The Swedish power metal outfit SABATON finally made their way to North America! They are around since 1999, so by far not newcomers to the genre, but managed to play on our shores only twice (1 day gigs) over the last couple of years.
I guess Nuclear Blast figured they could bring something to the table; signed them to their label last year; and voila the Swedish dudes were added to a major touring bill.
Not just any touring bill, but as direct support for the German Metal icons ACCEPT.
Needless to say this was one show that I was not going to miss. And to top it off, I had the immense pleasure off seeing the whole concert twice! I already had travel plans to the Bay Area; and once I found out that the gents would be playing in San Francisco the day I was also in town it was a no-brainer to attend that show as well. Hence this review and pictures will be a combination of both shows; Bluebird Theater in Denver, CO and the Regency Grand Ballroom in San Francisco, CA.
Like I mentioned before, Sabaton has been around for a while so it was actually no surprise to me that the audience gave them such a warm welcome. But I can tell you this; the band sure as hell didn’t expect it. I conducted an interview with Joakim (vocals) and Daniel (keys) before the show and both told me that they are overwhelmed with the responses they are getting. (You can check out the interview right HERE)Anyway, so promptly at 8pm the stage went pitch black and their intro (Europe-The Final Countdown) was coming over the speakers. Dressed in matching camouflage pants the band members came on stage, with Joakim being the last one, under the thunderous applause and cheering of the fans.
They went straight into "Ghost Division” from their 2008 album The Art of War and didn’t look back from there on out. “Uprising” and “White Death” from their new album was next on the list. It was a delight to see them perform with such energy and it clearly showed that they had as much fun on stage as the fans had watching them.
The stage in Denver was a lot smaller then the one in San Francisco but this did not deter the band to put on an awesome show. Joakim was all over the place to make sure that people had the opportunity to see him up-close and personal no matter which side they were standing on.
"Cliffs of Gallipoli" was up next and then they played another new song "Saboteurs" from their 2010 album Coat of Arms and followed up with the title track.Now not taking anything away from the headliner, but the die-hards who cramped into the front of the stage at the Bluebird Theater sang each and every word that came out of Joakim’s mouth.
And speaking of his mouth; his vocals were amazing both nights. Clean, clear and crisp up to the last song.
He said this in Denver as well as San Francisco that he would never thought of being received that great from the North American audience and he thanked the fans over and over again.
Rikard and Oskar were sporting their Fang guitars and let me tell you, the sound produced by those puppies is more then great. Both guitarists made those riffs and solos sound even better then on CD.
Daniel behind his kit had the time of his life as well; because each and every time I looked over to the dude he was all smiles while pounding away on his drums.
And with every band I have seen that incorporated keyboards it’s evidently the same. Even though the keys are a very integrate part of Sabaton’s music; poor Daniel and his board were kinda shoved in the background.
I get it with smaller stages, but in San Francisco at the Regency there was plenty of space but again he was in the back. But don’t be fooled, the sound out of his instrument came over loud and clear. We were joking around and he said he might get one of those handheld keyboards like Vadim from Dragonforce so he can be right up front with the action!
And speaking of action; holy crap Pär sure as hell rocked his camouflage bass axe. Sometime a bass player is subdued when it comes to fronting, but apparently he didn’t get that memo. Posing, strutting and all that good stuff made him a prime target for some awesome pictures.
The only older song they played both nights was "Primo Victoria" from their 2005 same titled album and they ended their set with a medley of “Metal Machine/Metal Crüe”
(A picture with a fan in Denver and his impressive collection of Sabaton music)
Sabaton just have been added as tour support for their countrymen Evergrey and should be back on our shores mid September 2011. If you did not have a chance to see this outstanding band live on their first tour here, don’t miss them next time around; because they will rock your socks off.
For more pictures of Sabaton please click right HERE