Here we are again back at Bannermans, Edinburgh for a night of proper heavy metal and a band I’ve wanted to see for while: Tailgunner. But we have three other bands to enjoy first, kicking off with Wild Fire who start the show with “Undercover” from their fabulous 2023 Buried Deep EP. With a crunching guitar riff and killer drums, it takes you back to 1980 with its early metal vibe, think Angelwitch meets Sabbath.
The title track from the EP follows, “Buried Deep” has a similar riffage and vocal feel, tasty stuff indeed. We go back to their 2021 EP Screaming for Mercy and “Gimme a Kiss”, another cracking rocker of a track. The boys get through a few more before ending a strong but short set with “Stronger” from the Screaming for Mercy EP. This one features a fabulous guitar opening along with thunderous drumming, and is a fantastic end to their set. A band well worth checking out and give those EPs a spin.
We have Oath Sc up next and I have been looking forward to seeing them for a while. They started in 2018 as a solo project for Steve Waddell and tonight is only their second gig, I believe. They open up with a couple from their 2020 album Computer Warrior, the guitars kicking in like Iron Maiden on speed. Steve has a great classic metal sounding voice, and the song rattles along like good old Killers-era Maiden, what an opener.
We have the title track next with the “Computer Warrior”. I do love twin guitar songs, this one having a later-era Maiden vibe to it with the vocals having a smoother feel to them. Some tremendous bass and drums kicking it along with some impressive guitar soloing towards the end. We have a couple from their Legion EP -“A Dream of Solitude”, a real pounder of a song with some interesting vocals and some intricate guitar work towards the end, and “The Carpathian” with its carry-you-along vibe. A real foot stomping, head banger of a track.
A touch of “Insomnia” before we are “Blinded by the Sun” from their excellent 2021 album Legacy follow. We also have “Disposable” on the list tonight from their 2022 album Hallowed Illusions with its absolutely furious drum intro. I thought they were fantastic tonight, definitely a band to catch live. Overall, the complete package of old school heavy metal, and it takes me back to 79/80 when I started going to gigs. I would urge you to go check them out live, check the albums out – and they have some really tasty merch that is well worth investing in!
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Tantrum take up the main slot and it’s pretty much a different line up from the last time I saw them. Most of the set is from their latest album Another Life, released earlier this year. They start off with three off the new album including the pounding title track “Another Life” and I cannot help but think this sounds so much like a heavier version of the German band Axxis.
“Hellion” is another belter of a track with some superb guitar work from both players, backed up with some killer drums, and fantastic vocals from Mark. The “Sands of Time” kicks on from from the previous two with the boys in fine form, another fantastic song. We also get a couple from their fabulous 2022 Worlds End EP starting with the Maiden-laden “Nevermore” with its killer guitar and drums intro and Mark having his Bruce Dickinson vocal moments. A big fan favourite next, judging by the reactions, the thumping rocker “Valhalla”. Mark’s voice is huge on this one as the crowd sing along with this killer song.
We have a couple from Another Life left on the setlist in the form of the killer “Black and White”, probably my to track tonight with some impressive vocals and guitar work. Tantrum end their short but powerful set with “Hunter Hunted”, a pounding drum entry before the guitars kick in and those air raid siren vocals open up again. This was another killer set tonight, from a band that has matured a lot since the last time I saw them.
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Bannermans witnessed a the climax of a night of unadulterated heavy metal mayhem as Tailgunner took the stage, riding the wave of their stellar debut album, Guns for Hire. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the venue buzzed with excitement.
From the moment the haunting intro of “Zorba the Greek” echoed through the venue, Tailgunner made a grand entrance, launching straight into the heart-pounding title track, “Guns for Hire”, catapulting the audience back to the raw energy of 1980. With a whirlwind of killer drums, dual guitar riffs, and powerful vocals, the band commandeered the stage with unparalleled intensity.
The crowd was treated to a rare gem with their rendition of “Beast in the Night,” a hidden treasure from Randy’s 1986 single, flawlessly executed and perfectly suited to the band’s style. The thunderous “Warhead” exploded, followed by a captivating guitar battle and a nod to classical influences with “Hall of the Mountain King” and a touch of “Scotland the Brave”.
Tailgunner showcased their versatility with a masterful cover of Priest’s “Painkiller,” seamlessly transitioning into the tracks from their debut album. Each song, from the fierce “Blood For Blood” to the electrifying “Revolution Scream,” showcased the band’s extraordinary musical prowess.
The night reached its climax with a headbanging frenzy during the high-octane “Crashdive” and the commanding “Rebirth.” Tailgunner’s final tribute came in the form of Dio’s “Don’t Talk to Strangers”, a performance that resonated deeply with the audience, even though some fans, like myself, are particular about Dio covers.
In summary, this night at Bannermans was an unforgettable experience. Tailgunner’s electrifying vocals, breathtaking guitar solos, and a rhythm section that never missed a beat painted a vivid picture of what genuine heavy metal should be. If you missed this show, consider it a missed chapter in the epic saga of heavy metal. Catch Tailgunner while they still grace the intimate stages, for they are undoubtedly destined for greatness. As I left the venue, I couldn’t help but feel like a true metal enthusiast, having witnessed a night that will echo in my memory for years to come.
Photos by Gary Cooper
