American's First Time Reaction to "The Lion from The North" by Sabaton

[@danielberger1378]

Those "hired musicians" were members of the band Apocalyptica which were a supporting act on this tour. They played an entire set before the Sabaton show, but also joined Sabaton on stage for a couple of songs.

[@ThomasVanhala]

Yes, Amaranthe and Apocalyptica was opening for Sabaton. I had a great time in Stockholm. We also got to see Tommy play Disney and "Stockholm i mitt hjärta" on the red baron organ.

[@Razzlion]

@@ThomasVanhala aaaw, i'm so jealous! we didn't get that in göteborg :( We had alot of other fun though! The exit song was Göteborg är staden på G xD

[@ThomasVanhala]

@@Razzlion yes, I seen the video of the crowd singing "En livstid i krig". That was great.

[@KimFareseed]

Gustav Vasa, Gustavus Adolfus, and Carolus Rex, are the three kings that studens follow when getting tought swedish history in elementary school. The break up of the Kalmar Union with the birth of modern Sweden, the enterance into the Thirty Years War, the rise of the swedish empire, the Great Northern War, and the fall of the swedish empire.

[@unorthodoxspork5634]

I don't get why you translated the names? Gustav Vasa is the same, Gustav II Adolf is how his name is taught, and finally Karl XII

[@doctorpragmatic1740]

@@unorthodoxspork5634 Gustavus adolfus and Gustav vasa are not the same

[@unorthodoxspork5634]

@@doctorpragmatic1740 Bruh I know I literally wrote Gustav II Adolf

[@doctorpragmatic1740]

@@unorthodoxspork5634 sorry my bad, i misunderstood what you wrote

[@TheLastGarou]

Gustavus Adolphus II Vasa was probably the most impressive Royal in (relatively) modern history. He was certainly the greatest King produced by the 17th Century. One of the rare powerful men of the time for whom religion and Faith was not merely a pretext to cover for their own ambition, but something he genuinely devoted himself to. He is also the only King in history to have *actually* travelled in disguise as a commoner (there are records). He even had a personal cavalry troop incorporated into his Swedish army that he personally commanded as "Captain Gars." Apparently he used them primarily for scouting in situations where the King of Sweden couldn't be known to have gone, but a mere Captain would draw little attention.

[@tobiasandreasson1735]

The battle of Lützen is still something precent in swedish minds on really foggy days older people refer to it as Lützen dimma (fog in swedish)

[@vakistania]

The eagle comes from Rome and was adopted by "Germans" especially for the Holy Roman Empire, which is what the song refers to. Also later adopted by the Third Reich of course. So you were 100% correct in that observation! Oh, and a big part of why America also uses the eagle as a symbol comes from the same origins, as America early on saw itself as the Roman Republic reborn. Not the only reason that the eagle was chosen, but a big part of it.

[@ThomasVanhala]

Gustavus Adolphus is still considers them father of modern warfare. Combine arms was not a new thing but his use of it was next level and not to mention his mobile light cannons that was something new. I also seems to recall reading somewhere that he wanted shorter muskets like a carbine that be easier to use on horseback but I can't seem to find any sources on that so that might not be true. But what I like most about him is his civic reforms like the changes to trial procedures and the creation of the Svea, Turku and Dorpats court of appeal and his generous contribution to Uppsala University and the creation of the Dorpats University (Tartu University).

[@znail4675]

The lighter muskets was for the infantry. The ones popular before that were so heavy that they required a rest meaning a rod in the ground as support. That was not suitable for moving around nor could you kneel and fire. So the new muskets enabled having both a standing and a kneeling rank firing at the same time. The lighter muskets were also faster to reload. The short version is that these changes moved muskets from a minor harassment tool to the main killing weapon instead of the square pike formations that had ruled battlefields for hundreds of years at that time.

[@6th_Army]

I appreciate the fact that you looked at both the english & swedish versions of the song. Given both versions have different lyrics and perspectives of the events they portray.

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks

[@FamousGirlfriend]

I hope you're having a great vacation! I totally agree about them not showing us the guitar solo. I actually thought the camera man was particularly trippy this time; I almost got nauseous when they panned around that much. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, it's not my favourite track from the Carolus Rex album, but it's quite catchy. It almost makes my top 20.

[@kjelledbom1728]

I like Andie Nydell´s story telling skills, he is fantastic, sutch a good combo with sabaton

[@TouchyReactions]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jorgenandersson424]

Great reaction 🤘 Carolus Rex is their best album in my opinion, every song on this album is a blast. You should react to it from the start (which is the Lion from the North) to the end and learn about the rise and fall of the Swedish empire 😊

Gustavus Adolphus, also known in English as Gustav II Adolf was King of Sweden from 1611 to 1632.

[@jizburg]

Funny thing. To this day, if there is an especialy foggy day we still call that "Lytsen dimma" "Lutsen fog" because of the stories that came back of that battle were you could barely see the person in front of you. So that whole situation realy had an effect that to some extent can be felt even today in our collective memmory.

[@reecedignan8365]

One of the more grand military innovations he conjured was the mass use of shot troops (men armed with flintlocks/matchlocks) During the Pike & Shot era it was standard procedure for a regiment to be formed around the pike block. This would be a massive group of men dozens of ranks deep holding massive pikes. They’d march forward flanked by shot troops. However, Gustavus took great liking to how effective a properly coordinated group of matchlock infantry could work. He was one of the first to use mass gunlines with said troops now flanked by pikemen vs flanking the pikes, in addition he would have them fire first in mass volleys however as he got more creative with them, he’d have them fire by ranks - another middle solution was to have his front couple ranks massed with his best marksmen and the ranks behind the best loaders, so that when the front fired, they could immediately reload. Also fun fact. Many Scots served in Gustavus’s Army, we even have remnants of said days up in Edinburgh Castle. Oh and he was very innovative with cannons. One of the biggest was his love of mobile cannon. Essentially he was the first to innovate horse artillery - light cannon carried by larger and more mobile limbers. Also another interesting fact of the Pike and Shot era. Flintlock pistols were very common at the time as such many armourers started creating breastplates and armour that could actually deflect their shots. It was so effective it took placing the barrel of the gun against the breastplate to penetrate it. As such you can guess it would be very dangerous to put your arm towards as opponent trying to place your pistol against his chest without losing said arm. So, one innovation was to increase the length of the barrel. Yup, unlike modern barrels that are extended to help accuracy, they extended them to be able to place them better against the opponents breastplate with a slightly less change of losing ones arm and hand.

[@elzbietajukic905]

Have a great vacation. Now, those "hired musicians" is Apocaliptica. From what I remember, this was a last concert of the tour and, traditionally, something called "benefis" happens, meaning, people play pranks on each other. That's why one of viola guys dressed like Joakim. You're right about the camera man, and it's not the first time I noticed that he is not catching the solo. It's a good song, maybe not the top of my list, but Sabaton's songs are all good, so how you choose???🤔 A little history. Indy mentioned, that Catholic line of Vasa (Wasa?) dynasty was expelled from Sweden. One of them, Sigismundus III, became elected King of Polish - Lituanian Commonwealth. He moved Polish capital from Cracov to Warsaw, and when Gustavus Adolphus invaded Poland ( it's called Swedish Deluge in our history ) he actually fought his cousin, son of Sigismundus III, Jan Kazimir.🙂🇵🇱

[@fenrisulfur842]

Anyway! Thanks for your deep dive videos!

[@TouchyReactions]

You are very welcome.

[@MrCN66]

Fun fact: a German beer brand named Ur-Krostitzer uses Gustaf II Adolf’s face on the etiquette. It has an interesting history to it. For some weird (and shameful) reason it doesn’t exist/sells in Sweden.

[@bolle9810]

November 6, the death day of Gustavus Adolphus the Great(according to the Julian calendar) is celebrated as "Gustavus Adolphus Day" to the Kings honor in Sweden, Estonia and Finland(where it is known as Finnish Swedish Heritage Day)

[@jasonpade4949]

Sabaton History posted the video for The Unkillable Soldier, but they probably won't release videos for the other songs for a few more weeks

[@TouchyReactions]

I'll be waiting

[@SandraNelson063]

This song makes me feel good all over. Even my legs, which are currently being rebandaged. So does Carolus Rex. And the Life Guard. I'm half Swedish. Oh, BTW, check out Winged Hussars. It's great fun, and is part of an inside joke.

[@TouchyReactions]

It's my favorite Sabaton song. I've done it already

[@carlsjoberg4865]

gustavus was born to be a king of sweden, and when he was 16 years old hes father died and he took over the throne while 3 wars was on, he made himself to officer and won those wars, and then went out to take over more land in europe and sweden was the strongest empire in the world

[@Northman-from-the-North]

I think this is one of my top 5 Sabaton songs. 🤘 Maybe because Im from Sweden 😁🤔 Anyway, I like the fast pace and the guitar solo are 👊🤘👍

[@thestone9134]

When regarding the carolus rex album you can follow a timeline, The lion of the north can be followed by Got mitt Uns, 1648 and lifetime of war that follows the thirty years war. You have already done Carolus rex but that can be followed by the Caroleans prayer, killing ground, Poltava, Long live the King & Ruiina Impera these songs follow the great Northern war so if you want you can follow in historical chronological order the songs of the Carolus Rex album

[@bjornrosenlund135]

the first Lion King . The father of modern warfare and according to Napoleon, von clausewitz and Georg Patton the best general Ever . GAII was very well educated he spoke 9 languages incl Latin and a bit hot headed too. He wasnt allowed to merry the love of his life Ebba Brahe who he met at the age of 17 and they fell in love, but the riksdag thought she was of to simple birth, their letter they exchanged can still be read to this day and the King wrote " Never question my love I'm prepaired to give up my life for you".

[@fenrisulfur842]

Theres a Sabaton History episode on "Wolfpack", but there is NO official Video...Would be worth a view, since the Battle of the Atlantic is a mojor WWII topic ;) The Song itself is about a Convoy from Halifax to England, without a happy end

[@TouchyReactions]

I've done it already. It's on my Patreon channel right now. It will be on KZbin on April 17th

[@MrCN66]

I would recommend SandRhoman History’s video on Battle of Breitenfeld. It is very indepth video about the battle and the army’s formations.

[@carls8286]

The whole Carolus Rex album is outstanding IMO. A level of its own.

[@andreanecchi5930]

One of my favorite songs , if you don't already listened try unkillable soldier

[@willlackey6374]

I love the last bit of the history channel, Joakim: Alright you know the drill you click, click, click, click, gets some subscriptions check out Indy’s other channel’s become a pattern and that’s it get fuck out of here. 🤣🤣

[@mushinbujin]

"I'd be mad if it wasn't true" lmao

[@tealepeck8580]

As much as I love this reaction, I am SHOOK that you called Apocalyptica, "hired musicians". They have been around even longer than Sabaton! They have a six year lead on them. But I forgive you. Metal is very strange in the fact there are bands that you may have heard or seen, but you don't know who they are. So I'm surprised bc Apocalyptica has worked with Sabaton and Nightwish, for example, and toured with them. They are four lovely Finns (tho you only saw three in this as their drummer wasn't on stage.) They don't keep a lead vocalist so they have a ton of songs with famous vocalists. In fact, their song "Live or Die" has Joakim on vocals for them. And they filmed the music video for that song while on this EXACT tour in one of the back rooms of the concert hall. You should, at least, check out that video bc it has that raw grace Apocalyptica are known for producing. And Joakim sounds DRASTICALLY different singing in their style rather than Sabaton's style. You should def do that vid if not check out some of their other original stuff. As long as you don't always need a vocalist, Apocalyptica may well be something you can come to love. You could also check out their covers of Metallica. Their cellos snap like tendons and pop like bone in those covers, especially Enter the Sandman and King of the Mountain Hall. They are some of the best and most unique covers of Metallica. You can always tell on covers if it's Apocalyptica playing it bc they have such a raw style on their cellos. Apocalyptica is just *chef's kiss* and, as I said, you should give them a chance. (For fun bc it was talked about a bit in the Sabaton history: the cellist with the long blonde hair is Eicca Toppinen. The cellist with the long brown hair and beard is Perttu Kivilaasko. The cellist with the short hair dressed as Joakim is Paavo Lötjönen. And tho you don't see him here, their drummer is Mikko Sirén. And if you thought Swedish names were hard, have fun with Finnish names.)

[@tealepeck8580]

Bah, I forgot to also mention that for the Great War album, Sabaton asked Apocalyptica to do a revamped version of Sabaton's very first WWI song "Angels' Calling" with them. They did and so there is a music video of Sabaton and Apocalyptica doing that particular song together. Sabaton also asked them if they would cover "Fields of Verdun". And Apocalyptica did. They released Apocalyptica's version the day before their own.

[@lovrosedej7655]

I dont think screens with lyrics on concerts would work. You are supposed to keep your eyes on the stage, you came there to see the people not to watch a youtube video. I cant be sure of this but i feel like a part of the charm of singing along would be lost, as currently that is a pretty spontaneous occurrence because the crowd needs to memorise the lyrics themselves which makes it magical. Its been a while since i read up on him but i seem to remember Gustavus led his men from the front more often than not. He also implemented lighter but more maneuverable artillery to better support his infantry, whom he deployed more stretched out like the musket lines in later Napoleonic wars, rather than the at the time standard squares of men. He also implemented training his units in usage of all weapons and equipment, allowing his calvarly to take out the enemy artillery and use it against them, or for his pikemen to use any muskets they may acquire during the battle. Im sure many of these changes were thought up and at least somewhat designed by his military officers and advisors but still, he was the first one to recognise their advantages and implement them. I dont really care about the camera not looking at the guitarists during the solo, they are preforming it to the crowd, not the camera behind them. As much as i love the guys of Sabaton, their backsides are not that interesting to stare at

[@renejensen7799]

Carolus Rex is as far as i know the best selling Sweedish metal album ever..

[@kjelledbom1728]

no its Europe final countdown

[@hwheelez24]

These videos also have the audio staged oriented, so you only hear one guitar in one ear and the other only in the other ear

[@jasonpade4949]

Sabaton Songs you haven't posted a reaction of to KZbin: From Primo Victoria: Counterstrike, Stalingrad, Purple Heart, and Metal Machine From Attero Dominatus: Back in Control, We Burn, Light in the Black, and Metal Crue From Art of War: Unbreakable, Talvisota, Union (Slopes of St. Benedict), and Firestorm From Metalizer: Hellrider, Shadows, Endless Nights, Thundergods, Burn Your Crosses, Hail to the King, Metalizer, 7734, Thunderstorm, Speeder, Masters of the World, Guten Nacht, and Birds of War From Coat of Arms: Coat of Arms From Carolus Rex: Long Live the King, 1 6 4 8, Killing Ground, Ruina Imperii, Gott Mit Uns, and Poltava From The Last Stand: Diary of Unknown Solider (Which you should do with the Lost Battalion), The Lost Battalion, Hill 3234, Blood of Bannockburn, Camouflage, Afraid to Shoot Strangers, and Burn in Hell Heroes: DONE! From The Great War: In Flanders Fields From The War to End All Wars: Sarajevo, Dreadnoughts, Hellfighters, Lady of the Dark, The Valley of Death, and Versailles I'll try to update this after each video. Correct me if there are any that need to be removed or added.

[@FamousGirlfriend]

Well done! I'm pretty sure he already did Seven Pillars of Wisdom (and then there are the ones on Patreon that will drop soon) and he did A Lifetime of War, albeit only the Swedish version). Great list!

[@jasonpade4949]

@@FamousGirlfriend I added A Lifetime of War in case he does the English version too. I'll remove Seven Pillars of Wisdom

[@FamousGirlfriend]

@@jasonpade4949 Yes! Oh, I really hope he does the English version of A Lifetime of War, too, as well as both versions of Carolean's Prayer and 1648.

[@TouchyReactions]

Anechka took the words out of my mouth.

[@thomasholmgren85]

@@TouchyReactions "Gott mit uns" from the Carolus Rex album is really great as well. It is about the Battle of Breitenfeld that they skipped in this history version!

[@Captainwow11]

Don't know if you'll see this after all this time - if you enjoy the Age of Empires game I'd suggest trying the total war series of games, games cover different time periods aswell as some fantasy settings

[@greaper1976]

I have only seen lyric video that tops Sabaton's .. Unleash The Archers - Legacy. If you have a chance please react to that one as well. The lyrics on screens sounds like a good idea, but it takes away from the live aspect. Bands like Rammstein don't want screens at all because of the production they put on and it needs to be seen as a whole.

[@BladeandBounty]

the Eagle was a symbol of the holy roman empire, so i think its the swedes against the holy roman empire. so kinda germany.

[@wepntech]

I think most christian bands have lyrics on screens when they do concerts.... or it might just be for christian venues or events.

[@FemaleSniper86]

Well since you didn't know who Apocalyptica is, maybe you should check them out next ;) It is also a very good band, though..... music lol no need to focus so much on lyrics there. Also, Gustav did not die there per se. It was a bit strange ending to say the least. No, his ending was much worse than that. He didn't get ridden down and stabbed and shot to die, nope, the Lion will rise once more. Hence, the legend behind it. Remember? The legend stated that a lion would come and crush the eagle? And after that, the world shall cease? Well, "shortly" after that the world as they knew it would indeed change. So the prophesy did come true. Legends live on, right, is what I am trying to say.

[@maryamniord2214]

Eagel is symbol of Rome and0 roman empire. German have some legacy as the rest of the Westroman empire.

[@Congaman41]

So sad that education level is so low in USA...never heard of the most feared king in Europe for deacades....but great that he now will learn about one of the greatest kings ever and who also died on the battlefield unlike modern time leaders who cowardly hide in bunkers and sends ordinary people out to die.

[@johnmurphy7250]

Actually prefer the Swedish version they sound better

[@TouchyReactions]

I agree

[@faarsight]

That translation was not very good lol