As an “old” metal head of 28 years, I love that I can still come across a band here and there that not only melts my face but reminds me that metal music can be much more than great music but that it can also be fun and full of emotion, heart and passion. As the house lights went down and “The March to War” blasted over the PA, the audience chanted “SABATON” at a volume that totally exceeded the number of people that were there. The band took to the stage all smiles and slammed straight into “Ghost Division” that brought a huge roar from the crowd as they moshed and jumped while enthusiastically singing the chorus back to the band. “Uprising” brought yet another huge roar from the crowd who once again yelled and sang every word in unison right back to the audience.
Bassist Pär Sundström was forced to sit out of this tour due to an injury but in true “show must go on” fashion, the bass was picked up by Emil Wigelius who did an absolutely amazing job and even singer Joakim Brodén picked up the bass for a few songs to show off his chops as a really great bassist in his own right. Brodén addressed the crowd by saying that this had been the best welcome they had received on the entire American tour and I totally believe him. The band was having an amazing time on stage and it showed as Brodén was all smiles as he encouraged the audience to give them 100% as the band threw it right back at us.
The band stormed through “Screaming Eagles”, “40:1” and “Panzer Battalion” like they were going to war and leading the crowd as if we were soldiers. I was so impressed by not just the band but by the audience. A Sabaton audience is the kind of audience I wish all of my favorite bands had. At times I felt like I was attending a European festival as I have never seen an audience so expressive and rabid over a band since seeing Iron Maiden.
The highlight of the night came as the band launched into “Primo Victoria” that had the crowd chanting and pogo jumping so much at the PA speaker stacks shook back and forth and bodies went flying on to the stage. The energy from the band kicked into overdrive as they pushed it as far as they could without completely obliterating this tiny club. I was so moved by this that I found myself jumping up and down with my fist in the air along with everyone. I don’t think I could’ve contained myself if I tried.
Watching Sabaton perform live here in Atlanta had to be one of the most moving, electrifying performances I have ever seen in my life. Sabaton is a band that has as much fun on stage as their audience does and it’s a constant give and take of energy. It was an absolutely unforgettable performance that I will cherish until the next time I see them live. Life is is full of pleasant surprises and Sabaton is one of the greatest gifts the metal world has ever received. Appreciate it, embrace it and enjoy it. Sabaton is yours.
Sabaton Setlist
The March to War (Intro), Ghost Division, Uprising, Saboteurs, Screaming Eagles, The Price of a Mile, 40:1, Purple Heart, Attero Dominatus, Cliffs of Gallipoli, Panzer Battalion, Coat of Arms, Primo Victoria, Metal Machine, Metal Ripper
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