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I took a break last month from covering these steely swedes to show off the book that my sadly departed friend Isabelle tried to write, as I considered her just as badass as the band. Now that I’m done looking at her book, it’s time to get back into looking at the remaining albums I haven’t looked at yet, and today’s review is an interesting one. Released in 2012, it would go on to be one of if not their most popular album they’ve ever released. So popular in fact, that it got a re-release in 2018 & sold insanely well in their native Sweden. And yet, it’s an oddity for me....but we’ll have to wait for that in just a little bit. In any case, get on your blue & yellow uniform, pray to god and country, and enjoy my review for Carolus Rex. Let’s begin!
Background
With Coat Of Arms helping Sabaton storm into the 2010s, it seemed like it would be smooth sailing for the band. Once it reached 2012 however, that was not the case, as guitarists Oskar Montelius and Rikard Sundén, drummer Daniel Mullback and keyboardist Daniel Myhr left the band, leaving Joakim & bass player Pär Sundström as the soul original members (Joakim confirmed this in March of 2012). The band members that left would go on to form the band Civil War alongside vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson and bassist Stefan Eriksson, while Sabaton brought on Chris Rörland and Thobbe Englund on guitar, and Robban Bäck on drums, and once Sabaton 2.0 was completed, they got back to work on the record they were working on, and on the 25th of May in that year, their ode to their home country of Sweden was released, and it’s name was Carolus Rex. A few months later in November, Robban took a break from touring due to becoming a father, and was replaced by Snowy Shaw as touring drummer, who in turn was replaced by Hannes Van Dahl in November 2013 (Prior to the replacement, Van Dahl worked as Shaw's drum technician while drumming for the band Evergrey).
The reception for Carolus Rex was absolutely wild. On the 18th of September in 2012, it would sell over 30,000 copies (20,000 copies is needed for a record to be certified gold in Sweden), in March of 2013 it was certified gold in Poland, and just a few months later in June of 2013 it would be certified platinum in Sweden with 40,000 album sales, making it the "most successful Swedish heavy metal album ever" according to Sabaton. Flash forward to the 28th of September in 2018, and it would be given quadruple platinum status after being on the Swedish charts for 326 weeks, a number of limited edition versions and merchandise were created to celebrate the occasion, and were set for release on the 30th of November, 2018, on the day of the 300th anniversary of the death of Charles XII. Finally, in 2019 Metal Hammer magazine would declare Carolus Rex to be the 20th best power metal album of all time (Read Here).
Basic Description
My least favorite Sabaton album.
Right away, fans of the band will have done a double take so hard, their necks will snap. Let’s get this out of the way: Carolus Rex is not bad. Far from it. As their second release in the 2010s, it manages to eclipse the excellent Coat Of Arms in so many ways. The instrumentation is grander, the vocal work is epic, and the history that’s covered is something you don’t often hear about. Swedish history is interesting, especially when it comes to the various rulers of the monarchy. However, the reason why this album is my least favorite.....is because I think they take themselves too seriously. To play devil’s advocate, I understand why they were kinda serious, as Sabaton were showing their love towards the country of their birth, and it’s glorious past. Even so, it is surprising that they were more serious than normal, but luckily that would not last long (Read Here).
Best Track
In a bizarre twist, my favorite track actually has nothing to do with the story that the band is telling, but instead is a bonus song. Available only on later releases, their cover of In The Army Now stands out when compared to the main bulk of Carolus Rex, especially when you find out that it’s a cover of a cover. It was originally released by Bolland & Bolland back in 1981, and would receive it’s first cover in 1986 by British rock band Status Quo. Sabaton’s take on the song is far better than the prior two: Bolland & Bolland’s original comes across as weirdly dream-like in terms of vibes, and while Status Quo adds in a little bit of militaristic feels, it still comes across like a dream. This version goes full-blown military, complete with militaristic instrumentation, and serious vocal work from Joakim that’s really unusual for those who are newer fans of the band. It definitely stands apart from all of the other songs, and that’s why it’s my favorite track & the best track on this CD.
In The Army Now
Worst Track
Like I said above, Carolus Rex doesn’t have a single bad song on it. From beginning to end, you’re treated to a fascinating story about one of the most interesting kings in history, and it’s quite the story. Again, my only fault with it is that it takes one step towards being too serious, and losing sight of the history/fun balance. The Great War from 2019 would have a similar issue....but I’ll talk about that next week.
Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, then click on the link below:
Carolus Rex (w Bonus Tracks)
Also, I should say that I reviewed the English version of the album. While it’s cool that the band performed in their native language for the record (And live as well), something about hearing it in my language let’s me understand it better.
Overall Impression & Rating
Carolus Rex is a fine feather in Sabaton’s cap. While I do think the move towards being a little more serious is odd (But understandable), it doesn’t ruin just how good all of the songs on Carolus Rex are, and it is a genuinely good listen to. Even though it’s not my absolute favorite record of theirs, I still can’t deny that it does get me going a little. Definitely something to enjoy if you’re in the mood for some Swedish!
Carolus Rex gets an 8 out of 10 for me, but I can easily understand why most if not all fans give it a 10 out of 10.
And that was my review for Carolus Rex. Again, it’s not my favorite Sabaton, but I recognize the level of quality & respect for the history is speaks of. So, join me next week for when we’ll enter the Great War for the second time.....for the first time. Until then, take care!
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