Sabaton, the Swedish power metal band, has carved out a unique niche with their military-themed songs and will celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2024. I first saw them in 2010 when they opened for Accept on the Blood of the Nations tour, while Sabaton was supporting their Coat of Arms album. The lineup has changed significantly since then. That night, both bands played at the Roseland Theater’s small “Peter’s Room,” a cramped space that barely holds 75 people. It was packed and oversold, with the stage barely large enough to fit the band.
Sabaton is currently supporting their latest album, The War to End All Wars, along with their recently released concert film, The Tour to End All Tours. On tour with Judas Priest, Sabaton was given use of most of the stage, complete with a large backdrop featuring their logo. The highlight of their setup is their tank—a centerpiece that rivals Amon Amarth’s Viking helmet drum riser and even tops Eric Carr’s tank riser from KISS’ Creatures of the Night tour. With war imagery, camouflage, and battle armor galore, Sabaton’s stage show is an immersive battlefield experience.
Joakim Brodén commands the stage like a ringmaster, full of charisma, energy, and pure entertainment. If you’ve seen a Sabaton show, you know they don’t just stand still—it’s like watching human pinballs bounce across the stage. They quickly won over the crowd, myself included. Standout moments from their set included “Ghost Division,” “The Last Stand,” and “To Hell and Back.”
Judas Priest has firmly established themselves as a legacy metal act, but they aren’t resting on their laurels. Instead of relying solely on the hits, they continue to write and record new music. Aside from the overly ambitious Nostradamus (2008), their recent albums have been consistently strong. Of course, classics like “Breaking the Law,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” “Painkiller,” “Turbo Lover,” and “Hell Bent for Leather” are still staples, alongside deeper cuts like “Saints in Hell” and “Devil’s Child.” From their latest album, Invincible Shield, new tracks such as “Panic Attack,” “Crown of Thorns,” and the title track were seamlessly integrated into the set, adding fresh energy to the show.
Judas Priest has undergone several lineup changes over the years, some voluntary and others due to circumstances. K.K. Downing departed years ago, and Glenn Tipton stepped aside due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis, which continues to worsen over time. In their place, Rob Halford and the band recruited Richie Faulkner, who performs the classics with precision and respect, and producer Andy Sneap, positioned to the right of the stage. Sneap has handled production on their recent albums, including 2023’s Invincible Shield. While Faulkner and Sneap aren’t K.K. and Glenn, they complement each other well and evoke flashes of the band’s glory days. The rhythm section remains solid, with drummer Scott Travis, a member since 1990, and founding bassist Ian Hill. As for the Metal God, Halford shows some wear and tear, but it’s raw, real, and honest—a testament to his enduring legacy.
After more than 50 years, Judas Priest is still nothing short of amazing. If you’re a true metal fan and haven’t seen them live, you’re running out of time. There’s no telling how much longer Rob Halford can continue performing at this level, but it’s incredible that he still does—and we should all be grateful for it.
