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Militarie Gun

Jan 28, 2026 By Dom Gourlay Web Exclusive

​Los Angeles quintet Militarie Gun‘s rise has been a bumpy one at times, not to mention traumatic having changed its entire line-up between albums, mainly due to the pressures of touring which has arguably been a key factor in the band becoming a word-of-mouth sensation over the past couple of years. Initially created as a solo vehicle for vocalist and lyricist Ian Shelton after the demise of his previous band. Militarie Gun soon morphed into a fully-fledged band line-up, releasing a handful of singles and EPs whilst doing what they seemingly do best; going on the road and spreading their message to live audiences. Indeed, its their obvious connection with people and intense live show that’s helped propel them from the US hardcore scene’s underground to the verge of global mainstream success. Never giving less than 100% and often playing their entire catalogue to boot, Militarie Gun must rank as one of the hardest working bands on the circuit at the minute.

It’s difficult enough for most bands to find the time to write and record two albums in the space of two years anyway, but in the case of Militarie Gun having spent most of the interim periods before and after each record on tour they deserve an extra round of plaudits for maintaining a distinct level of quality control throughout. Having only just finished a 21-date tour at the end of November for their most recent long player God Save The Gun which came out the previous month, they find themselves back on the road once more for a mammoth 52 shows taking them through to the middle of May when they’ll finish off at San Francisco’s legendary Filmore venue.

So, it represents something of a major coup that Porto’s Casa Da Musica has managed to snare them for the opening night. As a venue, its quite unique in both layout and shape. Its ornate, polygon structure standing out amongst the other shops and buildings which surrounds it. Designed in 2001 by architect Rem Koolhaas to mark Porto being the European Capital of Culture, then opened to the public four years later. Once inside, each of its five floors are connected by a series of lifts and staircases that makes it easy to lose one’s sense of direction at times, albeit marvelling at its creation as we go. The concert hall (the smaller of the venue’s two) takes the form of an open-plan room with no barrier or pit between floor and stage. Sonically pristine throughout, the acoustics make for a blistering accompaniment to the delirious racket emanating from the stage.

Live, Militarie Gun are an exhilarating force to be reckoned with, packing eighteen songs into just under an hour. Many of which are punctuated by spoken word diatribes which range from anti-Trump polemic (and rightly so) to how some of these songs came about. The stories of both albums being as fascinating as the songs themselves, not only brought to life by Shelton’s provocative lyrics, but also the stirring musicianship of guitarists Kevin Kiley and William Acuña, drummer David Stalsworth and bassist Waylon Trim. Each complimenting one another whilst giving the recorded versions a new lease of life in the flesh.

Playing a set that’s heavily focused on both records - God Save The Gun‘s breakthrough single “BADIDEA” bookending the show in being aired twice. Each song carrying its own message and most of them being screamed back at Shelton and co. by a very vocal audience. Early singles “Pressure Cooker” and “Big Disappointment” are particularly well received as are the three singles off debut album Life Under The Gun, especially a rousing “Do It Faster” which culminates in Shelton crowdsurfing into the ever growing moshpit out front.

By the end of the set, Shelton finds himself firmly entrenched in the sweaty throng, shaking hands and thanking everyone for coming. It’s easy to see why a community exists around Militarie Gun, and a global one at that. With another 51 shows to go on this leg of the tour, 2026 looks set to be a busy and productive year for the band. All hail the Gun!