SABATON — SWEDISH EMPIRE LIVE (review)

SABATON — SWEDISH EMPIRE LIVE album cover Live album · 2013 · Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Kev Rowland
It may only be two years since their last live album, but since then there have been some line-up changes, and in fact this is their first DVD release but it is available in multiple forms, and what I have here is the CD that was recorded at the Woodstock Festival in Poland. Over the years the Swedes have built up a reputation of being a punchy power metal act, with a riff/drum technique quite similar to Judas Priest, and the additional edge of only concentrating lyrically on one particular topic, that of war. They have researched famous battles, and have created a song chest that is guaranteed to have fans crying out for more. Here in Poland they talk about “40:1” where Polish troops withstood an attack from German forces that were far superior in terms of numbers, and needless to say the reaction is intense. When they play Auckland they will undoubtedly play “Cliffs of Gallipoli”, and might be surprised in the sheer emotion that they will get caught up in. Even now, nearly 100 years after the event, it is seen as an important place for Kiwis to visit, so much so that my youngest daughter’s school arranged a trip there earlier this year. 40+ Kiwi teenagers, my daughter among them, travelled to the other side of the world to understand something of the sacrifice that was made.

Combine that lyrical passion with a pounding backline, crunching guitars, and soaring vocals and this is a recipe for success. It is like playing in front of a massive football crowd where everyone is cheering for the same team. The band seem blown away by the reception, as while they drive through the repertoire they are getting an equal response back from the crowd that keeps driving them on and on. It is an amazing emotional experience, and I am sure that the band were exhausted at the end just from being involved in it. I have no idea what the DVD is like, but the CD is absolutely essential for anyone who likes this style of music.
Share this review
more

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
Kev Rowland wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Also, bear in mind that total population of the country was just over a million at the time, and you can understand the importance. New Zealand had one of the highest casualty and death rate per capita of any country involved in the war.
UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Nice with a bit of historical insight. I just looked up the "Gallipoli Campaign" on Wiki. 2700 kiwi boys died in that campaign. No Wonder it´s something you commemorate.

Review Index

Member Zone

Username:
Password:
Stay signed in

Metal Subgenres

Artists Alpha-index

MMA TOP 5 Metal ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
Master of Puppets Thrash Metal
METALLICA
Buy this album from our partners
Paranoid Heavy Metal
BLACK SABBATH
Buy this album from our partners
Moving Pictures Hard Rock
RUSH
Buy this album from our partners
Powerslave NWoBHM
IRON MAIDEN
Buy this album from our partners
Rising Heavy Metal
RAINBOW
Buy this album from our partners

New Metal Artists

New Metal Releases

I, the Destroyer Black Metal
SVARTFJELL
Buy this album from MMA partners
A Sonication Technical Death Metal
OBSCURA
Buy this album from MMA partners
Hin helga kvöl Atmospheric Sludge Metal
SÓLSTAFIR
Buy this album from MMA partners
The Cycles of Suffering Black Metal
BURIAL OATH
Buy this album from MMA partners
The Suns of Perdition - Chapter IV: To Shadow Zion Black Metal
PANZERFAUST
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Metal Online Videos

DAWN OF REVENGE - Sanctuary [official music video]
DAWN OF REVENGE
Bosh66· 8 days ago
DAWN OF REVENGE - Farewell [official music video]
DAWN OF REVENGE
Bosh66· 8 days ago
DAWN OF REVENGE - Curtain of Death - [official music video]
DAWN OF REVENGE
Bosh66· 8 days ago
DAWN OF REVENGE - Vengeance [official music video]
DAWN OF REVENGE
Bosh66· 8 days ago
DAWN OF REVENGE - I Need You [official music video]
DAWN OF REVENGE
Bosh66· 8 days ago
More videos

New MMA Metal Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Metal News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us
Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook fan RSS Feed