| Written by Alex Stojanovic TRACK LISTING Templars Hordes Of Khan A Tiger Among Dragons Crossing The Rubicon I, Emperor Maid Of Steel Impaler Lightning At The Gates The Duelist The Cycle Of Songs Till Seger Release Date: October 17, 2025 Label: Better Noise Music Website: sabaton.net facebook.com/sabaton |  |
History class is back in session and it's once again taught by metal's favourite history teachers: Sabaton! Having focused on World War I over the last two records, the theme has now moved on to prominent figures and events in history, which is all covered on their eleventh album, aptly and simply titled Legends. Since the release of The War To End All Wars, the band have gone through their first lineup change in almost a decade, where Tommy Johansson announced his departure from the band and gave his camo pants back to his predecessor, Thobbe Englund, solidifying the same lineup that recorded The Last Stand. They also released an animated movie based on The War To End All Wars, so they have been busy boys while continuing to build their reputation as one of the biggest and most prominent bands in metal today.
Going back to Legends, they bring their signature sound and touch on important historical figures like Genghis Khan, Julius Caeser, Napoleon, Joan Of Arc and Vlad The Impaler just to name a few. One of Sabaton's strengths has always been the storytelling. Just like any good book does, as they sing about all these figures and historic moments, they paint pictures that transport you directly to the moments they're describing in the songs. Even if you weren't all that interested in history in school, but are a big metalhead, Sabaton have the power to make learning history appealing.
Right when you hear the album's anthemic opener "Templars", which tells the story of the downfall of the Knights Templar, you're drawn in to the scene that the band sets with a grandiose chorus and some almost dark vocals from Joakim Broden. Captivating choruses have always been one of Sabaton's strongest suites. For proof, look no further than "I, Emperor", which tackles the life of Napoleon, "Lightning At The Gates", which talks about Hannibal's crossing of the Alps, and "Crossing The Rubicon", which talks about Julius Caeser's crossing of the Rubicon River. These are just some of the tracks where the choruses will give you that urge to learn them right away and sing along. For those who have been fans of Sabaton since the beginning, you will find huge favour with "Maid Of Steel", because it brings back the old school vibes of the first few records while talking about the life of Joan Of Arc. It's like a mix of "Counterstrike" and "Firestorm".
I will fully admit, I was not the best student in history back in school, but when I discovered Sabaton, my knowledge of history started climbing, and it honestly made me wish that my history teachers had played Sabaton's music in class. Then I would've gotten better grades. Of course there were historical moments and figures I was well aware of. One in particular was Vlad The Impaler, and his story is told on "Impaler". The sadistic ruler of Wallachia has been documented so much over the years and he is the real life Dracula. Even with the darkest tales, Sabaton find ways of making those tales sound epic and uplifting as opposed to dark and ominous. Having seen some documentaries on Vlad, I was looking forward to hearing a song about him.
After we got two albums that talk about WWI, I have to say it's somewhat refreshing to have another album that tackles stories from different eras rather than one specific era. With a diversity of stories, Sabaton always manages to make an album feel cohesive. This is a band that has mastered the art of storytelling without making an album feel jumbled and scattered. The only downside of the album is that if you are fed up with Sabaton's sound and are expecting something new, then you aren't getting it. Sabaton continue their ascent to the peak of the biggest bands in metal, while attaining their status of "Legends".
Going back to Legends, they bring their signature sound and touch on important historical figures like Genghis Khan, Julius Caeser, Napoleon, Joan Of Arc and Vlad The Impaler just to name a few. One of Sabaton's strengths has always been the storytelling. Just like any good book does, as they sing about all these figures and historic moments, they paint pictures that transport you directly to the moments they're describing in the songs. Even if you weren't all that interested in history in school, but are a big metalhead, Sabaton have the power to make learning history appealing.
Right when you hear the album's anthemic opener "Templars", which tells the story of the downfall of the Knights Templar, you're drawn in to the scene that the band sets with a grandiose chorus and some almost dark vocals from Joakim Broden. Captivating choruses have always been one of Sabaton's strongest suites. For proof, look no further than "I, Emperor", which tackles the life of Napoleon, "Lightning At The Gates", which talks about Hannibal's crossing of the Alps, and "Crossing The Rubicon", which talks about Julius Caeser's crossing of the Rubicon River. These are just some of the tracks where the choruses will give you that urge to learn them right away and sing along. For those who have been fans of Sabaton since the beginning, you will find huge favour with "Maid Of Steel", because it brings back the old school vibes of the first few records while talking about the life of Joan Of Arc. It's like a mix of "Counterstrike" and "Firestorm".
I will fully admit, I was not the best student in history back in school, but when I discovered Sabaton, my knowledge of history started climbing, and it honestly made me wish that my history teachers had played Sabaton's music in class. Then I would've gotten better grades. Of course there were historical moments and figures I was well aware of. One in particular was Vlad The Impaler, and his story is told on "Impaler". The sadistic ruler of Wallachia has been documented so much over the years and he is the real life Dracula. Even with the darkest tales, Sabaton find ways of making those tales sound epic and uplifting as opposed to dark and ominous. Having seen some documentaries on Vlad, I was looking forward to hearing a song about him.
After we got two albums that talk about WWI, I have to say it's somewhat refreshing to have another album that tackles stories from different eras rather than one specific era. With a diversity of stories, Sabaton always manages to make an album feel cohesive. This is a band that has mastered the art of storytelling without making an album feel jumbled and scattered. The only downside of the album is that if you are fed up with Sabaton's sound and are expecting something new, then you aren't getting it. Sabaton continue their ascent to the peak of the biggest bands in metal, while attaining their status of "Legends".
FINAL RATING
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