The Great War
Sabaton · 2019
42 min · 11 tracks · power metal
Epic power metal anthems intertwined with historical narratives deliver a thunderous tribute to the horrors and heroism of World War I.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Future of Warfare Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Seven Pillars of Wisdom — This track encapsulates the spirit of the album by recounting T.E. Lawrence's pivotal role during the Arab Revolt, blending powerful melodies with vivid storytelling.
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The Red Baron — Focusing on the legendary fighter pilot Manfred von Richthofen, this song's rhythmic intensity and catchy chorus highlight the personal heroism amidst war's chaos.
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Great War — The title track serves as a poignant reflection on the devastating impact of World War I, combining grand instrumentation with stirring lyrics that resonate deeply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends power metal with historical storytelling, creating a unique and engaging experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of orchestral elements alongside heavy guitar riffs, creating a cinematic soundscape.
- Each track incorporates historical narratives, often using spoken word segments to introduce themes before the music kicks in.
- The tempo varies throughout, with several tracks maintaining a fast pace while others slow down for dramatic effect.
- The final track includes a somber piano arrangement that contrasts sharply with the preceding anthemic songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- powerful anthems for motivation
- steady pacing for focused listening
- historical narratives ignite imagination
- mid-tempo journey through history
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, upbeat tracks
- prefer mellow, introspective sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Ambitious storytelling and thematic depth mark a high point in their discography.
- Themes
- World War I horrors· T.E. Lawrence's legacy· The Red Baron's heroism
- Career context
- Released on July 19, 2019, The Great War is Sabaton's ninth studio album, coming after their commercially successful album, The Last Stand. At this point in their career, Sabaton had solidified their reputation for blending heavy metal with historical themes, and they were enjoying increased international recognition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- HammerFall· DragonForce· Blind Guardian
Tracklist
- 1 The Future of Warfare Start here 4:30
- 2 Seven Pillars of Wisdom 3:31
- 3 82nd All the Way 3:48
- 4 The Attack of the Dead Men 4:16
- 5 Devil Dogs 3:36
- 6 The Red Baron 3:12
- 7 Great War 4:53
- 8 A Ghost in the Trenches 3:54
- 9 Fields of Verdun 3:29
- 10 The End of the War to End All Wars 5:07
- 11 In Flanders Fields 1:56
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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