I must admit I was very very worried about how this album will sound, plus given the Swedish lyrics. Although "The Art of War" remains a top notch for me from Sabaton, this is definitely a fantastic album. Yes it does sound almost identical as "tAoW" and "CoA" but, given the fate of few bands I like, I prefer for Sabaton to not change the style that is obviously working, than to force a change just to sound different and "make a step forward" and fuck it up like a lot of bands did in the last few years ... 8.75 / 10.

P.S. I think I prefer the Swedish over English version Oh and Peter sounds pure fuckin awesome

When it comes to the design, this might be the sexiest album of all time. Looks like a little book, with interviews with the members, beautiful artwork inside and historical facts to every song there. I could put this thing beside my litterature about the swedish golden years in my bookshelf.

I need to listen to the Swedish version.

EDIT: WHEEEEE! I have, and it's as awesome as the English version. And I've never imagined that a power metal album would make my favourite of a year

In my opinion is 'Carolus Rex' the 2nd best album of them after 'Art of War'. The best piece on album is 'Gott Mitt Uns' where Joakim has done a great job with his voice and with Peter Tägtgren. They sounds great, together.
The last Sabaton's song which I was listening again and again, was 'Cliffs Of Gallipoli'. For this time, it is 'Gott Mitt Uns' my No.1 of Sabaton. I like whole album from start to end, even very good cover, of Amon Amarth's 'Twillight of the Thunder Gods'.

10/10

After listening to it a lot: Best album of 2012

Definitely best power album i've heard so far this year

Highly overrated.

As much as I'm a fan of Sabaton, I'm a bit disappointed about this one.

First Power Metal band I actually enjoy...wow.

Written by Drummer149 on 11.08.2012 at 18:32

First Power Metal band I actually enjoy...wow.

Maybe because they are not cheesy??

Written by [user id=114505] on 19.08.2012 at 05:08
Maybe because they are not cheesy??

Hhahahahahahahaha. Thse guys are cheesy as hell just like your regular power metal band... Maybe just a bit less cheesy but still cheesy nonetheless.

I love this album because it is so cheesy

and i got the double-cd edition as a birthday gift and it is the single most beautiful piece in my collection so far...they simply got the job done

Everyone likes a bit of cheese from time to time. Unless you're lactose intolerant.. in which case this thing is lethal.

Written by X-Ray Rod on 19.08.2012 at 11:36

Written by [user id=114505] on 19.08.2012 at 05:08
Maybe because they are not cheesy??

Hhahahahahahahaha. Thse guys are cheesy as hell just like your regular power metal band... Maybe just a bit less cheesy but still cheesy nonetheless.

I was thinking in Heloween when I wrote that

Unbelievably awesome album!

I spent hours reading stuff about Charles XII and Swedish-Russian wars in 1700s.
Sabaton should be played in schools at history classes.

Saw staff review and was conflicted by the lineup changes so I skipped the release and missed them when they came to town. The friends that went said it was their best performance in the area yet and after being impressed by the Amon Amarth cover I finally gave the album a spin.

Seriously regret dismissing them so readily.

That Amon Amarth cover is so god damn good.

That was a quality album I was not aware of. I liked:
02. The Lion From The North
03. Gott Mit Uns
06. The Carolean's Prayer
08. Killing Ground
09. Poltava
11. Ruina Imperii

Great album, specially swedish version, their best. Great idea home town history. I am proud that Swe had empire, European countries had colonies. That was time ehhh, anyway as young lad, I liked a lot metal no matter what language. Now I want HM only in english, swe, nor maybe ger can work. Black, Folk, metal in Germanic languages only.
Beck here, this is bands best album!

A useful album when it comes to accompany teachings on the Thirty Year War - the students like it.