The Swedish power metal band Sabaton released their new album “Legends” via Better Noise Music. For the first time, Sabaton works with the label. The album lyrics are telling stories about some of the most famous and important historical figures in the world – Julius Caesar, Jeanne D’arc (also known as Joan of Arc), Genghis Khan, Vlad the Impaler, Hannibal, the Knights Templar, and the legendary swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi. The album is especially melodic, with vivid memorable refrains. The songs are hymns that praise historical personas and battles.

The first song, “Templars”, is about the Templars in Jerusalem. They were a military order, founded in Jerusalem around 1118–1119 to protect the pilgrims in the Holy Land. They became a strong elite fighting force, but in 1307 King Phillip IV of France ordered a mass arrest of the Templars. They were tortured to confess false charges like heresy and spitting on the cross. In 1312 the Pope officially dissolved the Templar Order.

The song “Hordes of Khan” is inspired by Genghis Khan and his brave Mongolian army.

“A Tiger Among Dragons” is about Lü Bu, a Chinese general of the late Han dynasty and the period of the Three Kingdoms. His nickname was the “Flying General”, and he was one of the most frightful fighters of ancient China.

“Crossing the Rubicon” is about Gaius Julius Caesar and his battle achievements.

“I, Emperor” is about Napoleon Bonaparte and his manner of leading the fights.

“Maid of Steel” is a song about Joan of Arc and the mystery about why she was the “chosen one” to lead the army.

“Imapler” is dedicated to the Romanian warrior Vlad III, known as Vlad the Impaler. He was a voivode (prince) of Wallachia in the 15th century who was famous for his battles against the Ottomans and his bloody, brutal tactics, especially the impalement.

“Lightning at the Gates” is about Hannibal Barca, a Carthaginian general from North Africa, who wanted to return the glory of Carthage. He did attack the Roman Empire when he crossed the Alps with an army and 37 war elephants.

“The Duelist” is about the legendary Japanese samurai Miyamoto Musashi, born in 1584 in Harima. He dedicated his life to the warrior’s path.

“The Cycle of Songs” is about the Egyptian pharaoh Senusret III. His reign started about 1878 B.C., and he shaped the power and stability of Middle Kingdom Egypt.

The last song, “Till Seger”, is about Gustavus Adolphus, who became a king of Sweden in 1611. He transformed the Swedish nation into a major European power. The song is in Swedish.

Sabaton released a video for the song “I, Empreror”: