Bingkai Karya – SABATON, the world’s leading power metal band and one of Sweden’s most successful musical exports, has officially released their new single and video, “Templars”, the first track from their upcoming 11th studio album. Alongside the digital release, SABATON is also offering a limited edition 12” one-sided vinyl pressing of “Templars,” with only 1,000 copies available worldwide, set to drop on June 27.
Known for their signature style that explores themes of history, war, and heroism, SABATON, Joakim Brodén (vocals), Pär Sundström (bass), Chris Rörland (guitar), Thobbe Englund (guitar), and Hannes Van Dahl (drums), have built a loyal global fanbase. With over 3 billion streams across platforms and nearly 2 billion views on YouTube, their legacy continues to grow.
“‘Templars’ was the first song we wrote for the upcoming album and it truly shows the theatrical side of SABATON,” said bassist Pär Sundström. “From the very beginning, we were filled with ideas on how to bring it to life on stage. We didn’t just want to play it, we wanted to perform it.”
The “Templars” video tells a fictional tale of the final stand of the Knights Templar. In the narrative, the band members portray the last remaining Templars, sworn to protect their order’s secrets. The story unfolds with a warning letter foretelling their arrest for heresy. Soon, enemy forces arrive under orders from King Philippe IV of France. The Templars refuse to surrender, choosing to fight to the end. One by one, they fall, until only one knight remains. In a final act of sacrifice, he defeats the enemy commander and retreats into the fortress, setting it ablaze to safeguard the order’s secrets forever.
Filmed across two historic fortresses in Serbia, Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park and Smederevo Fortress, the video provides a majestic and authentic setting for its battle scenes. To ensure realism and safety, the band collaborated with a large group of professional reenactors with film experience. The shoot lasted two grueling days under the sweltering summer heat, amplifying the raw, intense energy of the production.
With Thobbe Englund returning to the band after nearly eight years, the group chose to mark the occasion by casting him as the last surviving Templar in the video’s epic finale. Originally planned to wear a helmet for stunt doubling, the fight coordinator decided instead to battle directly alongside Thobbe. Though choreography was pre-planned, on-the-spot improvisations heightened the realism. Wearing a 40kg suit of armor in extreme heat, and while running a fever, Thobbe delivered a legendary performance worthy of his return.
“We’re excited to begin a new chapter with Better Noise Music,” said Sundström. “After exploring several labels, we felt this partnership was the right fit. While Better Noise isn’t typically a heavy metal label, that’s exactly what makes this collaboration exciting. They’re ready for the challenge.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome SABATON to our family,” added Lexie Viklund, Director of A&R at Better Noise Music. “Their music and storytelling resonate globally, and we aim to expand their presence in the U.S. while strengthening their global reach.”Over the past two decades, SABATON has become a headliner at major festivals, sold out arenas worldwide, and built a devoted fanbase through relentless hard work. Since their 2005 debut album, they’ve achieved Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum certifications across various countries, with ten studio albums under their belt. Eight of those albums have entered international Top 10 charts, six landing in the Top 5. The band has also received eight Metal Hammer Golden Gods nominations, winning “Breakthrough Artist” in 2011 and “Best Live Band” three times, alongside a Swedish Grammis nomination for Best Heavy Metal Band.
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