Swedish metallers SABATON have shared behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the official music video for their latest single, „Templars“. The cinematic clip, which was released in April, was filmed at two massive historical fortresses in Serbia (Belgrade Fortress within Kalemegdan Park and Smederevo Fortress),both of which provided a striking and authentic backdrop for the epic battle scenes.
SABATON comments: „We never imagined just how fun it would be to film the music video for ‚Templars‘. Packed with raw emotion and a lot of action, this was our first time fighting to the death on camera — and honestly, we think we nailed it. (Be honest: did you expect Joakim to go down first?)
„We had the honour of working with an incredible team of professionals who handled everything from costumes and makeup to fight choreography, filming, and direction. Every single person there helped to bring our vision to life, and we’re beyond grateful.
„Join us for an epic — and at times hilarious — behind-the-scenes journey. Shot in 2024 at two locations in Serbia, the beautiful Kalamegdan and Smederevo fortresses, this video is the result of true teamwork and passion. Enjoy the BTS journey, metalheads!“
In a recent interview with El Cuartel Del Metal, SABATON‚s frontman, co-founder and principal songwriter Joakim Brodén spoke about the band’s decision to sign with Better Noise Music after a decade-and-a-half-long run with Nuclear Blast. Regarding what prompted the label switch, Joakim said: „Basically, they’ve gone through some changes, Nuclear Blast, over the years, [having] been bought up by [global digital music company] Believe [in 2018], and while I have no hard feelings towards any one of them, this felt like the next logical step. Because for the past two albums, it seemed like we had hit the roof, to us sometimes, of our reach with Nuclear Blast. With that said, we have good friends still, and we have good friends and lovely people who work there. So this is more of a — what do you call it? — intellectual decision of what’s the best next step for SABATON and not emotional, ‚Oh, we’ve been fucked over by a label.‘ No, we haven’t.“
The Nuclear Blast relationship with SABATON dated back to 2010’s World War II-themed „Coat Of Arms“ album.
„Templars“ will appear on SABATON‚s soon-to-be-announced eleventh studio album, to be released later in the year.
Along with the digital release of „Templars“, SABATON is offering its fans a special one-sided 12-inch vinyl single which is limited to 1,000 copies worldwide and set to be released on June 27.
SABATON — Joakim Brodén (vocals),Pär Sundström (bass),Chris Rörland (guitar),Thobbe Englund (guitar),Hannes Van Dahl (drums) — has always had a signature focus on writing songs about historical battles, wars, and acts of heroism that have solidified their impact with their loyal and longtime fans. SABATON has accumulated more than three billion streams across all streaming platforms and almost two billion views on YouTube.
Since SABATON‚s 2005 debut LP, the band has released 10 studio albums (some of which have been certified as gold, platinum, and even quadruple platinum),seen eight of its albums score Top 10 international chart status, and six claim the Top 5.
2022’s „The War to End All Wars“ was the last SABATON album to feature guitarist Tommy Johansson. He has since been replaced by a returning Englund.
Thobbe originally joined SABATON in April 2012 and amicably parted ways with the band in July 2016 to focus on his personal life and expand his creativity. He rejoined SABATON in February 2024.
Englund recorded two studio albums with SABATON, namely „Heroes“ (2014) and „The Last Stand“ (2016),and assisted with the songwriting of some very popular songs including „Shiroyama“ and „Fields Of Verdun“, among others.
In November 2025, SABATON will embark on a 20-city European run dubbed „The Legendary Tour“. The band teased the trek as „a huge celebration of SABATON‚s music, storytelling and the incredible bond they share with their fans“, featuring „The Legendary Orchestra and other surprises,“ resulting in „something unprecedented.“
Last fall, SABATON served as main support to JUDAS PRIEST on the legendary heavy metal band’s North American tour.
In the more than two decades since their launch, SABATON has achieved quadruple-platinum sales, headlined major festivals, sold-out arena concerts across the globe, and earned a legion of loyal fans by being self-managed and carving out a reputation as one of the most innovative bands in rock. SABATON combines standout stage design and production with epic concept albums, linking real-life historical war events with classic kick-ass metal. To date, the band has released ten studio albums, amassed six gold, two platinum, and one four-times-platinum awards, seen eight of its albums score Top 10 international chart status, and six claim the Top 5.
When SABATON hit the 20-year mark, they headlined both stages at Wacken 2019 — the biggest metal festival in the world — simultaneously. Meanwhile, in 2023 as part of a charity initiative, SABATON donated their full-length animated movie to museums around the world in order to increase awareness and visitor numbers, and successfully encouraged people to support the preservation of history in these establishments. During SABATON‚s 25th-anniversary year, the band released the „Tour To End All Tours“ concert film, and through independent distribution, it was screened in more than 1,200 cinemas spanning 28 territories.
7/10
8/10
8/10