Independent review

The ninth album of the Swedish power-metallers, whose banner became the military theme of songs, and also the traditional (truthfully more for the German scene) hymn-likeness. Sabaton very quickly gathered popularity in their homeland, but this is also not surprising relative to the metallic Nordic mentality. But the last two records (including the current one) produced a furor in Britain. Great War reached there as far as the 11 (!) place, which for modern non-British power metal is a real achievement. In Russia the band is honored no less and they thank the musicians with sold-out performances; unfortunately, it is hardly possible to earn on recordings here. What does the band attract the listener with? This is several components - drive; excellent choruses, making unique the tracks that seem similar at first; that same conceptual constituent, narrating about various historical battles and wars. All this is seasoned with a share of symphonicity, although Sabaton cannot be called pure sympho-power, however, the necessary share of orchestral colors and chorales they add. In general the band transmits a fighting spirit and under such melodics the theme of the lyrics is chosen ideally. Once again on the album all tracks sound original, and the disc itself is laconic and does not let you get bored, since the emphasis is placed on composed things, and not on the endless development of a concept. An excellent beginning with The future of warfare and a magnificent exit Fields of Verdun before the global completion. Between this, The red baron and Great war stand out especially. Sabaton did not record anything outstanding, but they took one more solid step in the strengthening of their style, which lands well with the listener. The band remains an important element of the European heavy scene with its own face, let it be more a collective image with recognizable traits.

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