Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Interview by Ali Blackdiamond

SABATON
Bloodstock 2013

Swedish heavy metallers SABATON have been a major force in the metal music world for the last fourteen years, delivering  their historical war themed brand of music to the fans.

Major changes were made in the SABATON camp in 2012, when four longstanding members left the band, leaving just vocalist Joakim Brodén and bass player Pär Sundström to reform with new musicians. The new line-up was announced a couple of months later and SABATON released their now platinum selling album “Carolus Rex.”

SABATON made their first appearance at this years Bloodstock Open Air Festival and prior to their show Blackdiamond caught up with both new guitarists, Chris Rörland and Thobbe Englund.

You can read some excerpts from the conversation and listen to the audio player below. (The video is just there to support the audio, the sound is not good)

Discussing “Carolus Rex” achieving platinum status, Chris and Thobbe said:

“Nobody sells CD’s any more, especially Sweden. So, being a Swedish band selling platinum, it’s wow, mind blowing! We didn’t expect that, it went gold, then platinum. It’s kind of bizarre in a way, you can’t take it in really!”

On upcoming plans for SABATON and a new album, the guys explained:

“We have some stuff, Joakim is working on that. Later this fall all five of us will sit down and contribute some ideas. If it sounds SABATON, it’s gonna be on the album, if it doesn’t sound SABATON, it’s not gonna be on the album.

It should be released in the spring or summer next year.”

SABATON
Bloodstock 2013