Sabaton

T

he debut Primo Victoria (2005) featuring Joakim Brodén (vocals/keyboards/songwriting/lyrics), Pär Sundström (bass, lyrics), Rikard Sundén (guitars), Oskar Montelius (guitars) and Daniel Mullback (drums) was not supposed to be their debut after renaming themselves from Aeon, a short-lived act lasting less than a year. No, the original debut was supposed to be Metalizer (2007), their third effort. Metalizer originally was recorded in 2002 and was supposed to be distributed by 'Underground Symphony'. After two years waiting, Sabaton abandoned the album and found a new record company to release the self-financed Primo Victoria. 'Black Lodge Records' eventually acquired the rights to Metalizer and released it in 2007.

All keyboards up to and including Primo Victoria were played by singer Joakim Broden. After the release of the album, Daniel Mÿhr joined as a permanent member. The band have had several unnamed former keyboard players that were never involved for any great length of time. Broden was originally solely the keyboard player and became vocalist on a stand-in basis, which eventually became the permanent arrangement. Mÿhr would appear on the sophomore effort, Attero Dominatus (2006).