Hammerfall & Tailgunner @ Z7 Pratteln
14.01.2026 @ Konzertfabrik Z7 Pratteln Switzerland
I don’t go to Z7 as often anymore. As you get older, you become more selective about which bands you’re willing to stay up late for and struggle to get out of bed the next morning. But for these bands, who are now almost veterans, I’m happy to do it again.
At 8:15 p.m. sharp, the lights go out and the spotlight comes on. The opening act Tailgunner has only been around since 2022, when a few young British musicians got together to form a Classic British Heavy Metal band. Musically, I would have guessed Sweden, without knowing where they come from. You just get the feeling that you can hear some influences from Swedish bands. Singer Craig Cairns has a good voice and knows how to win over the audience. He is accompanied on lead guitar by Rhea Thompson and Zach Salvini, as well as bassist Bones and drummer Eddie Mariotti.
The four guys and the girl deliver a solid, well played performance and the atmosphere they create as the support act is good. The band still lacks a bit of recognition, something that makes them unique in terms of sound, but they should be able to achieve that soon, too. The focus is clearly on strong guitar solos that are surely impressive. A few more years and a little fine-tuning here and there, and the band will be a great newcomer heavy metal act.
By the way: Tailgunner will release their second album, “Midnight Blitz,” on February 6, 2026, via Napalm Records.
The band we’re actually here to see has been around for almost four decades: Joacim Cans and the guys from Hammerfall. I think they were the second band I’ve seen live at Z7. Although Stratovarius was the main act back then, I was only present for the Swedes. Everything on stage is a little slower and less spectacular than it used to be, but the music is still the same and Cans’ voice is still great.
The guys are touring with their 2024 album “Avenge the Fallen,” but of course they’re not just playing the new songs, they’re also playing old hits like ‘Renegade’ and “Hearts on Fire.”
The atmosphere is great right from the start, and Oscar Dronjak in particular seems to be enjoying it. The show at Z7 is the start of their European tour, after they already toured Argentina and Brazil in November.
The “Freedom World Crusade 2026” tour includes 22 shows. You still have the opportunity to see the band in Europe until March 7, 2026. Several shows are still planned in Germany and England. Don’t miss out and “Let the Hammer Fall!”
