Sabaton, Angels Calling | Track Review 🎵

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Swedish heavy metal band Sabaton taps Finnish symphonic metal band Apocalyptica for an epic remake of the 2006 gem, “Angels Calling.”

In case you weren’t aware, Sabaton is a heavy metal band from Sweden.  As of the publication date, the Swedish collective has released nine studio albums, with their last album arriving in 2019 (The Last Stand).  Getting slightly broader, for whatever reason, metal itself is ‘kind of a big deal’ in Sweden and the other Scandinavian countries – it’s quite interesting to say the least.  Anyways, refocusing, the band returns with a new version of “Angels Calling,” featuring Finnish symphonic metal band, Apocalyptica.   

According to the band’s official website, of “Angels Calling,” they assert:

“‘Angels Calling’ was the first song we wrote on the topic of World War I for the Attero Dominatus album back in 2006, and together with Apocalyptica we have really given the song a new life.”

Given that Apocalyptica are known for a brand of symphonic metal, it’s no surprise that the new version of “Angels Calling” commences lushly, in an orchestral setting, led by dramatic strings.  After setting the tone with classical music elements, the spirit of heavy metal kicks in ripely.  What does that ripeness consist of? Driving, jagged, rhythmic guitars, pummeling drums, and soon enough, commanding lead vocals by Joakim Brodén.  Of course, Brodén gets support from choral backing vocals, further amplifying the power of this record. Essentially, heavy- and symphonic-metal coexist marvelously, with both distinct styles having their respective moments to shine individually as well as collectively.

Final Thoughts

Is a new version of a song previously recorded by a band necessary? Of course not.  That said, Sabaton reissuing “Angels Calling” as a collaboration with Apocalyptica is pretty cool and certainly refreshing.  I mean, who doesn’t want six minutes of epic metal in their lives? Definitely a sick way to warm up the cold temperatures of January, even if the song originates back to the aughts.  The musicianship is a huge selling point.

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Sabaton • “Angels Calling” (Ft. Apocalyptica) – Single • Nuclear Blast • Release: 1.17.20

Photo Credit: Nuclear Blast