Sabaton releases new single and cinematic music video for “Hordes Of Khan”, the second song from their eleventh album, to be released later in 2025. The production has a futuristic vision of a fan living in 2045, and playing in a heavy metal band.
Joakim Brodén , the band's vocalist, spoke about the story behind the inspiration (via Blabbermouth ):
“The music ended up having much more depth than we expected. Genghis Khan wasn't just a conqueror; he was a complex figure who left an enormous legacy. He built the largest contiguous empire in history, which extended far beyond Mongolia, and his influence only grew after his death.”
The singer concludes by saying that there couldn't be a more fitting theme for the new direction Sabaton is taking. In his view, the single is both powerful and heavy.
“We know our fans crave heavy music and we’re eager to see how they react to this. Hopefully, it’s a track they’ll listen to non-stop!”
Bassist Pär Sundström stated that Joakim wanted to compose "a real heavy metal song" and knows that fans wanted a composition that was pure in the style.
“That’s what ‘Hordes Of Khan’ is, and when you listen to it and close your eyes, you can imagine Genghis Khan on his horse, galloping into battle. Joakim composed the music and I actually wrote the lyrics for this one.”
Sundström admits that it was one of the most difficult songs he has ever composed, however, he is very happy.
"Overall, I'm very happy with the result, especially since Joakim said that parts of the lyrics are among SABATON's best to date."
Check out the "Hordes of Khan" video at the link below:
Sabaton releases “Hordes Of Khan”
The cinematic-style video is set in the year 2045 and was filmed in two locations in London: the Natural History Museum and Harrow School.
The character is a young woman who is part of a heavy metal band and a fan of Sabaton. With the end of wars miraculously happening in 2039, the girl doesn't have the opportunity to see the band play live; now the world lives in peace and combat is archaic, just like Sabaton.
One day, the girl hears that there will be an exhibition at the museum about the band. Together with her group, they cleverly gain access to the location and are greeted by a hologram that tells the story of the band members' instruments.
However, they ignore the explanation, pick up their instruments, and begin to play.
As soon as the music begins, Genghis Khan comes to life, along with five other soldiers played by the members of Sabaton. Ultimately, the goal is to prevent Genghis from escaping the museum and ruling the world.
READ ALSO: Sabaton reveals behind-the-scenes footage of the epic music video “Templars ”
