Naturally continuing their historical war-theme exploration of World War I, The War to End All Wars is the sequel to The Great War – Sabaton comfortably establishing their niche as a firm leader in the current model of melodic power metal. Intertwining tales far and wide from perspectives of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, soldiers who protect the Austrian/Hungarian borders, the Belgian flood to prevent the country falling into German hands, all the way to the end of the war with the treaty signing at Versailles – the listeners gain knowledge through accurate research by the band. Grandiose in every way, these gentlemen continue to develop stirring anthems tailor made for audience participation from singing to shouting on all vocal/musical fronts.
A Bethan Dixon Bate narrative sequence sets the stage of 1914 for “Sarajevo” – a mid-tempo opener featuring huge choirs, triumphant keyboard support, and ample moodiness from the slower drumming and calmer rhythms to speedier power runs plus a thoughtful lead break keeping aural interest. The versatility Sabaton displays is key to maintaining listeners’ from beginning to end – progressive-oriented nuances allow “Dreadnought” to become an early difference-maker, while the 80’s-style synths and electronic drum parts for “Soldier of Heaven” could make this song a future arena-style staple. Also turning up the heaviness at times for “Hellfighters” and “The Valley of Death”, the quintet is a well-oiled machine when you look at the songwriting focus and attention to detail – keeping the transitions, hooks, and melodies coming from all angles, most of the songs sitting in that ideal 3:30-4:30 pocket. The unmistakable baritone delivery and note inflections from Joakim Brodén give even a powerful ballad like “Christmas Truce” that sweeping operatic/theatrical dimension, supplementary female choirs making this scribe think of Nightfall-era Blind Guardian, especially given the guitar harmony textures that match the feel of the vocals.
The marriage of war and metal shouldn’t be surprising to most – Sabaton doing their part for these two entities since the start of their career. The War to End All Wars keeps the group sharp, primed, locked and loaded for world dominance once again.