Sabaton - Legends

Angry Metal Guy 50

Fuck you, I know this is late. But it ain’t my fault. We never got the damn promo now that Sabaton is signed to… Better Noise Music…? A label that apparently has as many metal bands on its roster as it does Sabatons. So… one. After releasing their decent 2022 release, The War to End All Wars,¹ these Swedish warmongers are back with a brand new concept they’ve never done before. Just kidding, Legends is still about war and shit. I guess the only thing that you could consider “new” about this record is that it really has no theme, or rhyme or reason, for its existence. While each song continues to be about some historical figure or epic battle they might have been involved in, Legends contains eleven tracks about individuals the band considers “legends”. Standouts include Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Joan of Arc, and… Vlad the Impaler? Anyway, this new record is a rollercoaster ride of random times, places, and people, whose only connection to each other is their “legendary” status. But, “theme” aside, is it worth the history lesson?

If nothing else, Legends opens in truly epic Sabaton fashion with God’s warriors, the “Templars.” While there’s nothing new on this opening track you’ve never heard before, it’s a strong track that Crusades its way through memorable riffage and a mighty chorus that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Though some tracks don’t hold up their end of the deal, and keep the momentum going. Case in point, “A Tiger Among Dragons.” This track is about Lü Bu, also known as the “Flying General”. Like the historical figure it’s written about, “A Tiger Among Dragons” is a back-stabbing addition to Legends due to its recycled riffage and boring existence. Being sandwiched between two solid tracks, it’s the textbook definition of a filler track.

Legends by Sabaton

As we continue to traverse these varying timelines and characters, we slam into two of the better songs on the record, the back-to-back “Crossing the Rubicon” and “I, Emperor.” Like “Templars,” “Crossing the Rubicon” is classic Sabaton epicness. With a memorable, headbangable riff and a sing-along chorus that’ll please any Sabaton fan. It also lends well to its lyrical content, pushing you to the edge of the Rubicon as Caesar proclaims, “The die is cast.” Or some shit. “I, Emperor” is the band’s tribute to the Steel Druhm-sized Napoleon Bonaparte.² While not quite as punchy as its predecessor, this song has a galloping groove with catchy keys and backing choirs before it arrives at the fun and upbeat chorus. It’s a touch repetitive at times, but it works for a Sabaton song.

Between the filler and recycled riffs, you’re fine throughout; other tracks worth a mention are “Impaler” and “The Cycle of Songs.” While even the band thinks “Impaler” is goofy, as it blends the historical figure of Vlad the Impaler with the fictional one of Dracula, it has some serious stomping energy that stakes a claim on the album. With slow verses that grow as they proceed to the chorus, the climax is well worth the effort with its hookiness and large backing vocals. “The Cycle of Songs” is the longest track on the album, utilizing ascensions and descensions to manipulate the moods from heavy to melodic. It also borrows from “Impaler” by using growing verses to set up the sky-high chorus. It also offers a touch more diversity when compared to the standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus-solo-chorus structure of the other tracks.

Though there are some positive pieces to talk about on Legends, none are top-tier Sabaton. Thankfully, the weaker ones are not their worst. So, I guess that’s a blessing from the “Maid of Steel,” right? In recent years, the band hasn’t been delivering at the level they once were, and you can watch the scores dropping year after year. And, sadly, Legends is a dip from previous releases. The biggest issue this album has is that, when compared to other recent ones that clock in around thirty-five minutes, this bloating thing is too much. Over forty-five minutes, it’s too much Sabaton after being trained by previous releases that less really is moar. As with any Sabaton record, the true fans will adore Legends, but even as a big fan myself, this one is mixed.

Rating: 2.5/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: ALAC
Label: Better Noise Music
Websites: sabaton.bandcamp.com | sabaton.net | facebook.com/sabaton
Releases Worldwide: October 17th, 2025

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