Sabaton-The War to End All Wars

Rustbelt Rock Reviews

By: Z.M. Delgado

Zackolantern.com

Volume 2: Sabaton – “The War to End All Wars”

Release date: March 4, 2022

Nuclear Blast

For my second installment of Rustbelt Rock Reviews, I chose an album I am particularly excited about. Tonight we will be discussing Sabaton and their phenomenal 10th album “The War to End All Wars.” The follow up, and sequel, to 2019’s “The Great War,” Sabaton picks up right where they left off. Again the First World War is the area of focus, as the band dives deeper into the terrible and heroic events that unfolded in that most horrifying of conflicts. Depending on which edition of the album you bought it opens differently. Those who purchased the album in physical form, are treated to a bonus track of sorts called “Sarajevo,” a historical monologue on the causes of WWI, periodically broken by a chorus and featuring some very nice guitar work towards its end. For those who bought a digital download, for whatever reason, this track is excluded. For them the album opens with a heavy, fast and driving number entitled “Stormtroopers” and from there it doesn’t let up much at all. If you are a Sabaton fan already, then you know exactly what I mean. If you are not acquainted with the band, then allow me to give you an idea of what to expect. Simply put: modern Power Metal at its finest: Galloping rhythms, epic guitar solos, and huge choruses that you can’t help but sing along to. Take all of that and set it all against lyrics that are exclusively dedicated to military history. By combing the records of our bloody past, Sabaton has assembled a catalogue of music with subject matter as compelling any of the fictional or fantasy based artists in their subgenre. 

And all of that is true of “The War to End All Wars.” This album finds Sabaton running on all cylinders. I could break down this record track by track, and essentially play spoiler to all the tales held within. Suffice to say that each song is a history lesson unto itself. The stories they have chosen for this go around are truly worth telling. They touch the enormous conflict in many locations, drawing inspiration from different fronts and engagements. They pull legendary warriors, from many different countries, into the light and highlight their sacrifices to celebrate their bravery; all the while reminding us of the cost, and the unimaginable suffering that was endured. 

“But, this sounds like a text book, or maybe an Oscar nominated film drama. I thought you said this was a Heavy Metal Review!”

You’re damn right it is. 

“The War to End All Wars” is solid from beginning to end. Of the 11 (or 10) tracks I have not found a weakness. Like the conflict it describes, the album is bookended by “Sarajevo” and “Versailles.” These tracks act as intro/outro, and are good for effect and of course, historical drama. Of the remaining nine songs, eight of them are legitimately nothing short of savage Power Metal. I imagine each fan will have their favorites. I’ve already had a debate or two on the subject. I can’t impress upon you enough though; I believe this record has low points like the Himalayas: only in their own context can they be measured. For what it’s worth, I’ll tell you my picks and see if you agree. The first track that stood out to me was “Soldier of Heaven.” The account of thousands lost in the avalanches known as “White Friday.” This song has a chorus that just demands to be sung in a sold out arena, and a keyboard part that reminds me of Judas Priest’s “Turbo Lover.” After supporting Priest on the 50th Anniversary tour, I’m sure a little bit of that genius sank in, and when it came back out it sounded phenomenal. 

“Lady of the Dark” is the tale of Milunka Savic: Serbian War Hero and the most decorated female war veteran in history.  Her story is so powerful, and well… heroic that it deserves way more than any mere paraphrasing by me.  In a much more fitting fashion, Sabaton gives her one hell of a tribute here. This song opens with a drum roll and then hits you with a riff that made me want to absolutely jump out of my seat. And the chorus… that chorus. Wow. I mean, talk about soaring! As the father of a little girl, and the uncle to fierce nieces, I know this song will become an absolute anthem to the women of rock. Ladies, AND gentlemen, raise you horns high for “The Lady of The Dark,” her memory deserves it. 

Now on to my favorite cut on the album “The Valley of Death.” This recounts the tale of the Battle of Dorian, between the United Kingdom and Bulgaria. Pounding drums, ripping riffs and surging keyboards conjure the power of the artillery shells pulverizing the landscape. Soaring vocals recount the shifting lines. Attack, counterattack, again, again, again and again! The song peaks with a guitar solo that ranks among the best I’ve heard the band produce to date. 

So this is Sabaton: Nothing more, nothing less. Their energy hasn’t slackened one iota. Their dedication to telling these stories has surely never been stronger. The song writing is as good as it’s ever been, maybe even better. It’s hard to say. What I do know is this: Sabaton has done something really special on “The War to End All Wars.” It matches all its predecessors in strength and intensity, and may somehow exceed them in heart. This is best seen in the “least heavy” song on the album, the heartwarming “Christmas Truce,” the often repeated tale of the 1914 holiday ceasefire.  A song of brotherhood and humanity in the midst of the worst humans can muster.  Yes, this is Sabaton. Their words and music somehow manage to paint a picture for us and allow us to envision this phenomenal struggle: The fear and bravery; the bloodshed and the courage. The unbreakable resolve of these soldiers, the passion of these moments brought to life in what is more of a time capsule than a rock album. I don’t know if a perfect album exists. I don’t even know how to quantify what the perfect album would entail. But if you’re like me, sitting at the intersection of history buff, veteran and metal head, this just may be it. For a world that might be standing at the crossroads of World War III, Sabaton has given us a reminder of exactly what is at stake. They’ve given us something to bang our heads to, but also some big things to think about. Raise Horns. Not Armies. 

(Sabaton – The War to End All Wars. Power Metal at its most powerful, an undeniable achievement. Horns way up for Sabaton!)