Swedish heavy metal outfit Bullet have teamed up with Metal Insider to share a track-by-track guide on their new album, Kickstarter, available now. Formed in 2001 with a mission to carry the torch of late ’70s and early ’80s heavy metal, the group has spent nearly 25 years perfecting their craft to refine the timeless sound. Now, with the follow-up to 2018’s Dust To Gold, Bullet are back, welcoming 2026 with heavier riffs on their latest offering. Drummer Gustav Hjortsjö chimed in below to explain each track on the album. 

Kickstarter

It starts with a kick — a real kickstarter riff. The album opens exactly as it should. The lyrics and title are represented in the cover art. It’s everything it claims to be, nothing more, nothing less.

Caught in the Action

A natural follow-up to Kickstarter. A song about the need for speed. The first song completed for the album, and the one that really set the tone for the rest.

Open Fire

A song about Arthur Brown and a legendary, magical show at our home ground, Muskelrock. The intro riff might remind some of Dusk Till Dawn, but after almost 25 years, borrowing a little from oneself is expected, right?

Keep Rolling

A slower, more arena-like tune. One of the few songs where the lyrics carry a bit more meaning. We see it as Rolling Home 2.0 — about our tour bus blowing its engine, getting rebuilt, and coming back stronger than ever.

Hit the Road

The title has been with us for maybe 15 years. Many versions were made before the final album take. The guitar riff was rewritten in the studio just before recording, and later turned out to be very close to one of the earliest demo versions.

Avenger

Another very old title, but a completely different song from the original ideas. Possibly the most aggressive track on the album, filled with vengeance.

Chained by Metal

Dedicated to the Bullet Bastards, our closest circle of fans. It was about time the bastards got celebrated. A kind of Motörhead-ish song, built around the title and the hook. A very Heavy Metal title!

Spitfire

A very classic mid-tempo Bullet tune. Simple in a way, but with a strong groove, especially live. Features some clever touches, like the key change in the chorus, making it fit for listening over and over.

Full Throttle

A slightly moodier riff, with a bit of W.A.S.P. influence, but still driven by groove and tempo. Many versions were made before the song finally crystallized. It even carried the title Kickstarter for a while.

Strike at Night

Energetic, but with a bit of “cool” to it. Some Highway Star influence, mixed with early Judas Priest and a splash of Ronnie James Dio. Not the most unique recipe, but the song still stands out.

Night Falls Down

A song about trucking and the feeling of freedom and autonomy. The lyrics are inspired by two Swedish classics by Pugh Rogerfeldt, Här Kommer Natten and Grävmaskinen. A mellow but powerful groove, and the perfect album closer.

The new Bullet album, Kickstarter, was released on January 9, 2026 via Steamhammer. Order the album at this location. 

Zenae Zukowski

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