Sabaton . After more than 15 years of partnership with Nuclear Blast , the Swedish power metal band has signed with Better Noise Music , a label known for developing creative strategies and achieving global recognition for its artists.
In an interview with El Cuartel Del Metal , transcribed ( via Blabbermouth ), vocalist and co-founder Joakim Brodén explained the decision, saying that the group felt they had reached the limit of what they could achieve with their former label. “It was a logical, not an emotional, decision. We still have good friends at Nuclear Blast, but we believe this was the natural next step,” he stated.
The partnership with Nuclear Blast began in 2010 with the album Coat of Arms . Since then, Sabaton has released a series of successful albums that blend heavy metal with historical themes of war and heroism—a trademark of the band.
The first release of this new phase is the single “Templars,” which will be part of the band’s upcoming studio album, their eleventh, scheduled for release this year. The track was released alongside a cinematic music video, filmed in two historic fortresses in Serbia—the Belgrade Fortress and the Smederevo Fortress—featuring epic battle scenes.
In addition to the digital version, “Templars” will also be released on single-sided 12″ vinyl, limited to one thousand copies, on June 27th.
The new work also marks the return of guitarist Thobbe Englund , who had left the band in 2016 and returned to the lineup in February 2024. He replaced Tommy Johansson , who left after the last album, The War to End All Wars , released in 2022. Englund had previously participated in the albums Heroes (2014) and The Last Stand (2016), in addition to collaborating on tracks such as "Shiroyama" and "Fields of Verdun".
With over 20 years in the business, Sabaton has amassed impressive numbers: more than three billion streams on digital platforms, nearly two billion views on YouTube, gold, platinum, and even quadruple platinum certifications, in addition to albums consistently appearing in the Top 10 of international charts.
In November, the band kicks off The Legendary Tour , a 20-date European tour that promises to celebrate Sabaton's history with a grand production, including the participation of the Legendary Orchestra and other surprises that, according to the group, promise an "unprecedented" experience.
Last year, Sabaton accompanied Judas Priest as the opening act on the British band's North American tour. Also in 2023, the group donated their completed animated film to museums around the world as part of an initiative to promote historical knowledge and increase visitor numbers.
Back in 2019, when they celebrated 20 years in the business, Sabaton became the first band to perform simultaneously on both main stages at Wacken Open Air, the biggest metal festival on the planet. On their 25th anniversary, in 2024, the group released the film Tour To End All Tours , which was shown in over 1,200 cinemas in 28 countries through independent distribution.
Sabaton at Bangers Open Air 2025
The Swedes also gave a historic show at Bangers Open Air 2025, last Saturday (03), at Memorial da América Latina , in São Paulo — marking the band's first return to Brazilian soil since 2019. You can check out the full coverage of the show here on Wikimetal .
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