Militarie Gun – ‘God Save The Gun’ Review: LA Punks Elevate Their Sound on Ambitious Second Album

Explore how Militarie Gun’s ‘God Save The Gun’ blends raw punk energy with soaring pop-rock melodies and heartfelt vulnerability.

Militarie Gun live in 2025, capturing their intense punk spirit.

If you’ve ever felt like the soundtrack to your messy, complicated life was missing some serious punch, Militarie Gun’s frontman Ian Shelton might just be the voice you need. “I want to make pop rock music for people who are fucked up,” Shelton candidly shared in a recent interview. Coming from the hardcore punk trenches, where raw aggression often meets vein-popping screams and snarling riffs, Shelton takes a different route with Militarie Gun. Instead of pure rage, he channels that energy into catharsis wrapped in massive, arena-ready choruses. It’s punk, sure, but with a heart that beats for singalongs and emotional release.

A Bold Leap Toward Bigger Soundscapes

This ambition finds its fullest expression on God Save The Gun, Militarie Gun’s sophomore album, and it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish. The record kicks off with ‘B A D I D E A’, a track that feels like the perfect Militarie Gun blueprint: high-octane energy, infectious shout-alongs, and a new layer of synth textures that add a fresh dimension to their hardcore roots. It’s a bold move—a flirtation with synth that might seem like crossing a hardcore punk Rubicon—but it totally works, opening new sonic doors without losing any edge.

The album is a rollercoaster of moods and tempos. From the mid-tempo anthem vibes of ‘Kick’ and ‘Thought You Were Waving’ to the raw punk blasts of ‘Throw Me Away’ and ‘Maybe I’ll Burn My Life Down’, the band covers a wide emotional spectrum. Even more surprising are the lighter, acoustic-driven tracks like ‘Laugh At Me’ and ‘Wake Up and Smile’, which show a refreshing vulnerability and depth.

The evocative cover artwork for God Save The Gun signals a complex, heartfelt journey.

Check out the official video for ‘B A D I D E A’, showcasing their dynamic energy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLz4rnkCAM0

Embracing Vulnerability in Punks’ Usual Aggression

What really makes God Save The Gun stand out is Shelton’s brutal honesty. This album isn’t just loud and anthemic—it’s emotionally exhausting and deeply personal, like watching someone run a marathon of their soul. Shelton’s lyrics wrestle with his upbringing shadowed by addiction and his own struggles with alcohol. The self-destruction, self-hatred, and self-reflection aren’t just themes—they’re raw confessions.

On ‘B A D I D E A’, he spits:

“I’ve been slipping up / My eyes are baggy and my face is puffed up,”

And later on ‘Throw Me Away’:

“I wouldn’t wish me on anyone.”

This level of frankness runs throughout tracks like ‘God Owes Me Money’ and ‘Kick’, where Shelton pulls no punches in unpacking trauma and pain. Adding a unique twist, his younger brother, performing as Vatican Voss after serving time, drops intense rap interludes that bring a deeper familial and storytelling layer to these songs.

The standout track, ‘I Won’t Murder Your Friend’, is perhaps the most gut-wrenching. Shelton confronts lifelong suicidal thoughts with piercing vulnerability:

“How are you gonna say sorry / To the person who discovers your body? / After all, you just murdered their friend.”

The chorus then swells with raw emotion:

“I don’t want to see the look on your face / So I’ll guess I’ll stay.”

It’s a track that manages to be poignant without tipping into melodrama, wry without losing sincerity—a true testament to Militarie Gun’s evolution from punk rebels into creators of anthems that invite everyone into the mosh pit of their hearts.

Album Details

• Record Label: Loma Vista Recordings
• Release Date: October 17, 2025

God Save The Gun isn’t just an album; it’s an emotional reckoning wrapped in loud guitars and catchy hooks. Shelton’s journey from hardcore rage to vulnerable anthems makes this record a compelling listen for anyone who’s ever felt both broken and hopeful in the same breath. What surprised me most was how the band balances the fury of punk with melodies that feel big enough to fill stadiums.

FAQ

• What genre does Militarie Gun’s ‘God Save The Gun’ belong to?
  It's a blend of hardcore punk energy with pop-rock melodies and some synth elements, making it an ambitious and eclectic punk album.
• Who is Ian Shelton?
  He is the frontman of Militarie Gun, known for blending hardcore punk with emotional, arena-ready rock songs.
• Are there any guest appearances on the album?
  Yes, Shelton’s younger brother, performing as Vatican Voss, contributes rap interludes on several tracks.
• What themes does the album explore?
  The record dives into addiction, self-destruction, trauma, vulnerability, and personal struggle, all wrapped in raw, honest lyrics.
• When was ‘God Save The Gun’ released?
  The album was released on October 17, 2025, under Loma Vista Recordings.

If you’re drawn to deeply personal punk rock that doesn’t shy away from big melodies or emotional truth, why not bring a piece of God Save The Gun into your space? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store here—it’s the perfect tribute to a band that’s not afraid to bare it all.