On July 19th, Swedish power-metal juggernaut Sabaton are set to drop their ninth studio album, the epic concept record The Great War, which also commemorates the band’s 20th anniversary. The LP tells stories from the First World War, including the story of Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen, a greatly mythologized fighter pilot with the German Air Force, via the rousing, fist-pumping single “The Red Baron.” “This is not the first time we sing about stories from this period in time, but now we felt the timing was right to make a full concept album about this war,” the band has said of the record.
Shortly after The Great War’s release, we caught up with bass player and backing vocalist Pär Sundström — who joined the group in 1999 — to find out what albums changed his life. Read below for his list and commentary.
Iron Maiden – Run to the Hills
My first real bought metal album!
Sabaton – Primo Victoria
The album that started the real Sabaton
Savatage – Dead Winter Dead
Savatage is a band I can return to often depending on mood. They got everything, but this album stands out. It has a historical connection similar to what Sabaton could be doing.
Moonspell – Wolfheart
Before playing in Sabaton I used to play some Moonspell covers, and I guess it’s what kept me playing at this time.
Hammerfall – Glory to the Brave
Without this album, there would be no Sabaton. Hammerfall, with this album, opened the world to melodic metal in a time of black and death metal.
