Album Reviews : Sabaton – Coat of Arms

Coat Of Arms is Sabaton’s third album in ten years, and picks up right where 2008’s The Art Of War left off. With outstandingly effective epic synth, strong punchy guitar & drum sections, and excellent passionate vocals, this album displays track after track of anthem-like choruses that leave the listener with no choice but to punch towards the sky, join the army and sing along.

At first listen, I can understand if one might think it sounds corny, repetitive or even boring; but trust me, after a few spins you wont be able to get these songs out of your head! I don’t have the biggest power metal background, but Sabaton seem to have hints of Hammerfall or Rhapsody, with less technicality but increased epicness. The vocals are very pronounced, and more grunty and manly than most power metal, almost sounding German at times (with pronunciation comparable with that of Die Apokalyptischen Reiter or Rammstein). The punchy guitar riffs and drum beats work together with a stop/start rhythm that gives it that ‘fist-pumping’ feel.

Sabaton continue in their tradition of a theme based around wars throughout history, writing direct and blunt lyrics based around the military; Soviets, World Wars, Aushwitz etc. Perhaps most memorably in the single ‘Uprising’ – “Warsaw, city at war!” It’s a great concept that works really well for them.

Due to the consistency of this album it is hard to pick any standout tracks, these guys have a serious knack for making a catchy tune. It’s one of those albums where you can chuck on any song and know it will be good, then you cant wait to hear the next one. Wait, did I say I couldn’t pick a favourite track? I lied… ‘Screaming Eagles’ – “Thunder resounding, artillery pounding!” I love it. 8.5/10

Band: Sabaton
Album: Coat of Arms
Year: 2010
Genre: Heavy metal/Power metal
Origin: Sweden
Label: Nuclear Blast/Riot!
http://www.myspace.com/sabaton

Track listing:
1. Coat of Arms
2. Midway
3. Uprising
4. Screaming Eagles <- Reviewers choice
5. The Final Solution
6. Aces in Exile
7. Saboteurs
8. Wehrmacht
9. The White Death
10. Metal Ripper