Classical Composer Reacts to Purple Heart (Sabaton) | The Daily Doug (Episode 407)

In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm listening to Purple Heart by Swedish metal band Sabaton. I'm continuing the Memorial Day theme on the channel, and this music was one of the suggested songs. The song's sound and lyrics are heavy but impactful. I hope you enjoy!
Reference Video: • Purple Heart
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[@terryhiggins5077]

Speaking of the anniversary of D-Day, Sabaton's song Primo Victoria is about that battle.

[@TheeDjSkeemask]

Great song!

[@Relyx]

The Price of A Mile is a fantastic Sabaton song, and the first time I listened to it while really paying attention to the lyrics, it genuinely made me cry. I'd just recently seen Peter Jackson's They Shall Not Grow Old, so I was a little raw from that too, but it's great by itself.

[@Airlord3670]

Especially the live version recordings, I cry nearly everytime. The Cliffs of Gallipoli gets me too, just such senseless loss, time and time again.

[@chress98]

I strongly suggest The End of the War to End all Wars and In Flanders Field (both Sabaton) Reason being that those songs are played back to back on their album The Great War and are actually the last two songs on that album. In my opinion, they beautifully, and tragically, capture the loss and stupidity of the war and the lives lost in WW1. The End of the War to End all Wars (not to be confused with their latest album of the same name) has enormous power, while In Flanders Field is simple yet beautifully haunting. It is actually based entirely on a poem by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae written in 1915. Two quite different yet equally emotional songs. Therefore, it would make the most sense if you reacted to both in one video, if I may be so bold to suggest that. Also because In Flanders Fields is just over two minutes long.

[@mathiaspoppe5304]

In Flanders Fields is one of this songs that you would never ever expect on a heavy metal album, what makes these songs so outstanding good. I highly recommend reacting to this song! Best wishes from Germany, too!

[@metalmark1214]

Great pick for a Memorial Day song. I consider Sabaton the Metal History band. They even have their own KZbin History Channel and pay an outside company to do research for their songs for historical accuracy. Many Sabaton songs deal with history and war related themes.

[@mathiaspoppe5304]

Please do a reaction on "The unkillable soldier" and / or "Soldier of heaven". These are so strong and powerful songs, two of my absolute favorites among the Sabaton songs.

[@mushinbujin]

This is a rarely covered song and I'm excited to hear what you think.

[@bonez9160]

Wow, you are the first i have seen on this platform that have react to this song of Sabaton. Great reaction!😀👍

[@darvish2012]

If you want to listen to a Sabaton song that is anti-war, try listening to The Price of a Mile. But I have to warn you, it hits you so much harder than this one because it's about a single battle.

[@PedroBoteon]

Cliffs of Gallipoli is also a good Sabaton song with a heavy anti-war theme

[@StronkiTube]

Sabaton really is the band when it comes to war themed songs. Really looking forward to seeing you react to more of them in the future!

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

Metallica's "Disposable Heroes" is another classic in the same vain as this song. The lyrics are phenomenal.

[@jaeoskyldig]

Also Broken Heroes by Saxon

[@ChrisKingmanKoenig]

Hi Doug, thx for your brilliant channel - from a Maiden Fan (since 1988) here is a recommendation for Maiden Monday and DDay - The Longest Day! 3 Cheers from Germany

[@tapchapman]

Sabaton are another of those bands I learned about from your channel - thanks to you for the reactions to their songs so far, and to those who pushed them into the reactions list.

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

Sabaton's song "To Hell and Back", while I don't care much for the official video, the song itself is AMAZING. It's about the American actor Audie Murphy, an absolute WAR HERO(that term is often used waaay too loosely - in this context, it is TRUE) and his struggles with post-war Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD). *Side note - this comes from the late comedian George Carlin(R.I.P.), paraphrasing, how the acronym 'PTSD' sounds so clinical, so emotionless, like the humanity has been stripped away. It used to be called "shell shock", the term almost sounds like the guns themselves. Maybe if it was still called "shell shock", those returning soldiers(in his case referring to the Vietnam conflict) might have gotten the help they really needed & deserved. Obviously in more modern times we understand more about psychological trauma & that PTSD is NOT only war time malady, but can stem from any number of terrible situations one might go thru. I myself, while a US military veteran that served during the "Cold War"(basically it was USA vs USSR and maintaining a state of readiness of "time to go NOW" for 45+ YEARS!), I DO have PTSD, unbeknownst to me until about 4 years ago, not from battle, but from an abusive mother AND from being homeless & living on the streets. And so, "shell shock", while still powerful - and it SHOULD be - the term is just not appropriate in most cases. I don't say that from a stance of 'political correctness', which I personally feel is a veritable plague upon modern society, but meaning in more often than not, it is just not accurate; all trucks are vehicles, but not all vehicles are trucks.

[@lovrosedej7655]

This song is like: "war is hell" *epic guitar solo*

[@CarlosRios1]

Primo Victoria, the title song of the same album is about D-day

[@AshenShougar]

You have like 20 more songs of this great band that you can react to. And they are all going to blow you away. Very good job you doing, keep up!

[@getexis8685]

We all owe a reverence to all those who contributed to an increasingly better world and who gave their lives for the defense of a better future based on the example of the past that must inspire confidence in ourselves as humans who must always follow the path of what is right without ever forgetting that we must value what we have in our hands today. For it is to the dead that we owe our freedom.

[@davidmccar]

Thanks for these songs over the past two days. My second cousin John Ernst 357th Infantry Regiment was part of the D-Day invasion. He was killed by a German Sniper in Cherbourg France on June 19th 1944. One day I hope mankind can learn to live together in peace.

[@paladinlv1]

I always wondered if Sabaton's line "Once we were soldiers, once we were young" is a reference to the excellent book by Lt Gen Hal Moore "We Were Soldiers Once… and Young"? I highly recommend the book.

[@hermanvonroth1555]

Yes it is!

[@sitiesito715]

I'd love to see you react to stuff from Avenged Sevenfold's City of Evil album... it's really fast and heavy, but also very mellow, with lots of backing harmonized vocalisms- Burn it Down and Blinded in Chains are great examples of this from that album. The closing song (M.I.A.) is also a very powerful and gut-wrenching song about a returning veteran who had to do some terrible deeds in war (germane to the day's topic).

[@wanderingsmith]

I love that they use the metal as highlight of the lyricism, rather than the metal (mostly) being there just for the metal. As no doubt many have said, there is no shortage of great sabaton songs, but this is another with a clear contra-war message. About those who have fought without the backing or recognition of a military. The song is about the fight of Warsaw's civilians against nazi control of the city. And this concert is in Woodstock, a yearly metal festival in Poland kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ7Io42YebWLpNU

[@wanderingsmith]

ha! was reminded of another with a different sound :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGXZm5KNd5qqlc0

[@anaherzog9198]

KING DIAMOND BRO❤

[@TheeDjSkeemask]

40:1 is a great historical song by Sabaton. It's about the German invasion of Poland. There were 40,000 German soldiers and only 1,000 Polish soldiers. The Polish held their land for something like 3 days.

[@elliottwesterman7704]

I respect you Doug.

[@suntiger745]

I don't remember if this also reference a specific battle, but the war is Vietnam, based on the line "With our M-16's straight into the war", the reference to "a Ranger's company" and "Once we were young". Vietnam was the first war where the M-16 saw service, and I believe it was also the first war where the Rangers/Green Berets saw action as a specific unit (iirc building a troop based on what we today think of as the "ranger concept" was developed in the 50's after WWII, but not put into its own specific unit until the 60's). It was also the first war where there weren't any WWII veterans among the combat troops (unlike the Korean war in the 1950's), and the average age of the soldiers were really young as a result, early 20's I believe.

[@VuLamDang]

I think The Red Baron have a very nice easter egg right at the beginning for classical music people :D Hope you'll check it out

[@zxxXMETALLICAXxxz]

Yes, more Sabaton they are great!

[@kevin34ct]

All of Sabaton is awesome. The original song is Night Child.

[@kevin34ct]

I changed the Title, I put the wrong name in. It should be Night Child.

[@spedwyrm7427]

We Were Soldiers Once and Young is a small reference to Maj General Hal Moore's book of the same name.

[@Pulstar232]

Honestly expected Flanders Field if it was a Memorial Day theme but Purple Heart is also apropos.

[@Fuilleverte]

You called it a "Tripple Kick" it sounds more like a 6/8 time signature. I don't know if it's conflicted though. I wish for peace every time we get kicked in the teeth, but I know we have to stand for ourselves or we won't survive. I never served. In fact because of medical conditions I was excluded from any Military or Government Service. I think it's horrible what our young men and women go through over there, and worse when they get home. I truly do not support any wars, but I support our troops abroad and at home.

[@michaelflagge6382]

H Doug, I was thinking of virtuosity and thought I'd throw my hat in the ring with a STRONG recommendation for "Mediterranean Sun Dance" as played in trio by John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia and Al Dimeola. If nothing else, listen for yourself. Giants walk the Earth.

[@Ennello]

Ayo, am I dreaming? Is Doug venturing into Power Metal? Alestorm, Gloryhammer or Powerwolf next?

[@martynthomas7486]

Doug should definitely do some Gloryhammer, good shout!

[@a_ellingson55]

I believe some of this song is based on the battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam. The lyrics "once we were soldiers, once we were young" seems to be in reference of Hal Moore's famous book recounting that battle.

[@stanimir5F]

You are right that initially it was supposed to be a "different song" (in the same way like another their song - Saboteurs). Pär Sundström (the bassist) on the Sabaton History channel (kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2qZmGefqb5gZrM) revealed that initially the song was supposed to be called "Night Child" and be on fantasy topic. It is from their first album dedicated completely to military theme (the very first being Fist for Fight which eventually re-released as Metalizer). But before they decide that as a band will go into that line (military history) they were making just random topic songs. And since this one doesn't fit the whole theme they decide to rewrite the lyrics long after the music has been composed.

[@jimmypenrose1401]

If you like this you should check out the Sabaton History Channel - they break down a lot of their songs with Indy Neidell from Timeghost History: kzbin.info

[@danielwelch486]

Today is the 6the of June you have to do Primo Victoria by Sabaton!!

[@srg08]

Doug if you think the song hit hard, if you would look at the video “ Sabaton “Purple Heart (US Military Tribute).. It would have broken you down to tear… so take a look and see for yourself.

[@isaachartogensis9112]

I know its an odd request, but can you check out Stålfågel, it's one of my favourite songs

[@antonisarvanitidis4397]

Manowar-Heart of steel (with orchestra or not)

[@hughcdavies]

Glad to see you seem brighter today Doug. Was little worried yesterday, it's been a hard week for us all. However "Always look on the bright side of life" kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXu4mZ-IpKd_bq8

[@kerotomas1]

With mentioning the M16 and freshmen dropping straight into war i think this song is about Vietnam as it was the M16's first major conflict.

[@KaroKoenich]

You really should try Annihilator. Highly technical Thrash Metal from Canada. Imperiled Eyes would be worth looking at.

[@amandadunkley1686]

Soldier of heaven is an amazing song, as is dreadnought.. Id love to hear your thought on those!

[@ericclayton6287]

Roads to Moscow by Al Stewart will take you from the invasion of USSR to the Gulag Archipelago.

[@paulmartin7241]

Kobra & the lotus - soldier

[@cakeape]

Maybe the moment has passed, but if you're up for another emotional wringer on the theme, check out Wrong Side of Heaven by Five Finger Death Punch

[@redarsenic8194]

Please check out ‘Apparition’ by spawn of possession, as a classical composer you would find it absolutely mind blowing for a metal song (more like a piece really :) )

[@sethkaicer319]

Doug created a Vortex that sucked the Multiverse into it's very self.

[@elvwood]

Thanks for being open and honest about your conflicted feelings. Sabaton really get the distinction between being anti-war and being anti-soldier, which it took me a long time to figure out. Here in the UK I always donate come Remembrance Day because it helps to support veterans and their families who aren't properly supported by the government, however I won't wear the poppy because it is used as a political tool by those in power to promote militarism. It's not a perfect solution but it's my attempt to strike a balance. BTW, if you ever listen to Home Free's beautiful rendition of Brothers in Arms (recommended), read the description. They make it clear they are not just talking about war but conflict in general.

[@MikeArelli]

Hey Doug, I have an odd pick for you and maybe some others will back this. I think you would greatly greatly like the song Firelights by Swallow The Sun. Honestly one of the most beautiful tracks I've heard in a long time.

[@marcgrote7540]

For D-day, I really think that you need to do "The Longest Day, " by Iron Maiden. It's specifically about D-day. It's from the "A Matter of Life and Death, " album.

[@metalmark1214]

He has already done that one, otherwise it would have been perfect for a D-Day song.

[@MrLA666]

Iron Maiden’s The Longest Day, when u can.

[@cedsynyster1226]

You should react on some Shokran's 2 last album, the orchestration are awesome

[@Fuilleverte]

you might also enjoy, ok love the message in "The Wrong Side of Heaven" by Five Finger Death Punch. Five Finger Death Punch - Wrong Side Of Heaven - KZbin

[@Tricknologyinc]

Supper's Ready is the only thing I've found that reveals the origins and aftermath of war. People keep wanting to "honor" warriors and thereby honor war, when it is in fact the worst thing we do. On Memorial day I would refer people to Genesis Foxtrot. From top to bottom, it's the single perfect journal of our war forged society through the entire span of life on this globe.

[@mikanokia7550]

You should react to Sabaton - Talvisota and White death and maybe also Soldier of 3 armies. Greetings from Finland 👍

[@franciscahazlet4021]

Well done.

[@ToothlessWizard]

Hello Doug, thanks for another great video! I would like to recommend Chance by Savatage. I'm betting you'll like that one. :)

[@thekrampusclaus4148]

Primo Victoria!

[@adamfaultersack6158]

Hi doug ,love you channel! Please review iron maidens the longest day for the d day anniversary

[@wonkagaming8750]

more sabaton

[@broken_abi6973]

You should review some Rhapsody of Fire!

[@martynthomas7486]

Nice reaction Doug. For other (anti) war songs you may like to check out: Saxon: Broken Heroes, The Thin Red Line or Kingdom of the Cross. Motorhead: 1916 or When the Eagle Screams.

[@iulianjuly]

you do not get this. try to understand the song not musically. but from the point of the one hearing the drums of shrapnel getting close and seeing his leg chopped off and his mate turned to stew.

[@pedrorq]

Doug if you enjoyed this, may I recommend "Achilles: Agony and Ecstasy in 8 parts" by Manowar ?

[@alexandre_am]

Great piece, but too much double kick drums...he'll probably hate it and shut the door to further Manowar reacting, just like Carolina IV did to Angra

[@pedrorq]

@@alexandre_am I see your point but all the double kick drums gets balanced by all the great cymbal work during the solo

[@alexandre_am]

@@pedrorq I know that and you know that, but Doug won't care for it. He must have been hit by double bass drums when he was little, witnessed a horrible double bass drums accident or something...

[@sagitt1856]

For Monday D-Day Special, I suggest metalprog band Knight Area's well-appointed concept album entitled "D-Day" (2019). For the song(s) to listen and to analyze, your choice(s) will be ours. Thank you, Master Helvering.

[@metalmark1214]

If you want a D-Day song I definitely would choose Iron Maiden Longest Day, but you already have done that one. If I were to chose another it would be "The Shores of Normandy" song by Jim Raford who was there that day on June 6, 1944. It's not a metal song but it certainly is the most appropriate for a D-Day song. Link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/noG5n6Vsq7WderM

[@albinbackolsson6712]

You should react to Europe, another swedish band

[@ianray9137]

I love your channel and wanted to give you a metal band suggestion to react to that I think you might enjoy. Check out a band called Killswitch Engage. One of my favorite songs by them is called "The End of Heartache" when Howard Jones was their singer. The guy they had as their singer before and after him is Jesse Leach. I like most eras of the band and they are excellent musicians, very melodic/emotional but aggressive at the same time. I have so many metal band suggestions for you that I think you might enjoy alot that hasn't been recommended on your channel as of yet, so if you would like me to pass some more suggestions to you, I would be more than happy to. I think we would have alot of common ground on some really good metal bands that you may like and have good reactions to. Send me some contact details an I can give you a decent exploratory list of bands to sample.

[@_jeff65_]

It's called double kick because you have two kick pedals/drums. To do triple kick you need a third leg ;)

[@paulgoodwin3642]

If someone says they have a third legs then they just boasting but its most likely just a toe.

[@nurwhal_8694]

I’d recommend disposable heroes by Metallica for the anniversary of d-day

[@1982jeepcj8]

Primo Victoria by sabaton, piscator video is more appropriate for a D day commemorative as it uses saving private Ryan film clips, the the official is for world of tanks. Meh.

[@pentagrammaton6793]

Standard power metal fare, bad digital guitar tone, pretty average lack of melody. Don't waste your time with this crap, get on some late 90s Bruce Dickinson. 4/10

[@HelmetmanTheSwede]

I can see what you mean but you should check out some of their other songs, the ones I really recommend are In Flanders Fields and The Ballad Of Bull

[@Cm38271]

This was one of their first songs, you should listen to newer ones