Sabaton / Apocalyptica / Amaranthe - Wembley Arena, London (UK) - 08 February 2020

I already had an idea of what to expect for Sabaton's only UK Arena Show in support of the new studio album 'The Great War', which was released last year ahead of the Friday Headliner slot at UK summer festival Bloodstock, where we were treated to a taster of what was to come from their own Arena show. Finally, on the eve of a storm which was due to hit the UK at the sold out show with UK fans who had followed them now for over two decades and seen them get better and their shows get larger, longer and more entertaining, we all stood shoulder to shoulder, ready for battle.

To start the evening off we were introduced to one of the bands raising stars in Metal from their home country of Sweden, Amaranthe, who warmed the crowed up with a great opening performance. Then a change of style with special guests, Finish Cello Rockers Apocalyptica, who for me were just a treat and a joy to watch play.

Now the anticipation started to build as the curtain blocked out the stage. Finally the house lights went out and we started to hear 'In Flanders Fields' with the intro of 'Ghost Division', and that's it we were off, The Great Show about The Great War was in full charge. There was fire, explosions, barbed wire, sand bag,s and yes, Hannes Van Dahl was up there keeping the beat on his drums in the tank, with Chris Rörland and Tommy Johansson on lead guitars, Pär Sundström on bass guitar and Joakim Brodén on lead vocals.

As we got settled in with The Great War, Apocalyptica re-joined the stage with their cello's for 'Angels Calling' and finally 'Carolus Rex'. If this wasn't enough the encore bought us 'Primo Victoria', 'Bismarck', 'Swedish Pagans', and with one final explosion confetti covered the arena during 'To Hell And Back'. This evening for me was just the best, having got to speak with Pär ahead of the release of the new album 'The Great War' back in the spring of 2019. We talked about tour plans for the album and the show was just how I imagined it could be, having listened to the unique concept version of the album the show did not disappoint. I'm now looking forward to how they are going to top this.

Samantha C Wright