Top global power metal band and 9th biggest Swedish act (of all genres) Sabaton, has unveiled the single and video ‘Templars’, as the first release from their forthcoming 11th studio album, due from Better Noise Music.
Along with the digital release of ‘Templars’, the band is offering their fans a special one-sided 12“vinyl single which is limited to 1000 copies worldwide and set to be released on27th June.
Sabaton – featuring Joakim Brodén (Vocals), Pär Sundström (Bass), Chris Rörland and Thobbe Englund(Guitars), Hannes Van Dahl (Drums) – have 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 have accumulated more than three billion streams across all streaming platforms and almost two billion views on YouTube.
“‘Templars’ is the first song we wrote for our forthcoming album and it truly brings out the theatrical side of Sabaton,” says bassist Sundström. “From the moment we started working on it, we were overflowing with ideas on how to bring it to life on stage. We didn’t just want to play it – We wanted to show it!”
The video for the song presents a fictionalised depiction of a possible last stand for the Knights Templar. The band members take on the roles of the last remaining Templars, sworn to protect the secrets of their order. The story unfolds as the Templars intercept a letter warning them of their impending arrest for heresy. Soon after, an enemy army arrives on their doorstep demanding their surrender on behalf of King Philip IV of France. Refusing to yield, the Templars choose to fight to the bitter end. One by one, they fall in battle until only a single warrior remains. In a final, desperate clash, he defeats the enemy commander before retreating to the keep. There, he makes the ultimate sacrifice, setting fire to the stronghold to ensure the secrets of the order are lost to history.
The video was filmed at two massive historical fortresses in Serbia (Belgrade Fortress and Smederevo Fortress), both of which provided a striking and authentic backdrop for the epic battle scenes. To ensure both realism and safety, the band enlisted a large group of experienced reenactors, many of whom had worked in film production before. Their expertise helped bring the fight sequences to life with remarkable accuracy. Shot over the course of two long, hot days, the production faced intense summer heat, adding to the challenges of filming, but also enhancing the raw energy of the battle scenes.
As Thobbe Englund had only just rejoined the band after his almost eight-year hiatus, his bandmates wanted to mark his return in a memorable way by making him the last Templar standing, tasked with one final, epic battle.
“We’re thrilled to begin this new chapter with Better Noise Music,” Sundström said. “After exploring various record labels worldwide, we found Better Noise to be the perfect fit. As an independent label, they haven’t traditionally focused on our style of heavy metal, making this collaboration particularly exciting. We’re excited to see how this partnership develops, confident that they’re ready to embrace the challenge of working with a band that brings a unique sound to their roster.”
You can stream/download ‘Templars’ here and check out the video here at RAMzine.
