The Swedish band Bullet got together in autumn 2001, with the aim of playing traditional heavy metal inspired by the late 1970s and early 1980s: solid, authentic and classic, with a contemporary and timeless touch. Seven years after their latest studio album, ‘Dust To Gold’ (2018), the musicians Dag “Hell” Hofer (vocals), Hampus Klang (guitar), Gustav Hector (bass), Gustav Hjortsjö (drums) and latest addition Freddie Johansson (guitar) are now back with a new album: ‘Kickstarter’ out on Steamhammer on 09 January 2026 and is set to prove that Bullet are determined to continue their almost 25-year career with the very kickstart referenced to by the album title. This of course also includes Bullet’s iconic tour bus, whose engine exploded after one of their most recent shows, forcing the musicians to embark on their return journey without their rolling accommodation. Naturally, this was the end neither of Bullet nor their battered vehicle – to the contrary: The group’s classic heavy metal spirit and their unwavering DIY mindset have proved stronger than ever. Having repaired the ageing bus with unwavering determination, oil-smeared hands and sweaty brows. Bullet are now ready to hit the road again, with ‘Kickstarter’ and the three lead singles/videos ‘Kickstarter’ (17 October 2025), ‘Keep Rolling’ (21 November 2025) and ‘Chained By Metal’ (19 December 2025) on board.

Bullet’s career began when Hampus Klang teamed up with Dag “Hell” Hofer and Lenny Blade, both erstwhile members of Breakers and Hypnosia, as well as Gustav Hjortsjö and Erik Almström, formerly with local thrash band Talion. Their first demo ‘Heavy Metal Highway’ arrived in summer 2002, followed by the EP ‘Speeding In The Night’ in 2003. The musicians’ uncompromising style and emotional homage to bands such as Accept, AC/DC and Judas Priest quickly attracted the attention of a wider audience, who noted with growing interest that they paid attention to every detail, from sound and songwriting to instrumentation, stage outfits and hairstyles. In addition to the old tour bus, the musicians’ vintage motorcycles also show what Bullet are about.

This obvious passion led to a recording deal with Swedish label Sound Pollution and the release of their 2006 debut album ‘Heading For The Top’. The band’s rapidly rising popularity following the 2008 successor ‘Bite The Bullet’ led to an opening slot for AC/DC at Gothenburg’s Ullevi Stadium in 2009, followed by tours with Sabaton, Hammerfall and Backyard Babies. In the wake of ‘Heading For The Top’, bassist Lenny Blade left the band and was replaced by Adam Hector, who had never played bass before. When Adam pointed this out to his new colleagues, Hampus replied: “C´mon, a monkey can play bass in Bullet!”, which goes to show that the band value an intact band culture and team spirit more than individual skill or excessive vanity.

With Kickstarted being out on January 9th, I’ve the pleasure to speak with Hampus Klang in late December 2025 on the album and much more. Check out the complete coverage on the below YouTube video,

Tracklisting:
01. Kickstarter
02. Caught In The Action
03. Open Fire
04. Keep Rolling
05. Hit The Road
06. Avenger
07. Chained By Metal
08. Spitfire
09. Full Throttle
10. Strike At Night
11. Night Falls Down