By Simona Mihalca 
The most successful power metal band of our time signs with BETTER NOISE MUSIC
European Tour 2025 kicks off in November
BETTER NOISE MUSIC proudly announces its latest signing: SABATON, one of the most successful Swedish bands of today and arguably the most important power metal band in the world right now. With a bang, the first single “Templars” from their upcoming eleventh studio album is released today, April 25 – accompanied by a high-end music video.
The single “Templars” will also be available as a strictly limited 12-inch vinyl edition on June 27 and can be pre-ordered now. Vinyl pre-orders as well as streaming and download links are available HERE.
SABATON – consisting of Joakim Brodén (vocals), Pär Sundström (bass), Chris Rörland (guitar), Thobbe Englund (guitar), and Hannes Van Dahl (drums) – have won a legion of loyal fans around the globe with their gripping, historically accurate storytelling about battles, wars, and heroism, wrapped in rousing songs. Their fanbase has rewarded them with over three billion streams worldwide and nearly two billion YouTube views.
“’Templars’ was the first song we wrote for the new album, and it perfectly captures SABATON’s dramatic flair,” explains bassist Pär Sundström. “From the very beginning, we were overflowing with ideas on how to bring this song to life on stage. We don’t just want to perform it – we want to stage it!”
The music video for “Templars” portrays a fictional last stand of 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 appears at their gates, demanding their surrender in the name of King Philip IV of France. Rather than giving in, the Templars decide 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 into the keep. There, he makes the ultimate sacrifice, setting the fortress ablaze to ensure the order’s secrets remain forever hidden.
The video was shot at two massive historic fortresses in Serbia – Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park and Smederevo Fortress – which provided an impressive and authentic backdrop for the epic battle scenes. To ensure both realism and safety, the band enlisted a large group of experienced reenactors. Their expertise brought the action scenes to life with remarkable accuracy. The shoot took place over two long, hot days – the intense summer heat posed challenges but also amplified the raw energy of the scenes.
Since Thobbe Englund had just rejoined the band after nearly eight years, his bandmates wanted to mark his return in a powerful way – by casting him as the last Templar engaged in an epic final battle. The original plan was to have Englund wear a helmet so that a trained stuntman could stand in for him during the demanding scenes. However, the stunt coordinator decided to fight alongside Thobbe himself instead. Though the duel was carefully choreographed, improvised moments gave it even more impact. Dressed in 40 kg of armor and battling the sweltering heat – while Thobbe was also fighting off a fever – the two brought the battlefield to life with thundering intensity. The effort was worth it: this legendary performance fittingly marks Thobbe’s triumphant return to SABATON.
“We’re truly excited to begin this new chapter with Better Noise Music,” says Pär Sundström. “After exploring options with various labels around the world, we felt that Better Noise was the perfect fit. As an independent label, they haven’t previously focused on our specific style of heavy metal – which makes this collaboration all the more exciting. We’re curious to see how this partnership evolves and confident they’re up to the challenge of working with a band that brings a unique sound to their roster.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome SABATON to our roster,” says Lexie Viklund, Director of A&R at the label. “Their powerful music and storytelling captivate fans across the globe. We look forward to expanding their reach and growing their worldwide influence.”
ABOUT SABATON:
Over more than two decades, SABATON have headlined the biggest festivals, sold out arenas around the globe, and built a devoted fanbase – thanks in no small part to their reputation as one of the hardest working bands in the business. Since their 2005 debut album, they’ve received numerous gold and multi-platinum awards in various countries for their ten studio albums. Eight of those albums reached the international top 10 charts, with six landing in the top 5. In Germany, their last three albums each hit No. 1 on the official album charts.
SABATON have been nominated eight times for the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, including “Breakthrough Artist” (2011) and “Best Live Band” (three times), and also received a Grammis (Swedish equivalent of a Grammy) nomination for Best Heavy Metal Band.
SABATON TOUR DATES 2025
(More shows, including in the US and Australia, to be announced in the coming weeks)
- Sat, 03 May – São Paulo, BR | Bangers Open Air (Memorial da América Latina)
- Tue, 06 May – Buenos Aires, AR | El Teatro Flores (Wars and Wolves Metal Fest)
- Fri, 09 May – Bogota, CO | Royal Center
- Sun, 11 May – Santiago, CL | The Metal Fest (Movistar Arena)
- Tue, 13 May – San Jose, CR | Pepper Club
- Thu, 15 May – San Salvador, SV | Museo Marte
- Sat, 17 May – Guadalajara, MX | The MXMF Metal Fest
- Sat, 07 June – Sölvesborg, SE | Sweden Rock Festival
- Fri, 14 Nov – Cologne, DE | Lanxess Arena
- Sat, 15 Nov – Berlin, DE | Uber Arena
- Sun, 16 Nov – Ostrava, CZ | Ostravar Arena
- Tue, 18 Nov – Zurich, CH | Hallenstadion
- Thu, 20 Nov – Munich, DE | Olympiahalle
- Fri, 21 Nov – Vienna, AT | Stadthalle
- Sat, 22 Nov – Krakow, PL | Tauron Arena
- Mon, 24 Nov – Stuttgart, DE | Schleyerhalle
- Tue, 25 Nov – Frankfurt, DE | Festhalle
- Wed, 26 Nov – Esch Sur Alzette, LU | Rockhal
- Fri, 28 Nov – Paris, FR | Accor Arena
- Sat, 29 Nov – Lyon, FR | LDLC Arena
- Mon, 01 Dec – Amsterdam, NL | Ziggo Dome
- Tue, 02 Dec – Antwerp, BE | Sportpaleis
- Thu, 04 Dec – London, UK | The O2 Arena
- Fri, 05 Dec – Manchester, UK | Co-op Live
- Sat, 06 Dec – Nottingham, UK | Motorpoint Arena
- Mon, 08 Dec – Hanover, DE | ZAG Arena
- Tue, 09 Dec – Copenhagen, DK | Royal Arena
- Thu, 11 Dec – Oslo, NO | Unity Arena
- Fri, 12 Dec – Gothenburg, SE | Scandinavium
- Sat, 13 Dec – Stockholm, SE | 3Arena
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