Fresh off the announcement of a massive 2025 world tour — including a 31-date North American run scheduled for early 2026 — Swedish heavy metal giants SABATON continue their unstoppable march through history. The band has just released its eleventh studio album, Legends, via Better Noise Music, marking their debut with the label.
The album’s latest single, “I, Emperor,” takes aim at one of history’s most iconic and controversial figures — Napoleon Bonaparte — and now, fans can step behind the curtain to witness how this epic tale came to life. SABATON has released a half-hour behind-the-scenes documentary showcasing the creative chaos and craftsmanship behind the making of the “I, Emperor” music video.
“Are you ready to go behind the scenes of ‘I, Emperor’ — our nod to Napoleon?” the band says. “If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bring one of our wildest videos to life, this is your chance to meet the creative masterminds who turned a crazy idea into an epic visual tribute.”
Inspired by bassist Pär Sundström’s childhood obsession with board games, the video blends nostalgia, strategy, and SABATON’s signature storytelling flair. The band promises that the making-of feature is “just as legendary as the final cut.”
“Got your dice ready? Let’s play!” they add.
A New Chapter in SABATON’s Ongoing Legend
On Legends, the band — Joakim Brodén (vocals), Pär Sundström (bass), Chris Rörland (guitar), Thobbe Englund (guitar), and Hannes Van Dahl (drums) — continues to fuse powerful anthems with historical storytelling. The record explores some of history’s most formidable figures, from Joan of Arc and Hannibal to Genghis Khan, Vlad the Impaler, and Miyamoto Musashi.
With “I, Emperor,” SABATON dives deep into Napoleon’s meteoric rise — from revolutionary general to self-crowned emperor. His military brilliance at Austerlitz and Rivoli, his legal reforms through the Napoleonic Code, and his ultimate downfall after Waterloo all serve as inspiration for this grand, symphonic metal epic.
Frontman Joakim Brodén describes the song as one of the most fan-requested topics in recent years:
“Epic battles, bold moves, and a rise from nothing to emperor — Napoleon is straight-up legendary,” Brodén explains. “His story was basically built for a SABATON song. And since fans have been asking for it for so long — we made it happen.”
The behind-the-scenes documentary for “I, Emperor” is available now on SABATON’s official YouTube channel — a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the band’s unique blend of history, metal, and larger-than-life storytelling.
Watch the documentary here: SABATON Official YouTube Channel
“Legends” is out now via Better Noise Music on all streaming platforms.
Source: blabbermouth.net