Sabaton About the video on Kalemegdan: It is impossible not to be affected by the history and culture of Serbia – a scene

Reason to talk to a Swedish musician and one of the group’s founders Sabaton It is their video for the song « Templars », which is recorded in Serbia these days, and the video whose shop takes place in the Belgrade Fortress on Kalemegdan can be viewed on all streaming platforms.

Etymology The name band comes from medieval French – Sabaton is actually a part of a knight armor. Passionate history insearchers through music also have their own Sabaton History Channel on YouTube, where they explain the events to their songs deeper with the help of historians. Sabaton in poems processes real historical events, war heroes and battles, from the period from BC to the Second World War, providing education through metal music, which the founder of the band speaks in the interview.

Why did you choose a kalemegdan fortress as a location to record your most recent video?

Kalemegdan proposed a Serbian production company for some of the scenes, and that was a light decision for us. I spent a lot of time exploring the area around the fortress and in her own, and I knew he had everything we needed. Visually, it provides stunning landscapes that look amazing on the camera. She caught the medieval aesthetics we imagined about filming a song « Templars », asking the tone and the atmosphere in the right way. But, in addition to its film potential, the fortress was also a logical choice – its location has facilitated our entire process. Recording There was not only a mere « production », but an experience. The same goes for the Smederevo Fortress, where we also filmed some scenes. In both of these amazing places we were surrounded by centuries and spectacular views – we really felt like we were immersed into the world we were trying to revive. The moment we saw them, we knew the fighting scenes would look brutally.

The video and the song relies on the motives of the Templar and the Holy Grail. Can you tell us more about inspiration for song and video concept?

– Personally, I have always been fascinated by a story about the Knights of Templars and this historical period in general.  » I have always wanted to write and perform music about that period, and since Sabaton crosses the topic of the first and Second World War on new stories, the moment was perfect. Also, I have to add that our fans have long been looking for this topic. So we filled two wishes – their and mine!

Does the action from the spot have a historical background?

– Our video for the song « Templars » is a fictitious reconstruction of what the last defense of the Templar could be. In that story, Joakim, Hannes, Chris, Thobbe and I play the roles of the last surviving Templars – the guards of the deepest secrets. After intercepting the letter that warns of our recent persecution due to Jeresa (according to the transjections of the Templary, the Pope and Filip IV is wrong for the Jeres, Prim. Um. Refusing to surrender, we face an enemy in epic battle to death. We are trying to defend the honor, but one by one we fall, until only one Templar remains. In the last rank of defiance and loyalty, he fell for the fortress, ensuring that secret orders disappear forever in the flame of history.

This is not the first time to inspire our region – there is your song about Milunk Savić. Can you share how it came about? How did you find out about her and what was touching you in her story?

– Her story is the story of determination, strength and courage, and it truly inspired us! As we worked on the songs from the world’s first World War for the album The War to End All Wars, I came across the story about Milunki And he immediately knew he had to be part of the album. We knew that this story differs from the others, so we had to find music that suits her. When the music was ready, I felt that we had a perfect foundation for text and narration about Milunki.

What attracts you to the topics of war, army and heroism? In the world in which most people seek peace, what role do that topic have in your music?

– We also strive to peace, and we believe that people can learn something through history. We are just another channel to transfer history. People can go to the museum, read the book, look at the documentary – or to listen to the song.

You are familiar with a thorough historical survey. Do you hold traditional narratives that are writing winners, or are you trying to offer your own interpretation of historical events?

– Generally, we always admit that every conflict has at least two sides. Sometimes we introduce one, sometimes both – but it’s never « Sabaton’s side ». We do not take the side, we do not have a political agenda. We tell stories, and I think it’s important that people understand that when they listen to Sabaton.

In your opinion, what is the personal and historical significance of music? What role does she have in shaping our memories of the past?

– The music has always been a means of talking stories. We just do it with electric guitars and strong drums!

Finally, it is known that you have many fans in Serbia. What are your emotions to Serbia and our history – did you have the opportunity to meet deeper?

– Of course! We were in Serbia many times. We traveled, toured fortresses, museums, restaurants, bars, and met a lot of people. It is impossible not to be affected by the history and culture of Serbia. During the years, I developed great friendships and professional relations with many people from Serbia!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b10eckqxqtu