Armored Saint / Tailgunner – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill.

Tailgunner

Tailgunner are fairly new on the scene, having just one album to their name, and over the past two years they have risen quickly through the ranks, being noticed by some big names (KK Downing and Dave Mustaine have both given their nods of approval). However this is no fluke as they’ve been one of the hardest working bands out there. Tonight they’re here to continue with their mission – “To put British Heavy Metal back on the map!!!”, vocalist Craig exclaims.

By British Heavy Metal – they mean classic 80s style. NWOBHM vibes are strong in both music and stage presence – so much so that at times it feels as if they were genuinely born in the wrong era. Straight from the off they’re all charging around the stage, clad in leather, studs and high top white trainers. First tune is the title track off 2023’s ‘Guns For Hire’. Musically they’re tight (a product of their intensive touring), with great dual-guitar work and soaring vocals.

With them not having an extensive back catalogue to choose a setlist from, most songs from the debut are represented tonight. It’s nice to see some other interludes though, such as a classic 80’s style guitar battle between Rhea and Zach, which leads into a cover of Grieg’s ‘Hall of the Mountain King’. Craig clearly takes inspiration from the Greats of British Metal, channelling his inner Rob Halford & Bruce Dickinson (complete with Union Jack and military jacket). Bassist Tom is constantly in the crowd’s face, snarling atop the stage monitors.

Last year they switched drummers, bringing in newest member Jani. He’s an absolute powerhouse and kept time brilliantly throughout, but his star moment is obviously their last track tonight – a cover of Judas Priest’s ‘Painkiller’. With it being such a challenging song musically and vocally, I don’t recall any other bands taking on this cover version live, but they totally nailed it, and it’s especially fitting given the venue of tonight’s gig (KK Downing of Judas Priest fame owns it!)

Tailgunner gave it everything tonight, and they clearly love playing live. Watch this space – the new album is in the works, and they have an autumn UK tour booked. Check them out, they don’t disappoint.

Armored Saint

Founded in 1982 by the Sandoval brothers (Gonzo on drums, Phil on guitar), Armored Saint have always been a class act in their own right, but it it feels as if I do them a disservice by surmising that a lot of listeners (myself included) came to know them via the other bigger bands they’ve been associated with (I was introduced to Jon Bush via his tenure in Anthrax, and Joey Vera has played bass in Fates Warning & Mercyful Fate). In my mind, Armored Saint have always been more of a cult band that perhaps never fully got the recognition they deserved. I last saw them around 15 years ago and was impressed, so I was glad of the opportunity to photograph them this time around.

Bush takes the stage with his trademark massive grin; he’s always enjoying himself when he sings, and Joey’s high energy reminds me of the last time I saw them. The Sandoval brothers bring an air of extravagance and theatrics – Gonzo walks out proudly sporting a top hat, and if it wasn’t for the red Flying V guitar Phil would look as if he’s about to go to a cheesy disco club in his snakeskin print shirt and sharp black flares.

But disco this is not – they open with End of the Attention Span, then straight into Raising Fear. Being faster/louder/heavier than their contemporaries simply for the sake of it has never been on Armored Saint’s agenda, instead what we have here is a band that are locked together with a fantastic vibe and feel, who clearly have fun doing what they do. Tribal dance follows, which showcases their great groove. Phil’s solos are on point and John’s vocals are as powerful as ever, even with the high range tracks – it sounds as if he hasn’t aged a bit.

It’s hard to believe that it is now 40 years since the release of their debut, and it’s these tracks that are the biggest crowd pleasers – Album title track ‘March of the Saint’, the now iconic ‘Can You Deliver’ and set closer ‘Mad House’. Along the way, John Bush introduces his bandmates, and says a humble thank you to KK Downing for the inspiration… “High School would have been a hell of a lot harder without your music, man. And let’s hear it for Les Binks!”

In 2024, Armored Saint march confidently onwards, showing no signs of slowing down, and the fans in Wolverhampton have been appreciative of such a solid performance tonight.