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Band Timeline
1999
Formation of Sabaton and Early Recordings
Sabaton was formed in December 1999 in Falun, Sweden. The founding members included lead singer Joakim Brodén, bassist Pär Sundström, guitarists Oskar Montelius and Rikard Sundén, and drummer Richard Larsson. The band initially created demos and recorded songs at Peter Tägtgren's studio, The Abyss. They caught the attention of record labels and signed with the Italian label Underground Symphony, releasing the promo CD Fist for Fight, which was a compilation of their early demo tapes intended to promote their upcoming releases.
2002
Recording and Delayed Release of Metalizer
In 2002, Sabaton recorded an album titled Metalizer, slated to be their debut release under Underground Symphony. Despite completing the album, distribution complications and delays prevented the album's release for two years. During this waiting period, Sabaton maintained an active presence by performing across Sweden, gaining experience and growing their fan base. However, the album was ultimately abandoned in its initial release plan, leading Sabaton to seek new recording and label opportunities.
2005
Signing with Black Lodge and Release of Primo Victoria
Sabaton signed with Black Lodge, a metal division of the Sound Pollution record label, and released their official debut studio album, Primo Victoria, in 2005. This album marked a defining moment for the band, especially with its historical and war-themed lyrics inspired notably by the film Saving Private Ryan, setting a thematic focus for their future work. Keyboardist Daniel Myhr also joined the band in early 2005, taking over keyboard duties to enable lead vocalist Joakim Brodén to focus on singing.
2006
Release of Attero Dominatus and Touring with Edguy and DragonForce
Sabaton released their second studio album, Attero Dominatus, in July 2006 across Europe. The album continued the band's signature themes of historical battles. That year, Sabaton also toured extensively in support of well-known metal bands Edguy and DragonForce, helping to increase their visibility and fan base across Europe. This period consolidated Sabaton's reputation in the power metal scene, showcasing their energetic live performances combined with their lyrical focus on military history.
2007
Release of Metalizer as a Double Disc
Though initially delayed, the album Metalizer was finally released in March 2007 as a double disc set, combined with the earlier promo CD Fist for Fight. This release also included the previously unreleased track "Birds of War," giving fans a comprehensive collection of Sabaton's early work. Metalizer's release allowed the band to revisit and present their foundational sound to a wider audience, complementing their more recent albums and continued growth.
2008
Release of The Art of War Inspired by Sun Tzu
In May 2008, Sabaton released their fourth studio album, The Art of War, which was thematically inspired by the ancient military treatise of the same name by Sun Tzu. The album explores themes of warfare strategy, echoing the band's ongoing interest in military history. The album includes notable singles like "Cliffs of Gallipoli" and "Ghost Division." The band toured Europe in 2009, including opening for HammerFall and a tour with DragonForce in the UK, further cementing their position in the metal community.
2010
Release of Coat of Arms and Continued War-Themed Focus
In 2010, following a signing with Nuclear Blast, Sabaton released their fifth studio album, Coat of Arms. The album predominantly features songs about World War II events, including the Winter War. Its historical focus remained a consistent theme for the band, appealing to fans of power metal and military history alike. The album was supported by tours and helped Sabaton expand their international audience.
2012
Release of Carolus Rex and Breakthrough Success
Sabaton's sixth studio album, Carolus Rex, was released in 2012. This album was recorded in both Swedish and English versions and achieved significant commercial success. It was certified gold in Poland and platinum in Sweden, with over 40,000 copies sold in Sweden alone, making it one of the most successful Swedish heavy metal albums. The album's themes focused on the rise and fall of the Swedish Empire, further deepening the band's historical scope.
2014
Release of Heroes Album
In 2014, Sabaton released their seventh studio album, Heroes, which continued their tradition of focusing on historical themes and heroic narratives in warfare. The album included songs that paid tribute to individual acts of valor and notable war stories, further engaging listeners with compelling storytelling and powerful music, reinforcing Sabaton's unique position in the metal genre.
2016
Release of The Last Stand
Sabaton's eighth studio album, The Last Stand, was released in 2016. The album explored the concept of famous last defenses in military history, continuing their thematic consistency. With a blend of melodic power metal and historical lyrics, the album was well received by fans and critics alike, leading to extensive tours that showcased Sabaton's energetic live performances.
2019
Release of The Great War Album
In 2019, Sabaton released their ninth studio album, The Great War, which centered on World War I, a relatively less explored subject in metal music. The album's concept provided rich historical narratives combined with Sabaton's signature power metal style. The Great War was praised for its ambitious thematic content and musical execution, further solidifying Sabaton's niche as metal historians.
2022
Release of The War to End All Wars and Ongoing Career
Sabaton's tenth studio album, The War to End All Wars, was released in 2022. This album continued their exploration of World War I themes and represented the band's sustained commitment to blending historical content with power metal music. As of 2025, Sabaton remains active, with a prolific output that includes ten studio albums, four live albums, five live DVDs, and twenty-nine music videos, maintaining a strong fan base worldwide.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Steve Wacholz
N/A
Jon Oliva
N/A
Keith "Thumper" Collins
N/A
Johnny Lee Middleton
1985
Jon Oliva
N/A
Jeff Plate
N/A
Chris Caffery
2014
Guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Al Pitrelli
1995
2000
Electric guitar
John Zahner
1991
1992
Additional
Electric guitar
Background vocals
Keyboard
Steve Wachholz
1980
1993
Zak Stevens
1992
2000
Chris Caffery
1989
1990
Guitar
Jack Frost
2001
2002
Criss Oliva
1983
1993
Chris Caffery
1994
2002
Guitar
Story of Sabaton
Hailing from Falun, Sweden, Sabaton emerged onto the power metal scene in 1999. Founded by vocalist Joakim Brodén, bassist Pär Sundström, guitarists Oskar Montelius and Rikard Sundén, and drummer Richard Larsson, the band has undergone several lineup changes, with only Brodén and Sundström remaining constants. Their signature sound is built on anthemic power metal, overwhelmingly dedicated to recounting historical events, particularly the details of major wars and battles.
Initially signed to Black Lodge Records, Sabaton unleashed their debut album, Primo Victoria, in 2005. This was quickly followed by Attero Dominatus (2006) and Metalizer (2007). Their fourth album, The Art of War (2008), cemented their growing reputation. A move to Nuclear Blast Records in 2010 saw the release of Coat of Arms, followed by Carolus Rex (2012) and Heroes (2014), establishing Sabaton as power metal titans with a unique and highly successful thematic approach.
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