I’m aware, I’m aware, that this is not a classical music concert. In the classical music realm, jokes, sings and dances about it. I joined my first metal concert as Sabaton took the stage at “Turkcell Stage” in Istanbul on October 6 It was an unforgettable night for me. I almost never gravitate towards metal music but Sabaton has always held a special place in my heart for their strong tales about wars and heroism.
The evening began at 9:00 p.m. with U.D.O. Now believe me when I say I had no familiarity with U.D.O. at all, so without further ado I will jump right into it. Then I did regret my decision because despite having a ticket for the front of the stage all the prime places were already taken and I was watching Sabaton from a not so good spot.
Sabaton then came on at 10:00 and the whole crowd was ready to absolutely explode. Sabaton was born in 1999 in Falun, Sweden, where the songs have been written and stories told since – and they are far from just a metal band, they’re epic storytellers who make history come alive through music. Powered by inspirational lyrics detailing historical battles, heroism and the resilience of mankind, the band’s distinctive power metal sound is at once uplifting and captivating.
They started off with their Ghost Division stuff. It’s a standard concert opener for them. And then they rolled out classics such as Red Baron, Bismarck, Attack of the Dead Man, Last Stand. And then we go to Cliffs of Gallipoli… When I listened to them, I was thrilled how every single song could be a history lesson in powerful riffs and catchy choruses.
Joakim Brodén’s vocals and the overall energy of the band on stage it was more like a history lesson on adrenaline and emotions. The entire crowd singing along to the song of legendary battles and heroes, it’s pretty mind-blowing really. The fact that Sabaton sell out arenas all over the world and have billions of streams on digital platforms only illustrates their global dominance but experiencing them live in Istanbul was something really unique and special.
Burak Dikici 