Sabaton / Hell

In the past, Sabaton's relations with the UK have been impressive, with many of their concerts selling out. It seems unusual that the belligerent Swedes have only booked a single UK date, naturally in London. The cocktail of accents in the queue winding around the Koko suggest that many Brits have journeyed from far afield for this show.

Stirring excited discussion in metal circles, particularly after their impressive Bloodstock appearance this year, Nottingham's Hell make a firm impression as they serve up filling portions of dark and modern heavy metal. Although formed in 1982, this quintet only released their debut album 'Human Remains' this year to positive acclaim. 'Plague and Fyre', 'On Earth As It Is in Hell' and 'Save Us From Those Who Would Save Us' encourage fists to beat the air and streams of enthusiasm from the audience. Frontman David Bower runs around on stage adorned with a crown of thorns and unique vocals that sound like sanity is thin. He is flanked by his band mates, wearing ghoulish facepaint to compliment Hell's image. He occasionally takes to a sinister pulpit to preach to a congregation of beer-tinged metalheads. Having delivered such a robust performance and performing fresh and dynamic heavy metal anthems, these men are sure to be around for a while.

Europe's 'The Final Countdown' serenades Sabaton as they take the stage to a frenzy of cheers and salutations from the fans. Leaping straight into 'Ghost Division' from the 'Art of War' album, Sabaton know how to get their audience going as heads bang and a mosh pit erupts in the centre of the venue.

Surprisingly, the beloved 'Primo Victoria' is the second track fired out by the Swedes. Frontman Joakim Broden does not even need to tell the audience to leap up and down on their feet, as is customary at a Sabaton show. The audience swells with excitement as the majority of voices are raised to sing along, not missing a single word. The Polish-praising anthem '40-1' follows and a collection of Polish flags arise, seemingly from nowhere. After fourth song 'Cliffs of Gallipoli' is complete, Broden announces that this show is to be special, in that the audience dictates the setlist. Unsurprisingly, the venue is filled with the clutter of hundreds of voices squealing for their favourite Sabaton tracks. In actuality, Broden explains that he will let the audience choose between two tracks and the track that secures the largest ovation is the track they will play.

'Screaming Eagles' beats 'Aces in Exile', as the first song from latest full-length 'Coat of Arms' and for the first time in the UK, the high-octane 'Talvisota' is played. A sustained audience campaign for 'Back in Control' forces the power metallers to dish up the English track, with Broden prefacing it with "I was wondering how long it would be until you called for that!" All the usual Sabaton staples present themselves with gusto, including 'Wolfpack', 'Panzer Battalion' and 'Attero Dominatus'. Cries for 'Union (Slopes of St. Benedict)' see Broden sheepishly admitting that they forgot how to play the song. Queue immense disappointment. Non album track 'Swedish Pagans' makes a show too and fanatics sing along word for word.

As usual, the band are on top form. Broden, bedecked in reflective aviator shades, is fascinating to watch as he maintains the audience's attention and bellows out his deep voice over explosive drums and sharp guitar work. The other members are enthusiastic, with smiles a common sight and a clear appreciation for the attendees. The final song is the usual – a medley between 'Metal Crue' and 'Metal Machine', the last hurrah. As the show closes, Broden states that Sabaton are returning to the studio in two weeks to start work on their next album, due out in June, and that they will return to with a full UK schedule and not just the lonely London date. As they leave the stage, a banner unfurls revealing the album art of the forthcoming release. A great way to generate excitement and leave the audience begging for more. Sabaton have turned in yet another sublime London performance.

FUTURE GIGS