SABATON · Coat Of Arms | CD

Jewelcase CD.

Background information about 'Coat Of Arms'

Sabaton have carved out a very specific niche in the metal world, and Coat Of Arms is them operating at full throttle. This 2010 album sees the Swedish war machine diving headfirst into some of the most dramatic conflicts of the 20th century, and the result is nothing short of a historical metal masterclass. From the opening title track about heraldry and battle to the crushing The Final Solution – one of the band's most somber and powerful moments – this record is relentless. Joakim Brodén's unmistakable baritone roars over galloping riffs and massive choir choruses that feel like they were recorded in the middle of a battlefield. Uprising is an absolute anthem about the Warsaw Uprising that will have fists in the air, while White Death pays tribute to Simo Häyhä, the legendary Finnish sniper, with a cold, driving intensity that matches its subject. The production is crisp and bombastic, giving every snare hit and guitar riff the weight of a tank division. What makes Coat Of Arms special is how Sabaton manage to make history lessons sound this exhilarating – you'll find yourself reading about the actual events after the album ends. It's pure, unapologetic power metal with a brain and a heart.

The album closes with Metal Ripper, a wild medley that name-checks classic metal bands and riffs, showing Sabaton's deep love for the genre's history. It's a celebration of metal itself, a fitting end to a record that honors heroes and soldiers through the most fitting medium possible. Every track is meticulously crafted to tell a story, from the naval warfare of Midway to the sabotage missions of Saboteurs. The rhythm section is a powerhouse, and the guitar work from Oskar Montelius and Rikard Sundén is sharp and memorable. This is an album that rewards repeated listens – the layers of historical detail in the lyrics are staggering, and the melodies are infectious enough to stick with you for days. Sabaton don't just sing about war; they transport you to the front lines.

For fans of:
Powerwolf, Amon Amarth, HammerFall, Gloryhammer, Manowar

Track listing

1. Coat Of Arms
2. Midway
3. Uprising
4. Screaming Eagles
5. The Final Solution
6. Aces In Exile
7. Saboteurs
8. Wehrmacht
9. White Death
10. Metal Ripper

Manufacturer: Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH, Alter Wandrahm 14, 20457 Hamburg, Germany, Contact: www.nuclearblast.com