Sabaton - Coat Of Arms

Sabaton are one of these few bands that really blew my mind from the very first note. The first time I have listened to Sabaton was on 2005 through the amazing “Primo Victoria”, they had such an impact in me that I suddenly knew that anytime soon this band would reach the peak! From that day on Sabaton have released 2 more studio albums (“Attero Dominatus” – 2006 and “The Art Of War” – 2008) as well as a best of called “Metalizer” in 2007 and even if they didn’t manage to be as popular as they should, they achieved something greater, to release ONLY decent albums! “Coat Of Arms” is their 5th release so far and more or less it takes the band to a higher level in creating music and in composing great songs. Sabaton’s concept-obsession about World War II is anything but overused since they refer to a series of events and battles less known publically but not less important to the course of history. With the title track “Coat Of Arms” paying a tribute to Greece and to all the people who fought and died during the Italian invasion to our Country (well, there aren’t many bands that tried this before are there?) and 9 more majestic compositions they give us an excellent heavy/power metal release.
\r\nMusically I must admit that Sabaton have personalized their sound something very difficult for the bands of today and this is mostly due to Joakim Brodén’s distingtive voice in addition with the epic concept of their lyrics. Epic choruses that pay tribute to the nameless fallen war heroes, melodic solos full emotion along with a feeling of power surge and a sense of uncommon valor that urges you to rush into battle and fight till the end are some of the characteristics of the band.
\r\nA pleasant surprise is the album’s last song called “Metal Ripper” which is nothing more than Sabaton’s own hymn to Heavy Metal and to all these great bands of the past that made our music even better!
\r\nThose of you familiar with Sabaton’s discography, surely you don’t need this review in order to get “Coat Of Arms” the rest of you just check them out, because albums like this are extremely rare and therefore essential.
\r\nRespect!
\r\n
\r\nDimitris Karantounias\r\n