After announcing a massive 2025 world tour — which includes a 31-date North American leg scheduled for early 2026 — Swedish metal giants SABATON have unveiled their eleventh studio album, “Legends”, marking their debut release via Better Noise Music. The record features their latest single and accompanying video, “I, Emperor”, inspired by the complex and controversial figure of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Their new allbum is dedicated to the lives of some of history’s most iconic and fascinating figures, including Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc), Hannibal, Genghis Khan, Vlad the Impaler, Julius Caesar, the Knights Templar, and the legendary Japanese swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi. SABATON’s storytelling is unique and dive into the spirit and legacy of warriors, legends and kings.
About “I, Emperor”, Joakim Broden expains: Epic battles, bold moves and a rise from nothing to emperor. Napoleon is straight-up legendary and his story is basically built for a SABATON song. Plus, this one was greatly — and I mean greatly — requested by fans. So here it is… you asked, we delivered!”
Bassist Pär Sundström: “I was excited about ‘I, Emperor’, because I’ve seen countless cequests for us to write a song about Napoleon, which is usually a sign that fans will get excited about a song. This one’s got that anthem energy, and we’ve got a feeling it’s gonna be a fan favorite.” He adds: “It’s punchy, powerful and seriously catchy, that’s something we all felt when Joakim was singing along to the music during the filming of the video for the song. I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks. I’m curious to see if fans think this one should make it into the setlist for future shows!”.
The accompanying music video pays homage to one of Pär Sundström’s favorite childhood pastimes — board games. The idea was to recreate a historical board game version of the Battle of Waterloo, with a unique twist: the band members themselves unknowingly determine the outcome of the clash. In the video, Joakim Brodén commands the French forces, while Pär Sundström and Chris Rörland take on the roles of the British, and Hannes Van Dahl together with Thobbe Englund represent the Prussian army.
“Legends” is available worldwide as a digital download, as well as in various physical formats and retailer exclusives including CD, 2 CD digibook, 2 CD earbook (both including the exclusive Storyteller Edition),11 unique vinyl editions (including a special vinyl color and exclusive artwork with each),additional exclusive vinyl colors, and a limited box set (including another exclusive vinyl color, the 2 CD earbook, and a colored cassette as an exclusive format).
