Album Review: Sabaton's Art Of War

Part 1 of the Summer Of Sabaton ends today fellow Otaku & Metalheads.

So far, we’ve taken a look at the band’s 2nd release, not to mentioned the somewhat maligned Metalizer (Depends on who you ask). Today marks something special, as we enter the concept period of their career, and what a way to start! Releasing in 2008, this album would contain some of the most iconic songs in their career, and many of them remain staples of their live shows to this very day. It’s a fantastic record, so let’s not waste anymore time, and take a look at my review for The Art Of War. Sun Tzu approved!

Background
Taken from the Sabaton Overview:

“It seems as if Sabaton at this point is an unstoppable war machine, trampling those unaware with their military-themed brand of Power Metal, and 2008 was yet another year to conquer. Only this time, they had help from one of Ancient China’s most iconic philosophers. Released on May the 30th of 2008, The Art of War marks the first of many concept albums for Sabaton. Taking excerpts from the legendary tome of the same name as the album, and combining it with battles from World War 1 & 2 (Both wars used the book extensively at times), the band proved that they’re capable of creating some headbanging music, while at the same time giving it a surprising dose of intelligence & history.”

Basic Description
Solid as a rock.

The Art Of War marks the first time that Sabaton had a solid identity in my opinion. Sure, their first 2 (Technically 3 if you count Metalizer) records introduced their theme, and they’re really great in their own right, but here it seems like they’ve really solidified into what they are nowadays. The record shows that when the band decides to focus an album around a specific theme, they are pointed like a laser, and at no point do they waver. In the case of this release, the band took inspiration from Sun Tzu’s iconic book (Hence the album’s name), and matched specific battles to a chapter that fit it the most. It also helps that The Art Of War has aged far better than the releases before it, what with the improved recording & production value. As a way for them to close out their time in the 2000s, Art Of War was a damn good way to do it!

Best Track
When I did the overview for Sabaton back in 2017, I stated that Ghost Division was one of the best songs of the album, and while I still think it’s pretty good, my opinion has changed in the near 7 years since I wrote that. In the time since then, I’ve switched over to Cliffs Of Gallipoli as one of the best songs of the release. An ode to one of the biggest disasters of World War 1, the band managed to capture the sadness, tragedy, and odd sense of triumph of that entire debacle wonderfully, & at no point did it feel corny or cheesy. Great instrumentation all around, and Joakim’s voice sounds damn good across this whole track. It might tugs at the heartstrings somewhat, but you can’t say that Cliffs Of Gallipoli is bad in any way.

Cliffs Of Gallipoli

However, it wouldn’t be right to ignore the ode to Vikings in the form of Swedish Pagans. Curiously, it’s only found on the re-release of The Art Of War, which makes it a bit more surprising in terms of it being such a massive fan favorite. Yet at the same time it’s not a surprise as to why the fans love this track: there are catchy melodies, the atmosphere is fun, and the band is seemingly really into it. Ironic, since Joakim has gone on record to say that he’s not always fond of it (Much like how Devin Townsend says he’s not a big fan of Lucky Animals), but he still puts a lot of energy into it regardless. I can see why some people don’t like it, but I can also see why it’s got the fans it does.

Swedish Pagans

Worst Track
Is there really anything bad on The Art Of War? For the first time releasing a concept album, Sabaton did a really good job with the songs here. You might be able to say that Swedish Pagans in the lone bad song, but even then it’s probably due to some having it come across as annoying. Apart from that possibility, I think that it’s impossible to say there’s any track that’s horrible.

Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, then click on the link below:

The Art Of War

Overall Impression & Rating
The Art Of War finally connected everything for Sabaton. It was their most focused album of the 2000s, their gimmick became solidified, and dare I say it.....it was their most perfect release from that time. Though their record after this would deviate away from this, it is a safe bet to say for their first themed release, it’s good.....it’s DAMN good!

The Art Of War gets a 10 out of 10.

So that was my review for the 1st concept album of Sabaton’s library, Art Of War. A wonderful way to end the 2000s, and a fantastic release in it’s own right, it’s further proof that the band not only respects the history they cover, but also know how to have a little fun as well. So, join me in July, as I’ll post up my tribute series for my friend Isabelle. See you all on the 1st of July.

Album Review: Sabaton's Metalizer

The Summer of Sabaton continues fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

At the beginning of this month, I took a look at Attero Dominatus. The second album of their career, it shows that the band’s identity was beginning to solidify, and their instrumentation & vocal work was definitely a step up. Now, we reach an album that a lot of fans don’t find to be the best. It’s not an abomination onto god by any means, but it’s usually in last place for a lot of fans. Does today’s record deserve the reputation it has, and is it a record that you should listen to? Well, get nice & comfy, and take a look at my review for Metalizer to see if it’s true!

Background
Taken from the Sabaton Overview:

“Though I consider all of Sabaton’s discography to be pleasant to listen, Metalizer might be the only record that I think is theoretically weak. Released on March the 16th 2007, Metalizer first got it start in the band’s earliest hey-days. 2002 to be exact. After releasing Fist For Fight, the band began work on what seemed like their first album, only for there to be trouble with their record company at the time. Metalizer was put on the backburner, and Sabaton in the meantime cranked out two incredible records. Once 2005 & 2006 were taken over by their might, Sabaton got to revisit music from their earliest days, and Metalizer was finally able to see the light. While a fine release, it’s surprising at how much hate it can get, whether by fans of the band or not. It deserves a little, but nowhere near as much as it does.”

Basic Description
The Black Sheep.

Let’s get this out of the way: Metalizer is the album a Sabaton fan is least likely to take off their shelf and listen to. In many ways, it’s the record that’s the furthest away from the typical content that the super swedes have released, which isn’t a surprise consider that this album is essentially a switched up re-recording of what is technically their first outing, Fist For Fight. There is still a demo nature to Metalizer, but things come across as improved when compared to FFF. Ironic, since this album has a few issues, but I’ll speak of that more in a little bit. That being said, there’s something about Metalizer that charmed me back in 2018 when I first listened to it. Something about the music, as faulty as it can be, hooks into me somehow. I can see why a lot of the fanbase don’t reach for this record, but if you’re willing to polish the diamond a little, you’ll find that there’s a surprising amount of shine to it.

Best Track
I said in my Fist For Fight review (Read Here), I was a big fan of the song Metalizer, and on this record nothing’s changed. Though definitely improved in a variety of ways, this version still has a lot of the raw & primal energy that was found on FFF. The one difference that is noticeable is the keyboard, which doesn’t have the church organ vibe anymore, and instead comes across a bit more like the typical Power Metal feel. Even with this shift in tone, you still get the feeling that you need to headbang furiously when this plays!

Metalizer (Metalizer Version)

Worst Track
While I definitely do enjoy Metalizer, I’m not going to lie and say that the album is perfect, because it isn’t. Though this is essentially a modified re-recording of Fist For Fight, the instrumentation doesn’t sound or feel like a band that’s 3 records into their career. Joakim’s singing, though definitely better than on the previously mentioned EP, sounds oddly amateur. There is also the matter of the recording & production, and to say it’s rough would be understating things. On top of that, there’s no sign of the group’s typical subject matter here! 90 percent of the lyrics on this album come across as oddly stereotypical when it comes to Heavy Metal, with only a faint few mentions of any real-world history. To play devil’s advocate, I wouldn’t say it’s as rough as Anthem’s very first release (Read Here), but at the same time it’s weird that Metalizer sounds like it does. I will say this: if Sabaton was doing this intentionally, then I’d say that it’s actually genius, but my gut instinct was that the band slipped up with this release.

Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, click on the link below:

Metalizer

Overall Impression & Rating
Metalizer definitely has some noticeable dents in it’s armor. The rough recording & production value, the more demo-like way the instruments are played & Joakim’s singing, and the lack of the band’s signature subject makes it the least essential out of Sabaton’s discography. That fact still haunts the release to this day, and yet.....I enjoy it! Much like Stryper’s release Against The Law from 1990, Metalizer acts as a gateway into the band’s humble past, and I find some strange comfort in that. Even if you’re not actively in the mood to listen to Metalizer, it’s still a curiosity that you should think about from time to time.

Metalizer gets a 7.5 out of 10 for quality, but a 9 out of 10 for the enjoyment factor.

And that was my look at Sabaton’s 3rd release, Metalizer. It might have been a step backwards, and the typical subject matter the band sings about is nowhere to be found, yet I still find myself enjoying it quite a bit. However everyone, the album that comes next would be the album in my opinion.....would be the release that fully cements the band as Power Metal legends in my view. See you all at the end of the month!

Food For Thought/Thought For Food No. 32: Isabelle Is Dead (R.I.P.)

So.....this will be difficult to talk about. Bare with me on this one.

On the 13th of March this year, my dear friend Isabelle passed away just 6 days shy of her 90th birthday, and her husband Neil not even a month later on the 9th of April, which is a day after mine. Most of my friends & family that paid attention to my personal Facebook page will know of this. My Mom got a call from about 2:15 to 2:30 that morning with the tragic news, and I don’t think either she or myself got much sleep that day (Got about 4 hours & 15 minutes worth myself). Once it was the afternoon, she went over to the home that was housing Isabelle, grabbed her stuff, and brought it back home. Same with Neil: went over to the home, got his stuff, and came back. Most of it was returned to their home, but some of it was given out to friends & family with the blessing of their son (Won’t get into him. Long story.). However, I digress....

On that day, I think I’ve finally become broken somehow. I admit that since 2020, I’ve slowly begun to have a more negative outlook on life, but there was always something that kept me going. Then, towards the end of 2023, the two were beginning to have some serious issues (Won’t get into it here), and it became obvious that they needed more care than they were already getting. It was draining, but Mom & me managed. Then of course a few months ago they both passed on, and.....I think I’m finally broken in some way.

I didn’t cry that morning, and I still haven’t cried. Isabelle to me was the second coming of Christ, and I haven’t shed a single for her & her husband.....but I know that their deaths have left a permanent scar on my armor. I loved the two of them with all my heart, but I have lost two people who were incredibly dear to me. Isabelle in particular was so important in my life, that I considered her to be my Grandmother. For almost 20 years, I had one of the best make-your-own-family Grandmas one could ever ask for, but now she’s gone. She won’t ever hear about the conventions I go to ever again. She won’t ever ask me what I want for my birthday or Christmas any more. She won’t ever hear about the concerts I’ve seen, and she won’t ever see the new puppy we got last week. She’s gone.....and I hate it.

I now feel so drained. Not so drained that I don’t get out of bed, but definitely drained to the point where I feel tired most days. There’s still things that bring me joy, but it’s not that many, and it can wear off rather quickly sometimes. I hate this. I hate feeling this so much. Some people deal with death rather easily, but it’s always been a struggle with him, and with her gone from this Earth? I’m not sure that I’ll ever fully deal with this.

However, as crap as I’m feeling right now, I am gonna do a tribute to the living saint next month. About half a decade ago, she let me borrow the manuscript to a book she was writing about her time as a prisoner of war in the Philippines at the Santo Tomas Interment Camp during World War 2. She had a couple chapters written, but never got around to finishing it. Once it hits the 1st of July, I will begin to put up the various section of the potential book, along with the list of summary chapters that she didn’t get around to fully writing out. I hope it’s not too much of a downer, as I fell it’s an incredible way to preserve history.

And that’s how I’ve been feeling for a while now. Again, I’ve been struggling for a bit, and while I haven’t given up necessarily, but it’s getting harder & harder with each passing day. I’m still standing, but my legs are shaking a little. In any case, the Summer Of Sabaton will continue next week. See you soon.

Album Review: Sabaton's Attero Dominatus

Welcome fellow Otaku & Metalheads.....to the Summer Of Sabaton!

That’s right everyone, this summer I’m covering one of Sweden’s finest exports, and for good reason. As of this past January, these guys have been together as a band for a full quarter century, and thus it was only right to give them a look. From their humble roots in 1999, to headlining stadium shows alongside metallic titans like Judas Priest fairly recently, they’ve carved their own unique niche of Power Metal, and they show no signs of stopping anytime soon. So, as a way to show tribute to a band I love with all my heart, I’m devoting this summer to them.

I do have 1 rule, however. I will not be re-reviewing any Sabaton albums I’ve already looked at. This summer will be devoted to the records I haven’t looked at, or at the very least barely talked about. That’s still a fair amount considering the ones I’ve already made posts about, but I will shake things up in July to stretch things out. In any case, let’s take a look at the band’s second album, Attero Dominatus, and see if the gas from their first release will keep them going. Let’s begin.

Background
Taken from my Sabaton Overview in 2017:

“After arming themselves with a righteous beginning record, Sabaton continued their march for militaristic Power Metal conquest, and 2006 was to be another victory for the band, thanks to their 2nd record, Attero Dominatus. Released on July 28, 2006, the band actually recorded the album from March to May of that year, which is pretty fast if you ask me. The band also managed to get a music video of the title track recorded, with help from Nocturnal Rites' drummer Owe Lingvall (Another Power Metal group from Sweden).”

Basic Description
A step up.

Let’s get this out of the way: Primo Victoria is good. Damn good in fact. As a way to start a career, you could not do any better than the record I mentioned above. That being said, you can tell that it’s almost 2 decades old this year. As an absolute blast as their starting release is, you can tell it’s age rather easily (Ironic, since it was harder to tell when it was just a decade old). Attero Dominatus definitely takes things to the next level. Fresher production, fresher recording, and Sabaton’s historical identity comes across as more solid on here. There are definitely some hiccups to be sure (More on that a little later), but it’s obvious upon listening to the first track that something about this release comes across as a little fresher than the one that came before. Again, Primo Victoria is a bona-fide classic, but the band’s second release comes across as just a little fresher.

Best Track
Like I said waaaay back in 2017 in my overview on the band, I had to give credit to the title track of this album. Singing about the Battle Of Berlin, the song is loud, bombastic, and triumphant, yet things don’t fly off the rails at any point. Like a big military operation, it’s precise, and it carries a lot of heavy firepower. Can’t get much more badass than that!

Attero Dominatus

Worst Track
Also like I said in the overview, I didn’t think there wasn’t a single bad song on Attero Dominatus. On occasion you might get a hint of bad audio, but otherwise this release is great! That being said, it now shows it’s age. Coming in on nearly 20 years old next month on the 28th, you can tell that the band is still trying to find their footing, and the recording & production are still being worked on (Although it’s definitely improved on here).

Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, click on the link above:

Attero Dominatus (w Re-Release Bonus Tracks)

Overall Impression & Rating
Attero Dominatus was definitely a step up from it’s already fantastic predecessor. The recording & production, though dated by today’s standards, was certainly improved over Primo Victoria, and the band’s dedication to the historical subject matter they draw inspiration from is solidified more here. Do yourself a favor, and set some time to the side to listen to this album. You won’t regret it!

Attero Dominatus gets 9.5 a out of 10.

So that was my look at Sabaton’s 2nd release, Attero Dominatus. Despite the near 2 decades of age, it shows that the band was solidifying their identity more & more with each note. Though their dedication to World War 1 & 2 history (For the most part) was still taking shape, you can tell their focusing on it a little more closely on this release. So, with the engines revved up a little more, join me around the middle of the month, when I’ll be taking a look at the black sheep of the Sabaton discography. See you then!