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.
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