Better Noise Music reported earlier this week that Sabaton has joined the BNM family. The band’s first new single, Templars, was released today, and the band’s tour calendar will be expanded with a tour in Europe later this year.
Templars is also a preview of the band’s upcoming 11th studio album. The song will also be released on June 27th as a 12-inch collector’s edition vinyl, with only 1,000 copies being pressed worldwide.
“Templars is the first song we wrote for the upcoming album, and it brings out Sabaton’s theatrical side. From the very first steps of the single, we were flooded with ideas about how it should look live on stage. We don’t just want to play it, we want to perform it,” says bassist Pär Sundström.
The single’s cinematic video was shot in two historical fortresses in Serbia, the Belgrade Fortress and the Smederevo Fortress, and in it the band members take on the role of the last Knights Templar, protecting a secret, not shying away from great sacrifices. The video project also involved a number of experienced filmmakers with experience in battle scenes. Two hot days of filming in the heat added their own spice to the battle scenes.
At the same time, the band wanted to create a unique return to Sabaton for Thobbe Englund, who returned to the band after eight years, by giving him the role of the last standing Knight Templar, who will fight one more epic battle.
“The original plan was for him to wear a helmet so that a stunt actor could fill in for him during a demanding scene if necessary. However, the stunt coordinator had another idea: he decided to fight alongside Thobbe himself. Although the scene was meticulously choreographed, the improvised moments added to the intensity. Both were clad in 40-pound suits of armor, and their confrontation was like an earthquake. The scorching summer heat and the fact that Thobbe had a fever during the scene added to the challenge. Nevertheless, he delivered a performance that was nothing short of legendary – the perfect way to celebrate his triumphant return to Sabaton,” the band says.
Sabaton is also excited about their new chapter under Better Noise Music, having first explored several options for a future label partner.
“Better Noise seemed like the perfect fit. Better Noise, which defines itself as an independent label, has not traditionally focused on the heavy metal genre like ours, which makes the collaboration particularly exciting. We look forward to seeing how this partnership develops and are confident that they are ready to take on the challenge of a band that brings a new sound to their artist portfolio,” Per continues.
Lexie Viklund, A&R Director at Better Noise Music, is also very happy about the new signing.
“Their strong music and storytelling have resonated with fans around the world, and we are excited to build their career both in the US and continue the band’s international success story.”
Sabaton will be spending some time on the road this year. First up is a tour of South America, and after the summer festivals, it’s time to turn our attention to Europe. The tour dates now announced are:
May:
3 São Paulo, BR – Bangers Open Air (Memorial da América Latina)
6 Buenos Aires, AR – El Teatro Flores (Wars and Wolves Metal Fest)
9 Bogota, CO – Royal Center
11 Santiago, CL – The Metal Fest (Movistar Arena)
13 San Jose, CR – Pepper Club
15 San Salvador, SV – Museo Marte
17 Guadalajara, MX – The MXMF Metal Fest
June:
7 Sölvesborg, SE – Sweden Rock Festival
European Tour:
November:
14 Cologne, DE – Lanxess Arena
15 Berlin, DE – Mercedes Benz Arena
16 Ostrava, CZ – Ostravar Arena
18 Zurich, CH – Hallenstadion
20 Munich, DE – Olympiahalle
21 Vienna, AT – Stadthalle
22 Krakow, PL – Tauron Arena
24 Stuttgart, DE – Schleyerhalle
25 Frankfurt, DE – Festhalle
26 Esch Sur Alzette, LU – Rockhal
28 Paris, FR – Accor Arena
29 Lyon, FR – LDLC Arena
December:
1 Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome
2 Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis
4 London, UK – The O2 Arena
5 Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
6 Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena
8 Hannover, DE – ZAG Arena
9 Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena
11 Oslo, NO – Unity Arena
12 Gothenburg, SE – Scandinavium
13 Stockholm, SE – 3Arena