SABATON “LEGENDS” ALBUM REVIEW
WRITTEN BY DANIEL GREEN
“Templars” is such a great opening track for Sabaton’s new album, “Legends”. It’s nostalgic for long-time fans, and gives new listeners a perfect example of Sabaton’s signature style of metal music.
What drew me to Sabaton in the first place is their use of historical stories and “Legends” as the focus of their songs. The combination of excellent power metal and historical context gives Sabaton such an interesting depth. You can really feel both of those things in the song “Templars”. Each new song you listen to is a different story from another part of the world.
This album contains stories across thousands of years and multiple nations. Every Sabaton album is a wonderful journey through history, and this one is no exception.
Given my personal interest in Vlad the Impaler, King of Wallachia, and the theorized origin of the modern vampire myth, I was a little disappointed in the song “Impaler”. It seems like Bordén wanted to combine a slower, more ballad-like feeling to the song and their usual power metal style.
Unfortunately, I feel like “Impaler” fell short in this aspect compared to other Sabaton songs that do this, like “Father” from Weapons of the Modern Age. The story within the lyrics of “Impaler” is still very interesting to listen to, but the song’s overall arrangement and lyricism leave a bit to be desired.
But don’t let my personal opinion dissuade you from listening to this album, though. Immediately following “Impaler” is “Lightning at the Gates”, a song about Hannibal crossing the Alps and invading the northern parts of Italy. Sabaton throws you right back into a powerful, beautiful head-banger, where Bordén’s strong vocals and Rōrland and Englund’s guitar riffs blend in epic harmony.
The anchor of this album, “Till Seger”, is the perfect end to Legends. Unlike the rest of the album, which is sung in English, “Till Seger” is entirely in Sabaton’s native Swedish. The Swedish lyrics, Bordén’s powerful voice, and Sabaton’s signature style are on full display here. Even if you have to find a translation of the lyrics after hearing it to understand such a cool and culturally personal story, “Till Seger” is an amazing experience from start to finish.
Overall, Legends was a joy to listen to, and I am always excited to see what new things Sabaton will teach me. Mixing History and Metal music drew me in and continues to keep me waiting for the next album release. With a strong opening and a perfect ending, Legends easily finds its place among my favorites, alongside The Art of War, The Last Stand, and The War to End All Wars.
I would give this album a strong 8.5 out of 10.
