SABATON Wouldn't Write About Current Military Conflicts Because It Would Be 'So Politically Charged'

In a new interview with Riff X's "Metal XS", bassist Pär Sundström of Swedish metallers SABATON was asked why he and his bandmates have focused exclusively on singing about military history. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "The other types of history do not really fit so well into heavy metal. I mean, first and foremost, we are a heavy metal band. That's where our hearts really burned for. And we just felt that we needed something that was also relevant to sing about. And we chose military history. We aren't the first one to do so. One of my favorite bands would be IRON MAIDEN, and they did it long before us. And it was maybe somewhere along those, we found the idea to do it, and it simply worked and it stuck with us. And 25 years later, we are still doing it because, unfortunately, the world has been a very violent place, and still continues to be. So we're not gonna run out of topics to sing about, unfortunately."

Asked if SABATON would consider writing about some of the military conflicts going on in the world at the moment, Sundström said: "No, we wouldn't do that, because we still write about military history, not military conflicts, and anything that happening and unfolding at the moment would be so politically charged. And we like to stay away from politics."

SABATON's just-released new album "Legends", dives into the lives of legendary characters like Jeanne D'arc (also known as Joan of Arc),Hannibal, Genghis Khan, Vlad the Impaler, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, the Knights Templar and the legendary swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi.

Now available on Better Noise Music, "Legends" marks a bold evolution in SABATON's sound and storytelling, plunging headfirst into the heart of history's most formidable and enigmatic figures. These are not just rock songs; they are battle hymns carved from the blood and legacy of warriors, kings, strategists and revolutionaries.

"Legends" marks the very first time that every SABATON bandmember has come together to contribute to the songwriting process. This is SABATON as you've never heard them before — relentless and unbound. "Legends" is a global journey through the annals of warfare, leadership and unbreakable will.

Building on SABATON's intense blend of rock and world history for fans of all ages, "Legends" is available worldwide as a digital download, as well as in various physical formats and retailer exclusives including CD, 2 CD digibook, 2 CD earbook (both including the exclusive Storyteller Edition),11 unique vinyl editions (including a special vinyl color and exclusive artwork with each),additional exclusive vinyl colors, and a limited box set (including another exclusive vinyl color, the 2 CD earbook, and a colored cassette as an exclusive format).

In the more than two decades since the band's launch, SABATON has headlined major festivals, sold-out arena concerts worldwide, and gained a legion of loyal fans by carving out a reputation for being one of the hardest-working bands in the business. Since their 2005 debut album, they've earned gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications in territories around the world with their 10 studio albums. Eight of their albums scored Top 10 international chart status, and six claimed the Top 5. SABATON has earned eight Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards nominations, taking home the award for "Breakthrough Artist" in 2011 and "Best Live Band" in three different years, and a Grammis nomination (Swedish equivalent to the U.S. Grammy Award) as "Best Heavy Metal" band. They've accumulated more than three billion streams across all streaming platforms and two billion views on YouTube.

Known for their explosive stage presence and epic concert experience, SABATON is in the midst of a massive worldwide tour that kicked off October 6 in Istanbul, Turkey and continues November 14 in Cologne, Germany. The itinerary will take them through North America for a 32-date tour set kicking off February 9, 2026 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The trek will hit venues across the U.S. and Canada, including major stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston before wrapping April 20 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Tickets are available now at LiveNation.com.

Photo credit: Steve Bright