to write and record ten top NWOTHM songs that hit the spot in the right way. Although I have to say that the real action has only been going on for just over a year now. The pandemic slowed everything down, obviously.

I have given the music on "Guns For Hire" the NWOTHM tag, as I feel that is most accurate. If you want more specific, think Battle Metal mixed with Speed Metal, plus Melodic and Traditional Heavy Metal. In other words, a Heavy Metal version of AMON AMARTH, if you will. Or a faster and more contemporary version of MANOWAR, which also is true. But both those descriptions fall short in comparison to the actual sound of TAILGUNNER. The main reason is that they are not very shy in using old IRON MAIDEN riffs and licks to enrich their sound.

You will raise your fists at a live show, of that I am sure. You will also be able to shout along during the refrains. That is a given. But you will certainly enjoy the approachability of the songs that feature on "Guns For Hire". They will be able to embed themselves into your brain without any hesitation. But I do have to warn you, the songs are good, but not world class. They are just that little bit too shallow to be called anthems or classics. On the other hand, the light and easy touch they have inside them makes them very lovable and pleasant. All put together this is a very well-made debut album and TAILGUNNER can be very proud of themselves. However, I am expecting them to take a rather big step forward in the future. I look forward to the time that happens.