SABATON – Legends (2025) *HQ*
SABATON, currently one of the most popular Power Metal acts and one of Sweden’s most successful bands, is ready to ignite a new era with the their 11th studio album, ”Legends”, via Better Noise Music and marks the band’s label debut.
Throughout the aptly titled ”Legends”, which blends rock and history for fans of all ages, Sabaton – Joakim Brodén (vocals), Pär Sundström (bass), Chris Rörland (guitar), Thobbe Englund (guitar), Hannes Van Dahl (drums) – delve into some of history’s greatest and most loved characters such as Jeanne D’arc (also known as Joan of Arc), Napoleon Bonaparte, Julius Caesar and the legendary swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi.
For the first time in the band’s history, all current members have contributed to the songwriting and played a decisive role in shaping the album’s music and concept.
”Legends” is pretty different to previous Sabaton. It is more groove based than other albums that rely on mainly power metal riffage. It has a balance of varying rhythms that complement each other making for a well-paced release. It never seems to meander too long with one melody, with songs faster and slower spread out. When you’re ready to slow the pace a bit, the next song answers the call. This is followed by a track that goes full throttle to kick your ass.
One of the best tracks the band has written, ‘The Cycle of Songs’ is destined to be a future classic. The song relies on the E string to create a rhythmic groove that is traditionally heavy metal. The “secret sauce” to the song is something the band is not known for but is an element in many of their best songs, the keyboards. The key strikes ride over the melody and match the choral vocals, making for an explosive chorus that is destined to be sung loud and proud at their shows. A similar key structure is found in single ‘Crossing The Rubicon’. If you like that track, you get the same arrangement here.
‘A Tiger Among Dragons’ slows things down a bit at just the right time in the album and has a huge drum sound. Drummer Hannes Van Dahl is all over his set, creating a tribal rhythm that’s unique from any other track. The snare/cymbal strikes that match singer Joakim Brodén’s words in the chorus is perfect, making for that unmistakable Sabaton sound that no other band can match.
‘Maid of Steel’ is perfectly placed in between two heavy, but slower tempo songs. One audible breath from Joakim and the track takes off like a shotgun blast. It’s power metal at its finest and a template the band have mastered at this point.
‘Till Seger’ is the only track not sung in English, plus has a Celtic vibe that makes it unique.
”Legends” is pretty addictive, even you are not fan of this genre. It has staying power, which a lot of albums have difficulty with, in an age where there is so much music flooding the market.
If you are a fan, this is a day one purchase. If you’re unfamiliar with most or all their material, this is a great starting point. Power metal does not get much better than this.
Highly Recommended
01 – Templars
02 – Hordes of Khan
03 – A Tiger Among Dragons
04 – Crossing the Rubicon
05 – I, Emperor
06 – Maid of Steel
07 – Impaler
08 – Lightning at the Gates
09 – The Duelist
10 – The Cycle of Songs
11 – Till Seger
Joakim Brodén – lead and backing vocals, keyboards
Chris Rörland – guitars, backing vocals
Thobbe Englund – guitars, backing vocals
Pär Sundström – bass
Hannes Van Dahl – drums
Pre order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Legends-Sabaton/dp/B0FJS4M1H5
