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Sabaton have undeniably carved out their own niche in metal. The Swedish band has made it their mission to tell history through music. Their eleven studio albums so far revolve around various historical events, including World War I and II, the rise and fall of the Swedish Empire, and more. So if you're into music with meaning and love the driving metal sound of the band led by frontman Joakim Brodén, you should definitely check out these acts as well.
Kanonenfieber
Metal with a historical focus? Our first recommendation is an obvious one: Kanonenfieber from Bamberg, Germany, are currently on the rise. Musically, the band combines death metal and black metal with an atmospheric edge. Lyrically, they focus on World War I, putting them thematically very close to Sabaton. What makes them special: all lyrics are based on real sources such as letters, diaries, and other historical documents. They’re also an absolute force live, performing masked and using plenty of pyro and WWI-inspired props for a truly immersive experience.
Heaven Shall Burn
Heaven Shall Burn don’t focus on the past, fiction, or mythology—instead, their music tackles something much closer to home: modern society. The metal band from Saalfeld, Germany, has spent nearly 30 years turning social criticism into epic anthems. Anti-fascism, resistance, standing up against oppression, animal rights, and more—if you’re into meaningful lyrics, HSB is a must-listen.
Amon Amarth
Amon Amarth don’t just share their Swedish roots with Sabaton—their music is also built around a central theme. The band is known for their “Viking metal,” exploring Norse mythology. And what does that sound like? Melodic death metal paired with lyrics about Scandinavian seafarers and traders. Active since the early ’90s, the band already has twelve full-length albums under their belt. If you want to headbang while learning about Norse mythology, this is your band.
Ice Nine Kills
Not historical at all—but absolutely killer in a horror sense: Ice Nine Kills. The US-based band has made it their mission to turn horror franchises into highly produced metalcore on their latest albums. Horror films, series, and stories are transformed into powerful tracks on their concept albums The Silver Scream and The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood. Live, the band around frontman Spencer Charnas fully embraces their horror aesthetic—with axes, saws, knives, guns, and more (all props, of course). Like Sabaton, Ice Nine Kills place a strong emphasis on storytelling. Definitely worth checking out!
Powerwolf
If you’re especially into Sabaton’s power metal sound, you’ve probably already heard of Powerwolf—or you should start listening now. The band from Saarbrücken has been active for over 20 years and explores religious themes, often combined with supernatural elements like werewolves and vampires. This sacred aesthetic is also reflected musically, with organ sounds and choir elements woven into their tracks. A powerful combination!
Ghost
Speaking of church vibes—Ghost can’t be left out. Well, quasi-church, at least. The band led by mastermind Tobias Forge essentially performs ritual-like “services” at their live shows, complete with a frontman appearing as different cardinal-like figures. Lyrically, Ghost focuses on the occult and satanic themes, all set to a blend of hard rock and heavy metal. These days, they’re filling arenas worldwide.
Sleep Token
If you’re into strong storytelling and compelling music, you don’t have to stay within Sabaton’s historical world. Sleep Token have created an entirely unique universe through their music. The anonymous band, centered around frontman Vessel, revolves around the mysterious deity “Sleep.” Albums like Take Me Back To Eden and Even In Arcadia show just how deeply intertwined music and storytelling can be. Thematically, Sleep Token explore spiritual devotion, inner conflict, and emotional turmoil—wrapped in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and widely relatable. Musically, they constantly break genre boundaries, ranging from delicate, fragile moments to massive, explosive passages.
Bad Omens
If you’re looking for Sabaton-style storytelling in a more modern, darker context, Bad Omens are the perfect fit. Especially since The Death Of Peace Of Mind, the band has built a reputation for creating a suffocating, almost dystopian world through their music. Instead of historical events, they focus on modern society: alienation, technology, emotional detachment, and the gradual loss of humanity. Musically, the band around frontman Noah Sebastian blends metalcore, industrial, and atmospheric pop elements.
Alestorm
“Drink up, me hearties, yo hoooo.” Grab your pirate hat, a bottle of rum, turn up the volume, and put on Alestorm—your pirate moment awaits! What Amon Amarth do for Vikings, Alestorm do for pirate mythology. The Scottish band blends folk and power metal with elements of pop, nu metal, and even black metal, creating a unique niche of their own. Check out their “true Scottish pirate metal”!
By the way: For Sabaton’s “Legendary Tour,” we offered the official and exclusive Pop-Up Merch Collection last year, which is now available in our shop. Take a look and browse through shirts, hoodies, and accessories from the past tour and the current album Legends.
