Single Slam – The Red Baron by Sabaton (The Great War)

Swedish power metallers, Sabaton, are back with the second  single from their upcoming new album The Great War. This track is called The Red Baron.

The Great War will be released on the 19th of July via Nuclear Blast Records. As you can probably guess from the name, it is a concept album dealing with The Great War otherwise known as World War I. The Great War will be the band’s 9th studio album. It follows their 2016 release, The Last Stand. You can read our thoughts on that release here.

We had been waiting excitedly for a first taste of new music, especially since hearing they will be a headliner at the 2019 edition of Bloodstock Festival. We got that with the first single release, Fields of Verdun. A decent track but not mind blowing. Read about that one here. Sandwiched in between Fields of Verdun and The Red Baron we did get another, non album, single released in Bismarck. Read about that one here. That one is mind blowing.

Sabaton are fronted by Joakim Brodén, on vocals and keys with Pär Sundström on the bass. Chris Rörland is on guitars with Hannes van Dahl on drums and Tommy Johansson also on guitars. All members also provide backing vocals.

The Red Baron refers to Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen. He was a fighter pilot with the German Air Force during World War I. He is considered the ace-of-aces of the war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories.

The Red Baron, the song, is quite a short one at under 3 and a half minutes in length. It has a bit of a strange start to it with some really off sounding guitar tones. It’s almost retro video game style but when it kicks in, damn, what a track. The music comes at you like a punch with ripping guitars and speedy vocals. The Red Baron contains all of Sabaton’s trademarks. Catchy vocals, simplistic but infectious choruses. Big, anthemic tones and a blazing solo. It just hits a little harder due to the increased tempo of everything. The drums are fantastic and the little guitar flourishes that end each lyrical line are magical.

The Red Baron is sure to become a fan favourite in the live environment at least. It is a pit worthy song, not in that it is crushingly heavy but more that it just makes you want to jump to your feet and let loose. Great job. Now that raises expectations for The Great War to a whole new level.

You can grab a copy of The Red Baron now on all the usual streaming platforms. You can preorder a copy of The Great War from Sabaton and Nuclear Blast here. Keep up to date with news on the band and the new album at their website, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.