Monday, May 31, 2010

SABATON – Coat of Arms CD review


SABATON – Coat of Arms CD
Nuclear Blast Records

Swedish power metal that’s obsessed with war, yeah right, when was the last time Sweden declared war on somebody? Whatever the case this band’s brand of warrior themed metal does not contain any battle axes, swords or pole axe weaponry. SABATON are into modern weapons and twentieth century battles especially World War Two. They root for the allies of course. This is their fifth full length so they’ve been at war for some time now. Obviously they’re very good at it, power metal that is. I’m not a huge fan of the genre but I do own some stuff and SABATON’s approach is different then what I’m used to. Joakim Broden’s singing style is not your typical higher pitch, operatic voice (cue Heavy Metal scream) but instead is a deeper “real guy” type of voice. He could front a pub rock/Oi band as well as this. Another difference is that these guys have a more classic 80’s metal sound. “White Death” could’ve been on Headbangers Ball along with the song “Metal Ripper”. The rest feature standard power metal genre fair with heavy keyboard use as a backdrop on the songs. There’s plenty of galloping rhythms to bang your head along to. If anything, Coat of Arms is catchy especially the title track which opens this thing. Power Metal fans, yes all of you in the back row with your fake, dull, flea market bought swords, will like this.

www.nuclearblast.com

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