Few bands embrace spectacle with the conviction and ambition of Sabaton, and their latest live performance proves once again that the Swedish power-metal titans have elevated historical storytelling into an art form all its own. Renowned for transforming pivotal wartime chapters into thunderous anthems, the band delivered a concert that felt more like an epic saga brought to life, complete with firepower, orchestral majesty, and immersive theatre.
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Sabaton @ The O2 (Catherine Beltramini)
From the moment the show started, the venue was transported into Sabaton’s universe. The stage, designed as an imposing medieval castle, was a canvas for constant eruptions of fire, cannons, smoke, pyro effects, and even TNT. Costume changes and meticulously timed visuals gave each song its own narrative arc, ensuring the energy never dipped for a moment.
Frontman Joakim Brodén led the charge with trademark charisma, backed by bassist Pär Sundström, guitarists Chris Rörland and Thobbe Englund, and drummer Hannes Van Dahl. Together, they commanded the stage with the confidence and precision of a well-trained battalion, forging a powerful bond with the crowd.
Elevating metal with orchestral brilliance, this tour saw Sabaton joined by The Legendary Orchestra, a visionary project created by Pär Sundström to expand the band’s sonic landscape. The ensemble, featuring violinist Mia Asano, hurdy-gurdy virtuoso Patty Gurdy, conductor and vocalist Noa Gruman, and a full choir and orchestra, brought a cinematic intensity to the performance. The fusion of classical instrumentation and heavy metal riffs produced a sound that was both thunderous and deeply emotional, giving well-known anthems a new level of grandeur.
The show’s theatricality reached new heights even before the band appeared on stage. Actors portraying Napoleon Bonaparte, Julius Caesar, and Genghis Khan emerged from the centre of the crowd, signalling the beginning of an immersive experience. As a massive walkway descended from above, Sabaton, dressed as Templars, crossed over the audience to launch into Templars.
It was a cinematic opening that set the tone for the night: bold, dramatic, and unapologetically Sabaton. The band showcased their expanding legacy by performing five tracks from their newest album, Legends which included Templars, Hordes Of Khan, I, Emperor, Crossing The Rubicon and A Tiger Amongst Dragons. Live, the songs proved they are more than worthy additions to Sabaton’s canon—full of punch, precision, and the band’s signature blend of melody and might.
Long-time fans were treated to classic anthems that define Sabaton’s legacy, including: Primo Victoria, The Art of War and Soldier Of Heaven. I, Emperor climaxed with two cannons firing into the audience, dramatically conducted by “Napoleon.” During Stormtrooper, Joakim detonated a TNT box, while To Hell And Back and The Art Of War sent the crowd jumping in unison to the band’s commanding riffs.
One of the standout moments of the night was Attack Of The Dead Man. Heavy smoke blanketed the stage as the band crossed the walkway into the crowd. With Joakim wearing a gas mask and carrying a smoke flare, they cut a chilling figure reminiscent of the song’s historical roots, creating atmospheric and unforgettable scenes of the show.
For the finale, Sabaton returned to the walkway above the audience, performing Masters Of The World as a massive burst of confetti rained down. It was an explosive end to a show that felt more like an immersive historical epic than a concert. A finale worthy of legends.
If one thing is clear, it’s that Sabaton continue to redefine what a live metal show can be: louder, bigger, more theatrical, and more emotionally gripping with every tour. Their fusion of storytelling, musicianship, and pyrotechnic spectacle cements them as one of the most compelling live acts in modern metal. In the end, Sabaton didn’t just perform. They conquered.
Live review and photography of Sabaton with The Legendary Orchestra @ The O2, London on 4th December 2025 by Catherine Beltramini.
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