Power-metal veterans Sabaton are set to give us another heavy history lesson via their newly announced 11th album, Legends. Though the album won’t arrive in full til mid-October, the Swedish unit are now schooling us with “The Duelist,” a sharply-written salvo on legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Following last month’s Genghis Khan-themed “Hordes of Khan,” “The Duelist” was inspired by Musashi, a 17th century bladesman renowned for developing his own fighting style and for having remained undefeated in more than 60 duels. Sonically, Sabaton cleave through the speakers with their signature power-metal heaviness.
“This time we look further back in history than we have been the past few years, going to times that I think are very exciting,” bassist Pär Sundström said of the record, which also features songs about Joan of Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte and Julius Caesar,. “As someone who’s always been into the history of the Middle Ages, knights and the legends of old, it felt incredible to finally bring those stories into the Sabaton universe.”
The 11-song Legends is out October 17th through the band’s new label home, Better Noise Music. An exclusive vinyl edition on orange cloud with black splatter, limited to 300 copies, is already up for pre-order in Revolver’s shop.
Sabaton also have a number of overseas dates coming up Down Under and across Europe. You’ll find those date details here.
Legends tracklisting:
Templars
Till Seger
Hordes of Khan
A Tiger Among Dragons
Crossing the Rubicon
I, Emperor
Maid of Steel
Impaler
Lightning at the Gates
The Duelist
The Cycle of Songs