Sabaton has become one of the greatest heavy metal bands of our time. Their massive albums and explosive live shows have turned them into true metal stars — merciless, relentless, and seemingly invincible. I used to be one of those people who complained about Sabaton headlining festivals, but now I understand exactly why they are considered a top-tier act. This summer, Sabaton will visit Athens to perform at Release Athens Festival 2026 at Plateia Nerou — a perfect chance for everyone to experience Sabaton’s unique star power firsthand. But which songs can we expect Sabaton to unleash on that summer night in Athens? Which tracks turn arenas into battlefields, make thousands sing every word, and remind everyone why Sabaton has become one of metal’s biggest bands? Here are ten songs fans always hope to hear — ten reasons why Sabaton have become such a huge force in heavy metal.
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
- “Primo Victoria”
You can’t talk about Sabaton live without mentioning “Primo Victoria”. This is where it all started for many fans, it’s a song which defined the band’s sound and made them stand out in the power metal world. The opening chant alone is enough to send a venue into chaos. Everyone knows what’s coming, and the anticipation is electric. Then the riff kicks in and suddenly thousands are yelling “Through the gates of hell!”. It still sounds huge, even after all these years. There’s something triumphant about it, it’s a reminder of Sabaton’s rise. Whether you discovered them twenty years ago or last month, “Primo Victoria” hits the same. It’s one of those songs that instantly turns strangers in the crowd into brothers-in-arms.
- “The Last Stand”
The title-track off “The Last Stand” album (2016) has become an absolute monster in concert. A fan favorite, it’s built for arenas. The stomping rhythm, heroic melody and dramatic pacing make it feel enormous. It’s one of those songs where you can literally feel the floor shaking. Fans expect this because it captures everything Sabaton does best. It’s dramatic, catchy, historical, and ridiculously fun to scream with thousands of other people. There’s also a theatrical quality to it. The visuals, the lights, the atmosphere—it all comes together perfectly. It feels less like hearing a song and more like witnessing an event. That’s why people would absolutely riot if it disappeared from the setlist!
- “Carolus Rex”
For many hardcore Sabaton fans, “Carolus Rex” is a sacred song. It’s one of the band’s most powerful compositions and easily one of their most emotional. Live, it carries incredible weight. There’s a grandeur to it that few metal songs can match. The chorus feels regal and tragic at the same time, and Joakim Broden always delivers it with intensity. We expect it every time, because it represents Sabaton at their artistic peak. This is where storytelling, melody and power all come together harmonically and perfectly. A priceless singalong anthem, a moment of shared reverence between band and audience, “Carolus Rex” is a staple of every Sabaton concert!
- “To Hell and Back”
“To Hell and Back” has an unforgettable, western-inspired intro. The moment it starts, everyone knows what is coming. It instantly builds anticipation before exploding into one of the band’s catchiest choruses! Live, it’s pure fun. The iconic whistle melody gives the song a unique swagger that sets it apart from Sabaton’s usual battlefield stompers. It’s simply impossible not to love. Packed with massive singalong energy, it always gets the crowd moving and instantly lifts the atmosphere. At the same time, it shows that Sabaton can experiment with different styles while still sounding unmistakably like themselves. That originality is exactly why it remains one of their most beloved live numbers. Every time it appears in the setlist, it becomes a guaranteed highlight and a perfect reminder of Sabaton’s ability to combine heavy metal power with pure entertainment.
- “Night Witches”
This thing absolutely rips live. The speed and sheer energy level are insane. It’s easily one of the heaviest moments in any Sabaton set. Fans always expect it, because it’s the perfect reminder that beneath all the massive choruses and theatrical presentation, Sabaton can still go full speed and hit hard as hell. The guitars cut through like blades, the double-bass drumming crashes like thunder, and the vocals are absolutely brilliant. The historical story behind it makes it even more powerful, while the live visuals usually add an extra layer of intensity to the performance. It has become one of those tracks that proves Sabaton can still surprise audiences with sheer force and aggression. Every time it’s played live, it feels like an all-out assault — a perfect display of the band’s heavier side and a guaranteed adrenaline rush for the crowd.
- “The Red Baron”
“The Red Baron” is so much fun. It sounds like Uriah Heep, but more modern and more power metal-driven. That prog-rock-style organ intro is instantly recognizable and always gets huge cheers from the audience. Then the song shifts into one of Sabaton’s most uplifting and energetic tracks. There’s a celebratory vibe throughout that lifts the crowd in concert. People expect it because it’s impossible not to get caught up in its energy. It’s dramatic without taking itself too seriously. What’s more, it shows the band’s ability to mix serious historical storytelling with straight-up arena metal hooks. When it’s played, the whole venue feels lighter, louder, and completely locked in.
- “The Attack of the Dead Men”
“The Attack of the Dead Men” has one of the most chilling stories in Sabaton’s catalog, and the band absolutely nails the atmosphere. The song recounts the horrifying World War I battle, where poisoned Russian soldiers launched a counterattack, while appearing almost undead. Sabaton turns that nightmare scenario into something haunting and unforgettable. The slower, heavier pacing works perfectly here, as the song leans into dread and menace. The chorus is crushing and eerie, making it stand out from many of their more triumphant songs. Why is it great? Because it shows Sabaton can create genuine darkness when they choose to. The guitars are overwhelming and crushing, adding even more weight to the atmosphere, making the whole track feel intense and cinematic.
- “Soldier of Heaven”
“Soldier of Heaven” is one of their most emotional and reflective songs. Lyrically, it tells the story of soldiers frozen in the Alps during World War I, and the icy atmosphere is beautifully conveyed through the arrangement. The melody feels cold and haunting, fitting a song that is ultimately about memory and loss. That emotional depth gives it real power. The chorus is still classic Sabaton, but there’s a strong sense of melancholy beneath the triumph. Taken from The War to End All Wars, “Soldier of Heaven” shows how far the band has evolved as storytellers. It features mature, thoughtful songwriting that hits both emotionally and musically.
- “Masters of the World”
“Masters of the World” is one of those underrated Sabaton tracks that deserves way more love than it usually gets. Off the “Coat of Arms” (2010) album, it is a full-speed power metal assault packed with massive riffs, sharp melodies and that unmistakable Sabaton battlefield atmosphere. Lyrically, it focuses on air superiority during World War II, celebrating the dominance and deadly precision of the fighter aces who ruled the skies. This song never slows down, charging forward with relentless momentum from the opening seconds until the final note. Joakim’s commanding vocals fit perfectly, giving the song that larger-than-life military edge that Sabaton does so well. The chorus is classic Sabaton: huge, catchy, and built for crowd participation. It’s one of those songs that instantly gets stuck in your head after just one listen.
- “Stormtroopers”
One of the most powerful tracks from “The War to End All Wars” (2022), it delivers exactly the kind of high-octane power metal attack that fans expect from Sabaton. Inspired by the elite German assault units of World War I, the song perfectly captures speed, aggression, and tactical precision through its relentless pace and razor-sharp riffing. What makes “Stormtroopers” so effective is its urgency. From the opening seconds, it drives forward without hesitation, creating the feeling of a full-scale battlefield assault. Joakim Brodén’s baritone vocals add intensity, while the chorus hits with pure anthemic force. It’s classic Sabaton at full throttle: historically rich, musically powerful, instantly memorable. The song proves the band can still sound fresh and ferocious while staying true to the epic, war-metal formula that made them famous.
At the end of the day, narrowing down the most anticipated songs from Sabaton in concert is almost impossible, because so much of what they do is built for the stage. These songs aren’t just tracks on an album — they’re full-scale crowd experiences. And we all shall get ready for these immersive experiences as Release Athens Festival is coming this summer again! Put on your full-metal jacket and count down to Sabaton’s concert on July 25th!
