As a newly indoctrinated Sabaton fan, getting exactly what you wished for isn't always perfect. Released one hundred years after the end of its inspiration, their last album The Great War completely engulfed me. Understanding the historical context, learning about the individual history of each song through their history channel turned me into a believer! Much to my initial delight, The War To End All Wars simply continues that theme. The Swedish group dove deep into the history of World War I, leaving them with a wealth of inspiration, becoming the ten tracks of this newest album.
As I mentioned, this isn't a perfect scenario. With three years to dwell on the glory of its predecessor, the lack of shift in tone or aesthetic gives these new songs a large shadow they struggle to emerge from. Although its been less than a week since its release, I've wrapped my head around these songs on repeat and felt as if the formula of their War inspired Power Metal style prevails but only with the hallmarks and cliches very visible. Its no longer has the impact of surprise, muting much of my excitement.
That's not a put down on the music. These are fine metallic strides of fist pumping power and might, aligned with sharp, riveting rhythms to carry forth a sense of epic and glory. The group dominate with Joakim Brodén's triumphant vocals. The glossy melody resonating from its synths and lead guitars gives it a great sensibility. Sabaton are seasoned and it shows in both writing and execution. Its a stellar production, bold and bright, a gleaming aesthetic for their excellent song writing, which again does show its own tropes now that I am more accustom with their particular approach.
With every listen the last four tracks seem elevated to my ears. Starting with Lady Of The Dark, their tribute to Serbian combatant Milunka Savić kicks a little fire into the tone. Something about Joakim's plain faced, descriptive lyrics seem to strike a nerve, as they do again on Christmas Truce, a subject with immense significance. The lead piano's inflection of seasonal tone is very well handled. Versailles then asks the important questions of peace and loss and life, a powerful subject the band approach with a brimming jollity that then collapses into hints and what is to follow historically...
Rating: 7/10