Sabaton is a heavy metal band out of Sweden with lyrics and albums that focus on history and war. True, they've been around 20 years but their music remains fresh and relevant. If you like this genre, you will LOVE Sabaton. If you like history and music that isn't milquetoast or ashamed of smiling on victory, check out their catalog. I've learned almost everything I know about the history of Sweden through Carolus Rex.
The only thing worse than war is it’s absence when needed.
The first song I heard from Sabaton describes the Warsaw Uprising.
I’ve been into them since 2007. I always keep up with their new music.
In.
Heavy Metal
Not my cup of tea
Still not music
The first song I heard from them was 'Ghost Division', about Rommel's tank division that swept across France during the blitzkrieg. I had thought they were glorifying the Nazis, but I was wrong. The next song I heard was 'Winged Hussars', which is about the defeat of the Ottoman Empire at the battle of Vienna in 1529, which prevented a Muslim takeover of Europe.
Since then, I've listened to many tracks from Sabaton. I've even used their music to teach history to my kids. Now they also love Sabaton, and sometimes listen to their music while doing the dishes.
Their most recent project, 'Great War' is all about World War I. It doesn't glorify war, not in the slightest. It does have some songs that build up the exploits of some who fought. For instance, 'Red Baron' is, of course, about the exploits of Manfred von Richtofen. Another track, '82nd All The Way', is about Sgt. Alvin York. And another track is a tribute to the US Marine Corps, and the name they earned during WWI, 'Devil Dogs'.
One of the things Sabaton prides itself on is the historical accuracy in their music. They get down and do the research into the things they sing about. It's really something.
Neigbor of mine enjoys them. I should check it out sometime.
I recently discovered Sabaton and am very impressed. Their lyrics aren’t the kind of lyrics that one expects to hear from a Heavy Metal band. Talented musicians.
Fun fact: Sabaton’s drummer, Hannes Van Dahl, is in a relationship with Floor Jansen, the incredible vocalist from the Finnish Symphonic Metal band “Nightwish”, and they have a young daughter. Jansen, herself, is Dutch. I’m currently obsessed with Nightwish.
Other very good Symphonic Metal bands are the Dutch bands “Epica” and “Within Temptation”.
You are correct; To find good modern music, one must look to Northern Europe.
There’s also Sabaton History on youtube.
Here’s their To Hell And Back history.
To Hell and Back – Audie Murphy – Sabaton History 004 [Official]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0PriUnAJ3U
I discovered Sabaton through my son about a year ago.
Great stuff, history lesson in a song.
My favorite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9BupglHdtM
Sabaton - Winged Hussars
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=75zmIj_4LFQ
Teaching extremely important history with Metal.
Sabaton is excellent.