In a brand new interview with Jai That Aussie Steel Man, SABATON singer Joakim Brodén spoke concerning the lyrical inspiration for the band’s upcoming eleventh studio album, “Legends”, which can arrive on October 17 by way of Higher Noise Music. He mentioned (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “We wished to do one thing completely different after having been in World Conflict I-era warfare for fairly a while. We felt, when the pandemic hit, we simply began touring on ‘The Nice Conflict’ [2019] theme. And we additionally had songs left — like we wished to inform the story of, properly, Christmas Truce, Hellfighters, and we did not have the proper music in that case for after we have been making ‘The Nice Conflict’, so it made excellent sense for us to proceed within the World Conflict I observe. This time, nevertheless, we felt like we had— I am not saying by no means once more, however we’re, for now a minimum of, executed with World Conflict I and we wished to do one thing completely different. An thought about one thing like that is one thing we had floating round for fairly a while, as a result of it takes you to completely different locations, for certain. I imply, now we have executed historical warfare earlier than, however most of it has been fashionable warfare — World Conflict I and onward. So it was actually liberating, I suppose, to maneuver out right here. I imply, completely new vocabulary to work with when writing lyrics, for certain.”
He continued: “The one downside we had was… Clearly, there are some tales which can be implausible they usually’re identified for a motive — it is apparent and most of the people have heard about them. Possibly we will carry one thing new to mild. However we additionally love to herald one thing completely unknown and one thing folks have by no means heard earlier than. The issue with this then is ‘legends’ — you are not gonna be a legend or it is not gonna be a legendary factor if no person’s ever heard of it earlier than. [Laughs] So we needed to work a bit in another way, considering, like, yeah, okay, Lu Bu, the Chinese language basic on ‘A Tiger Amongst Dragons’ — not extraordinary, however fairly extraordinary the place we’re from. So we needed to begin trying extra geographically various as properly, as a result of Miyamoto Musashi, the Samurai, is way from unknown in Japan. Nevertheless, in a minimum of Scandinavian tradition, I might say you must be into historical past to have heard about him. After which additionally the potential of exploring completely different sides. I imply him, for instance, he’s not solely a dualist and a warrior, however he is an writer as properly, and there is a large, properly, I suppose, philosophical facet to him as properly.”
Requested if the truth that that is the primary time in SABATON historical past that each member of the band has contributed to the songwriting course of had modified the artistic vitality and the dynamic within the studio for the group, Joakim mentioned: “It hasn’t actually modified something, as a result of it is simply the primary time all people’s been on the identical album. I’ve written with Hannes [Van Dahl], the drummer, earlier than. I’ve written with Chris [Rörland] and Thobbe [Englund], the guitar gamers, earlier than, and Pär [Sundström, SABATON bassist] has at all times been concerned within the lyric writing. So it is simply the primary time we have been all collectively on the similar time. And I am completely satisfied about it as a result of it means much less time for me sitting alone writing music. In order that’s the largest change, I suppose. I wasn’t as alone this time. Yay!”
All through the aptly titled “Legends”, which blends rock and historical past for followers of all ages, SABATON delves into a few of historical past’s biggest and most liked characters equivalent to Jeanne D’arc (often known as Joan Of Arc),Napoleon Bonaparte, Julius Caesar and the legendary swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi.
“Legends” will probably be out there throughout varied completely different bodily codecs and retailer exclusives together with CD, 2CD digibook, 2CD earbook (each together with the unique Storyteller Version),11 distinctive vinyl editions (together with a particular vinyl coloration and unique paintings every),extra unique vinyl colours and a restricted field set (together with one other unique vinyl coloration, the 2CD earbook, and a coloured cassette as an unique format).
Amongst 11 distinctive vinyl editions, each portraying one legendary determine, “Legends” will probably be out there because the “Hannibal Version” and the “Miyamoto Musashi Version”, that are linked to at the moment’s music releases for “Lightning At The Gates” (Hannibal) and “The Duelist” (Miyamoto Musashi).
“Legends” is a rock odyssey that transcends time and borders, with melodic guitar riffs, goosebump-inducing choirs, and epic choruses. It marks a daring evolution in storytelling, plunging headfirst into the center of historical past’s most formidable and enigmatic figures. These usually are not simply rock songs, they’re battle hymns carved from the blood and legacy of warriors, kings, strategists, and revolutionaries.
SABATON have at all times had a signature concentrate on writing songs about historic battles, wars, and acts of heroism which have solidified their influence with their loyal and longtime followers. They’ve collaborated carefully with its community of specialists, developed over time for the reason that launch of the Sabaton Historical past Channel on YouTube, to ensure this new album is as soon as once more as near actuality as doable.
SABATON continues to work with graphic artist Peter Sallai to create the putting album paintings, and producer Jonas Kjellgren is as soon as once more behind the boards from his Swedish Black Lounge Studios to create the basic SABATON sound the band is now identified for.
Within the greater than twenty years for the reason that band’s launch, SABATON has headlined main festivals, sold-out enviornment live shows worldwide, and gained a legion of loyal followers by carving out a status for being one of many hardest working bands within the enterprise. Since their 2005 debut album, they’ve earned gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications in territories around the globe with their 10 studio albums. Eight of their albums scored High 10 worldwide chart standing, and 6 claimed the High 5. SABATON has earned eight Steel Hammer Golden Gods Awards nominations, taking dwelling the award for “Breakthrough Artist” in 2011 and “Finest Dwell Band” in three completely different years, and a Grammis nomination (Swedish equal to the U.S. Grammy Award) as “Finest Heavy Steel” band. They’ve gathered greater than three billion streams throughout all streaming platforms and two billion views on YouTube.
Thobbe initially joined SABATON in April 2012 and amicably parted methods with the band in July 2016 to concentrate on his private life and develop his creativity. He rejoined SABATON in February 2024.
Englund recorded two studio albums with SABATON, particularly “Heroes” (2014) and “The Final Stand” (2016),and assisted with the songwriting of some extremely popular songs together with “Shiroyama” and “Fields Of Verdun”, amongst others.
In November 2025, SABATON will embark on a 20-city European run dubbed “The Legendary Tour”. The band teased the trek as “an enormous celebration of SABATON‘s music, storytelling and the unbelievable bond they share with their followers”, that includes “The Legendary Orchestra and different surprises,” leading to “one thing unprecedented.”
Final fall, SABATON served as important help to JUDAS PRIEST on the legendary heavy metallic band’s North American tour.
