Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion shook on Saturday night as Swedish heavy metal giants Sabaton stormed the stage for a show as colossal as their reputation.
Taking to the stage on Saturday night as part of their Australian tour, Sabaton well and truly showed up. The atmosphere was electric before the first note rang out, with fans buzzing at the chance to be among the first in the world to hear tracks from the band’s forthcoming 11th studio album Legends. A
nticipation spilled over as the lights dropped, and Sabaton emerged with trademark intensity, commanding the stage from the very first moment.
True to form, the performance was a finely-tuned spectacle. Vocalist Joakim Brodén’s booming baritone cut through waves of soaring riffs, while the rest of the band stayed in near-constant motion, weaving across the stage with infectious energy. Only drummer Hannes Van Dahl, perched atop the now-iconic tank drum riser, remained fixed – though the sheer force of his playing made up for his lack of mobility.
The set balanced fan favourites with glimpses of new material, each song hitting with the precision and firepower Sabaton are known for. Between the thunderous choruses and intricate solos, there was plenty of camaraderie, a reminder that even with all the bombast, this is a band that thrives on connection as much as spectacle.
The Hordern Pavillion crowd responded in kind: fists in the air, voices hoarse from shouting every lyric, the floor shaking as thousands moved in unison. It was heavy metal theatre at its absolute finest, a combination of military-grade riffs and pure joy that only Sabaton can deliver.
After more than two decades at the forefront of their craft, Sabaton continue to prove why they’re considered one of the greatest live bands in the world. Saturday night was no exception: tight, powerful, and impossible to look away from.
Check out the full gallery below, with photos by James Miller.
Sabaton @ Hordern Pavillion, Sydney Gallery
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