Sabaton... CHRISTMAS TRUCE | Vocal Coach Reaction/Analysis | ugh... it's perfect... *cries*

[@jvoxfox]

This was honestly incredible... between the cinematic visuals, the epic arranging in the music and the robust, growly/rumbly nature of Joakim's vocals. Got the adrenaline AND the feels going!

[@19CheF87]

Been my favorite band since I first heard them many years ago, and this description hits the nail on the head on so many levels🙌🙌🙌If you get the chance to watch them live, you're in for all the feelings😀

[@pagb666]

Seems that you like the layering... Give Orden Ogan a try

[@jwec9867]

I've heard Joakim and Floor Jansen are a couple. Which explains how the cameo came about.

[@ericlenouy8756]

@@jwec9867 Almost ;-) Hannes Van Dahl (the tall blond guy going out of the trench first), drummer for Sabaton is married to Floor (and have a daughter with her), not Joakim :-)

[@Dishonoru]

@@jwec9867 Floor is married to the drummer Hannes.

[@Gryle]

Julia: "This is destroying me." Long-time Sabaton fans: "First time?"

[@zeallust8542]

Half their music makes me cry every single time

[@tanidievi.7029]

This is enough to make a grown man cry and this is ok.

[@zeallust8542]

@@tanidievi.7029 a grown man who doesnt cry from this story isnt quite a grown man

[@kevinstull8552]

@@zeallust8542 Anyone who doesn't cry or is emotionally moved by this song is not human at all.

[@MrJOlle007]

Yeah, man's goal in a life to be in Sabaton video :D Than he can die :D

[@hugovasquez8222]

Fun fact: the Christmas truce might be the reason for me even existing. Im half german and half irish. Both my greatgrandfathers fought at the western front and while reading their journals i realised they actually met each other that day! Both journals mention them by name. Edit: typo

[@RndmFndm103]

Dude, that's so cool!

[@infernogaming7923]

@@RndmFndm103 no way! That is so friggin cool!!!

[@timbackman5915]

You should definitely let a history museum copy those journals and have them interview you and your family for their records. Stories like yours tend to be buried and forgotten by time when they should not.

[@timbackman5915]

Addition: some historical archives and libraries might be helpful with that as well. My hometown did something like this for the 100th anniversary of the town. They collected diaries, letters and interviews for an exhibit to commemorate the lives of the regular townspeople during a century.

[@jb111082]

That's awesome. Sometimes people forget that history isn't just names, dates, locations, and events. It's the story of us. The story of human beings. What a wonderful story it is.

[@gsharman1989]

Floor is married to Hannes the drummer (the first soldier to leave the trenches) ☺️. I’ve listened to this song so many times and I still get chills, it has such a powerful yet bittersweet weight to every aspect both musically and lyrically.

[@swedishgooner6339]

Sabaton needed a operatic voice ine the outtro. Hannes called in wifey ☺️

[@ЕвгенийГусев-ч8х]

@@swedishgooner6339 Hannes: "Ok, I have one at home."

[@unholymass]

Sabaton: can we have soprano Hannes: no we have spronao at home

[@edoardoprevelato6577]

@@unholymass the soprano at home:

[@jonkovic]

Sabaton and Nightwish are sometimes working together for music writing And what are you are saying Floor and Hannes are married so that’s why the bands work together.

[@cristiaolson7327]

"There's something about this vocalist that makes you want to sing along. Maybe it's just this song." Nope. Not just this song. You sing along with *all* Sabaton songs. They're just that awesome.

[@mandyphilip4781]

nice, check this out too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaiWq3qZoZt9h80

[@CailynCara]

Been to their live shows Joakim just yanks you along and you sing.

[@L3yla42]

Yes yes...long time fans know you allways have to sing along

[@sangralknight3031]

They ALL get me singing along.

[@Violator41]

Can you imagine a whole arena of people singing the chorus along with the band?

[@ilcineangolodialex5224]

Finally Julia has discovered the historical Sabaton rabbit hole :))))

[@hencytjoe]

Yep, let's bid her welcome onboard the hype train!

[@ryannelson3220]

And Then The Winged Hussars Arrived!!

[@kevinrasmussen1748]

now she is one of us. Oh. listen to: Uprising.

[@AFDante]

And there Shw will Fall, fall, and Fall

[@doubleslothgaming]

@@ryannelson3220 back under British reign

[@vagabond142]

Important Fact: This is one of the few music videos/live performances/short films where Joakim never wears his aviators. That's how important the song is to the band and him specifically. If he takes off or never wears the aviators, it's a serious show of respect from him

[@brgiad8747]

It took them over 6 years to write this song, and when they were talking about the ending Floor asked to do it.. Perfect song for this time of year!

[@olivierpelletier9643]

Honestly, i never listened up to the credits of this vid. Reading your comment about Floor being in the end, I was like "wait what?" .....omg ...I missed that part and its so beautiful!

[@edoardoprevelato6577]

Sabaton: we need a soprano for chorus and outro Hannes: we have a soprano at home already The soprano at home:

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

@@olivierpelletier9643 Quite frankly it does pay off to pay close attention to all of Sabaton's videos to the very end. They have a tendency to add such little easter-eggs in there.

[@coryCuc]

@@ranekeisenkralle8265 As a person who apparently has been living under a rock, having never heard of this band, I've been binge watching their videos so that's good to know (about watching til the end). Thanks for that!

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

@@coryCuc You're welcome. Enjoy your deep-dive down the rabbithole.Another such example is at the end of the Bismarck video (even though the end-card gets in the way a bit)

[@Lonewolf-nv7tm]

Sabaton is like history class set to music. Every song tells a story

[@cybersymes6590]

And they do provide their own history classes with their Sabaton History channel!

[@mandyphilip4781]

nice, check this out too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaiWq3qZoZt9h80

[@Meshakhad]

I will be using them in my classes.

[@infernogaming7923]

That’s why I love them

[@etharella270]

the history teacher and the music teacher met and fell in love and sabaton is their child

[@LionheartSJZ]

Also, the animated story of "No Bullets Fly" and "Night Witches" will have you in tears 100%. Such beautiful beautiful stories.

[@chrisgoldston9755]

Two of the best for sure 😎🤘🔥

[@josephschembri]

I agree!

[@lea-anne9133]

Night witches for sure🤘🏻

[@djentyman4002]

No Bullets Fly turns me into a baby.. such an emotional story

[@gryphonosiris2577]

The Last Battle also: Americans, French political prisoners and German Army fighting AGAINST the SS at Castle Itter.

[@clicheusername7182]

"The kind of singing where you just wanna sing with him..." Probably the best way to sum up Joakim's vocals. He is great at leading the vocals both with the rest of the band as well as during the live shows. The "Sabaton effect," as fans call it, is driven in part by that. The whole band does a great job at making you feel patriotic towards nations you aren't part of by highlighting powerful moments in battle through music.

[@mandyphilip4781]

nice, check this out too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaiWq3qZoZt9h80

[@thenecessaryevil2634]

Oh most defiantly, you haven't lived till you've been in a stadium with 55K+ people and EVERYONE sings along to that line of Primo Victoria '6th of June 1944, allies are turning the war, Normandy, state of anarchy, overlord'

[@exudeku]

@@thenecessaryevil2634 But have you captured the essence of Swedish Pagans and their *WOOOOAH-OH WOA-OH-OH-OOOOH*

[@infernogaming7923]

@@thenecessaryevil2634 I WISH I COULD

[@lurkingedge]

History turns to legend, legend into myth, and things that aught not be forgotten are lost. Sabaton brings that history back. 'Bismark' is fantastic and is far and away their best video visually. 'Screaming Eagles' would be next, and both are incredibly historically accurate. 'No Bullets Fly: the Animated Story' is an incredible song and arguably their best story. If you thought 'Christmas Truce' was touching, 'No Bullets Fly' will rip your heart out and hand it to you, and you will be both grateful and a better person for having heard it. It is my most watched Sabaton video. '82nd All The Way' and 'Night Witches' are my favorites. The animated story of 'Night Witches' is a must. '40 To 1' live in Poland is incredible, as is 'Attack Of The Dead Men' live in Moscow.

[@jeffk1482]

@lurkingedge Wonderful LOTR reference, and in this context couldn't be more perfectly placed. Kudos!

[@Flagg795]

“No Bullets Fly” with the accompanying story blew my mind. “40-1” in Poland introduced me to Sabaton & is still a favorite. “Bismarck” is an amazing video as well.

[@13Nagash13]

As a lazy man, thank you for typing out your thoughts for Julia. I would for her to dive into the sabaton rabbit hole. Also, editing Julia can check out the sabaton history channels videos on the songs she reacts to after the first watch. They are amazing little micro history lessons about aspects of history that were either skipped or glazed over in school.

[@MrOwlglass]

Not to forget "Cliffs of Gallipoli" (regarding the fact that Julia is from Australia). ;)

[@willemthijssen1082]

The only other Sabaton song that really hits different for me is 'Final Solution', but that's also the only one I wouldn't put in a playlist, just listen to it occasionally, just because it's such a heavy topic.

[@ericdravenashecorven]

I have never sobbed for a song like this one before. BITTER tears came from me with the "We WERE all friends" part. I love Sabaton. They had no business making me feel this way.

[@randymarple9830]

This video was years in the making because Sabaton wanted to "get it right". The guitar solo hit me hard especially when it seemed to sound like wails and cries of anguish. The drums and acapella singing, another stab to the soul. And of corse Floor. Sabaton songs are factual and do not pick a side. They just lay it out, as it happened. Amazing to watch you demeanor change as the video began. Love your reactions, as always. Merry Christmas, Julia.

[@dustincharger9919]

I'm not crying, you're crying! What an exceptional portrayal of when Christmas made even enemies, brothers all.

[@dustincharger9919]

and Floor!

[@Rawwbot]

If you want to cry go watch Sabaton - No Bullets Fly, it will also restore your faith in humanity

[@LittleSweed]

@@Rawwbot That song doesnt leave anyone untouched and the fact that Frans grandson listend to the song and his mother is sending Sabaton her blessings in the end is just awesome.

[@nukeofficial1103]

"Cliffs of Gallipoli" might be a really interesting comparison to make, since it's a way older song of theirs but also has a prominent piano and is about a very sad story. Can 100% recommend!

[@Crowly0]

Would be a good fit for Anzac day, since it originally is a remembrance day for the battle of Gallipoli.

[@TheMelbournelad]

What WHAT they made a gallipoli one. This Aussie is off to watch that after

[@DotmatrixHistory]

@@TheMelbournelad And they knew they would die… GALLIPOLI

[@maccabee3753]

As an Australian who has really learned the ins and outs of Gallipoli, Cliffs of Gallipoli truly describes the campaign. The two sides, neither wanting to fight but did because they were told to or forced to defend their home. There were no winners, and Sabaton captured that so perfectly.

[@mattconner6416]

Such waste of life GAL-LIP-OLEEEEE... it's another great one of their songs, but I felt like his vocal quality struggled a bit. It just didn't have the same effect to me that so much of their music does with Joakim's vocal power

[@rapisidro4821]

What a fantasic choice for a first time listen. It's perfect for the season and it's a perfect showcase of Sabaton. History, emotion, and Music. Love to see it. Also(it's pretty much a mandatory thing to mention this 😁) Hannes their drummer is married to Floor Jansen.

[@bigg2988]

Which explains some things. Metal collab. \m/

[@danielandersson8908]

Them feels. For a live perfomance, I'd suggest "En livstid i krig" in Gothenburg. That performance from all involved is epic. Remember to enable the subtitles. Merry Christmas!

[@mandyphilip4781]

nice, check this out too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaiWq3qZoZt9h80

[@erwin669]

I don't think I could listen to "En livstid i krig" live. I know the translation of the Swedish lyrics and every time I hear it I start to cry. The lyrics, especially the chorus, is just so emotional.

[@ARTweedy]

This Swedish version of the song is absolutely heartrending. Every aspect of the video from the perspective to the way the lyrics are juxtaposed against the uplifting instrumentals and audience participation completely redefine what you thought “epic” actually meant.

[@ChrisPage68]

Floor's basically an associate member of Sabaton. Her pre-Nightwish band ReVamp toured with them, and that's how she got together with husband Hannes (drummer and the German soldier).

[@paulriddle7818]

Well.. She was a full time member of both at that point when they met in Gand Rapids , Michigan in 2014.

[@tes33720]

@@paulriddle7818 I don't understand. She was fultime revamp and sabaton? Never heard this??

[@paulriddle7818]

@@tes33720 Revamp 2010-2016 Nightwish 2012- present.

[@cybersymes6590]

@@tes33720 Full time ReVamp and full time Nightwish. ReVamp didn't disband until 2016.

[@Edwinvangent]

Drummer of Sabaton is MARRIED to FLOOR Jansen luv

[@jeremygilbert7989]

Just saw this live a couple of days ago. Seeing a thousand phone lights flare up as we all sang the the line "We were all, we were all, we were all, we were all FRIENDS!" was one of the most heartwarming moments I've ever experienced.

[@gene6690]

Two absolute queens of music analysis Julia Nilon and Elizabeth Zharoff Such a beautiful song indeed

[@jamescurfman3284]

Not even kidding. Totally agree with you here.

[@BerishStarr]

My two favs!

[@douglascolquhoun8502]

I 💯% agree

[@cybersymes6590]

100% agree with this - both have done fantastic analysis to Christmas Truce!

[@Thorgrim247]

The blond guy who get injured at the beginning is Floor Jansen's husband, Hannes Van Dahl. Definitely a variation of Carol of the Bells. Floor does the epic chanting at the end of the video. Loved it Julia! Yuletide greeting my friend! May get everything you wish for this Christmas. 🎁🎄 All the best for 2022. 💖🙏💎☝

[@jargien240]

They actually preformed this song during the Swedish Radios Charity event on aucustic instruments and it is just as epic then. Sabaton - christmas truce / musikhjälpen is what you have to search for then if you want to listen to it. Their live shows are quite a spectacle as well and "En Livstid i Krig" live is a very good example on how they manage to get the crowd moving and singing. Great work again Julia and for some reason this was the reaction of this song that made me cry.

[@darkiee69]

I was going to suggest both of those if nobody else did.

[@DakotaKid95]

Tommy plays the piano in that rendition and slips in a bit of one of his songs at the end. Check out Majestica's A Christmas Carol album.

[@darkiee69]

@@DakotaKid95 And a bit of another Swedish christmas song too, Tipp Tapp

[@GrandiosoOak]

@@DakotaKid95 he slips in a bit of Tomtarnas Julnatt it is not his song

[@Veloziraptor111]

I'd love to hear you reacting to Soldier of Heaven. It's another one of the songs of Sabaton's newest album and it's rapidly becoming my favorite one. But regardless of which one you choose, I'd love to hear you analyzing more of Sabaton. There's a LOT to love in their work and the range of their songs is pretty incredible. Edit: also had the same reaction to Floor's cameo at the end! Love her collabs with Sabaton. If you want more of that, try listening to the "Future of Warfare" soundtrack version.

[@andrewgoldfinch4250]

Hi Julia! Joakim, the main vocalist is half czech. The video has been made in the Czech republic by czechs. We Czechs are proud of this group (even though thery are Swedish, though Joakim is half ours :-) ) as it stirs so many emotions in us. They've absolutely nailed this, making grown up ass men cry like little babies. Its this tornado of emotions that is associated with this band so much. When they've come on a concert tour to Czechia and sang "Far from the fame" for the first time ever (a song about our air marshal, who led our pilots during the war of Britain, and thanks to him, our pilots and pilots from other countries like Poland made the UK safe), the crowd went literally bonkers. For some reason, we are not naturally too patriotic, but when this band starts their show, we change into the most prideful people, who could do anything under our flag and Sabaton songs. I am sure other nations are feeling the same ("Uprising" for you Polish brothers, who sang your national anthem in hundreds of thousands people during Wacken - Julia, I recommend to look for this clip :-) ). Thank you for your reaction, Julia, felt the same way you have. Greetings and wishes of peaceful Christmas holidays from the Czech republic.

[@peixeess]

Wow, I didn't know that he is half czech. I'm not a Sabaton fan though, I just really enjoy watching people react to them :P that is pretty cool and I like the thought of us sharing him :']

[@andrewgoldfinch4250]

@@peixeess His mom is from the Czech republic, well, Czechoslovakia at that time :-). His father has smuggled his mom to Sweden ( well, according to his own words :D ). Once he has a concert in Czechia - there were people doubting he is half Czech - well, on that concert, he has shown the crowd his Czech passport :-). That was quite an epic moment. Sabaton music should be shared among all, so the history doesn't repeat. We should be as one, not fight over petty stupid things. The Christmas miracle is a proof that people can unite and share the emotion, even across battlefield. It is indeed amazing to see people reacting, especially their expression as they go down deeper and deeper the rabbit hole of Sabaton :-). Merry Christmas!

[@bigg2988]

@@andrewgoldfinch4250 Can I give this 2 or more likes? Darn algorhythm! Have a safe and peaceful Christmas, man. Greets from Lithuania.

[@wolframvonstein4526]

@@andrewgoldfinch4250 Amen and merry Christmas!

[@smurfvolvo]

Wrong you ARE naturally patriotic that's why you get those feelings. Modern society has fooled you into supressing your natural state.

[@theabomb8305]

One of the last lines has “ those who never made it home when the battle had commenced” .It transfers from “we are all friends” to “we were all friends”. Joakim also rhymes “sadness and madness” as well as “ silence and violence”. Another one of their songs has “three years remain, it had only begun” they sing about things that happen in and around wars and it is beautiful for the musically inclined.

[@Cm38271]

The End of the war to end all wars

[@jonasmandersson]

Probably last one to say this, but Floor is married to the drummer of Sabaton. Also, if you want epic and emotional Sabaton - check out ”En livstid i Krig” live from Gothenburg. Don’t forget subtitles (there is one with proper translation aswell). I think you will enjoy that one.

[@whirledpeaz5758]

THIS !!^^

[@hotwill100]

I Second this. So much I had to do my own original post

[@Nengel1980]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXPWZHpnhdusnK8

[@johnnyringo80]

Seeing a first time reaction to Sabaton never gets old. Thank you for your nice video and do not worry about your emotional reaction. We all know this feeling (*wipes tear away).

[@miafranlund6982]

I have been a Sabaton fan for a decade, they are always making you emotional and proud. My favourite song of all times from Sabaton is "En livstid I krig", an epic song about a young man being constricted into the 30 years war and his fears about not being remembered. I highly recommend that you listen to it live as it is truly epic with over 10.000 singing, I know cause I was there. En livstid I krig live Gothenburg (caps on cause it's in swedish). Finally, I have watched many reactors discovering Sabaton. Your reaction was a beacon with the heartwarming insightful comments and true, honest feelings, thank you! Liked and subscribed

[@InkanSpider]

Don't know if anyone else mentioned it, but the hard rolling R-sound Joakim has is because the entire band has Swedish as their first language, and us Swedes speak with a very defined rolling R

[@stynershiner1854]

Verrrry trrrue.

[@MrDanAng1]

True in the case of Joakim, but I'm from Jönköping, we have a dialect that are almost devoid of any r-sound at all.

[@isaiahwelch8066]

Is this why Joakim sounds Russian singing Defense of Moscow? 🤔

[@MrDanAng1]

@@isaiahwelch8066 More likely his czech influence, his mother is a Czech from former Czechoslovakia and Joakim has a double citizenship, in Sweden and in the Czech Republic.

[@isaiahwelch8066]

@@MrDanAng1 Wow. I did not know that! Makes 100% sense tho, lol

[@SuchtmolchHD]

Some recommandations: For some more epic videos i would recommand "Bismark" and "Fields of Verdun". They also have some animated Story Videos that are definitely worth a look for example "Night Witches" or "No Bullets Fly". My personal favorite song is "82nd All the Way". And if you want to learn more about the history behind each song they have their own history channel on KZbin called: Sabaton History Channel. To this specific song there isn´t a video to this point, but i´m sure it will follow soon. Great reaction and looking forward to see you explore more Sabaton in the future. Merry Christmas

[@sneezing_panda]

Their website has the lyrics and a paragraph or two on each song about what each one is about.

[@jamescurfman3284]

The long version of No Bullets Fly video really makes people cry. Make sure to give a Kleenex Warning when you suggest that one. :)

[@petrini9585]

if you want to continue reacting to Sabaton i would recommend "En livstid i kring" (a life time at war). Look at the live video from Gothenburg for best effect, its another ballad. For a bit heavier sound listen to "Carolus Rex"...

[@gaskaramona]

Absolutely fantastic, Julia. I've watched the original video over and over again and have also watched a fair amount of reactions to it. But your reaction really nailed it and mirrored my own feelings perfectly. Merry Christmas!

[@jvoxfox]

thanks for leaving such a heartwarming comment! have a lovely Christmas :)

[@Ordensburger]

That cross still stands at the exact place it was erected in 1914 at the side of a nowadays field, not the original anymore, but a replica. The location is in the middle of what used to be the no man's land during the first battle of Ypres, it is located near Commines-Warneton (Belgium) not far from the French border, not one day passes without fresh flowers, or even footballs being placed at the base of the cross, remembrance counts! Lest we forget

[@mikakarki7989]

Yup .... It's there .... maps.app.goo.gl/CiXmdSYLj1Yy5TpW6 . Greetings from 🇫🇮.

[@AlexBarregon]

Welcome to the world of Sabaton 🎸 They do not pick side’s or are judgemental, what they do (very well) is take parts of what happens during war and presents them to their audience. There are some great videos by Sabaton though they are all their best live.Sabaton also have a history channel. This is my favourite Christmas song 🎅 Merry Christmas 🎅🤘🎸🎸

[@careylymanjones]

"Lest we forget", is attributed to Rudyard Kipling. In his poem "Recessional", the first four verses end with: Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet Lest we forget-lest we forget.

[@The2econd3vil3xes]

God I love this song. Makes me wanna cry every time though lol

[@jvoxfox]

like a baby right? me too

[@tanyateunissen185]

Joakim's voice is only 1 / 5 of what makes this song amazing, all five of them are what make it perfect.

[@janhgh3400]

Tommy (and his GLORIOUS stache) SHREDDING that old acoustic guitar like an absolute boss.

[@mariogansbeke]

FINALLY… I knew Julia would recognize Floor’s voice at the end. I KNEW IT!!! That’s why Julia is one of the best of the YT reactors, now I’m waiting for Chase to do his reaction. And the reaction itself, well it’s Julia, she has yet to disappoint me, but she never will (I hope 😊). Oh and Julia…. In Ploegsteert where the heaviest battles were fought is a cemetery for some 300 Australian soldiers who gave their lives in this brutal war. Ploegsteert is a small village in the south-western region of Belgium, what they call the “Westhoek”, not far from the border with France. A few miles away is the village Frelinghien (Northern region of France but still known as the Westhoek, a lot of older people speak a mix of Flemish and French) where the actual Christmas Truce took place is a memorial statue to commemorate this event. May you and whoever is reading this have a Merry Christmas and a peaceful end of the year. Greetings from Belgium.

[@phillee2814]

The truce broke out spontaneously all along the western front with very few exceptions. That is why Sabaton show a mixture of allied uniforms in the video, although, in fact, each army fought in their own sector, not in mixed units as shown here - so they are sort of melding a number of the truces into one.

[@athlonen]

Tank did it, and now Julia.. now we wait for Viking and Vampy Witch and we’ll be set!

[@jedininja2933]

Highly recommend "No bullets fly" or "The last stand" One of the things that makes the video so cool in that the extras are WW1 reenactors, and the cross at the end is a monument at the site where the Christmas Truce took place.

[@bazkeen]

Good one. Perfect for Christmas. I would suggest either of the animated story videos of No Bullets Fly or Night Witches with the extended versions🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Kano523]

You've done a wonderful job explaining why Sabaton is so good at pulling on heart strings. Amazing video from them, and from you. You should be proud of this video. Well done!

[@Fabi72g]

I was sure Julia would never never skip the outro, and can bet you recognize who is singing, well done. It's an amazing song, so sad and so uplifting at the same time, I'm listening to it every day, glad you liked it. Some just told you Floor is married with Hannes, the blond guy in the video and Sabaton drummer, he is also the Steven Spielberg filming Floor contents in her YT channel. Sabaton's songs are all about acts of heroism and humanity in war, and pretty all their songs are about real facts. You can watch their animated videos, they explain better what the songs are about, and you can go deeper in the stories behind the songs on their YT History Channel. They are also amazing live, I'm sure you'll like. Merry Christmas Julia, to you and your family.

[@VanDaRifleman]

This song moved me. I was a U.S. Marine infantryman in the past attached to 2nd Btn, 3rd MarDiv. I spent eight months in the Kunar province of Afghanistan mid-2005 to early 2006. My platoon did a security patrol on Christmas Eve. The locals knew the day, and practically all the Afghans we passed waved to us, wishing us a Merry Christmas in English. Afghan children drew near begging for treats, and though I told them to stand off at a distance, I hurled Starburst candies as far as I could to the Afghan children. That was a moving experience, and the memories that this song unearthed brought me joy.

[@GetDougDimmadomed]

Something about giving Starburst on Christmas is oddly satisfying. Christmas is a holiday where the lights look like stars, we put stars on our trees, and you giving a candy called "Starburst" is oddly fitting. Another thing people don't realize is that a lot of middle easterners are Christian. Whether converted or moved by themselves, around 30% of middle eastern folk are Christian.

[@islgrl292]

Thank you for your service, & respect to Afghans for their respectful treatment toward your troop, & BLESS the children learning about life through war. Will it ever stop. ❤️

[@madddog6790]

The guitarist, Tommy Johansson, has been/is in several other bands and projects, not the least of which is Swedish Hits Go Metal...yes, Abba done metal haha. He has an AMAZING voice, and has done the guitars/arrangements for several of Floor's cover songs. You should definitely check him out!

[@joaolima2935]

I would also check his other band, Majestica, really good!

[@madddog6790]

@@joaolima2935 definitely! he has so many things going, I can't remember them all :)

[@caligo7918]

@@joaolima2935 Majestica also has a christmas album

[@SylviusTheMad]

Tommy is the best singer in the band. Joachim is brilliant - he's perfect for Sabaton - but Tommy is amazing.

[@thetoyyya6890]

@@SylviusTheMad I agree, Joakim is perfect for sabaton but it's clear that he was originally not a singer and when it comes to "raw skill" Tommy for sure has him beat

[@jamesmccrea4871]

Two of their songs always bring tears to my eyes. Christmas Truce and No Bullets Fly (especially the animated.)

[@TheAbstruseOne]

If you're going to do a dive into Sabaton, I also recommend their Sabaton History KZbin channel where the band along with historian and documentarian Indy Neidell talk in detail about the real-life events that inspired the songs. They don't have one up yet for "Christmas Truce", but they've covered pretty much every other single Sabaton's done.

[@pippagrey9633]

And the Sabaton History for Christmas Truce just dropped yesterday!

[@mandyphilip4781]

nice, check this out too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaiWq3qZoZt9h80

[@BigMeechEJ25]

I never liked singing when I was younger but when I discovered Sabaton years ago I now practice singing again in my own time. I'm a history buff so their songs I feel emotionally since I understand the context and I love to sing their stories and keep these memories alive. I always choke up when watching or singing along to this, its soo amazing. Thanks for the tips and the great reaction Julia!

[@paulriddle7818]

As I said in chat. This was a fabulous job .by Julia Emotions are honest. Real. The band deserves so much praise for this. I love seeing Julia shared this with "Heaps of people". It deserves to be heard everywhere.

[@IanWrigleyNZ]

You darling woman. I've been waiting to see your reaction to this. Both the story and the telling of it is exceptional from Sabaton here.

[@JimmyRJump]

My grandfather, whom I never knew, spent almost four years in the trenches during WWI. I've been there, to trace back his plight, and that of many tens of thousands. Flanders Fields, from Ypres to the Somme and to Verdun and back to Paschendaele. Such a sad and horrendous path to walk, even now, more than a hundred years later. And to know that at Christmas 1915 the war could have ended when the soldiers on both sides no longer wanted to fight. My grandfather was there, played football with the 'enemy' in no-man's-land, befriended the Germans who he had to kill a few days later because that's what had been decided by the politicians. The horror... Oh, and it was foremost Belgians, not Brits, that were in the trenches at Christmas 1915. I'm a Belgian too.

[@Kullioking]

Your grandfather had luck to be in the trenches. My great grandfather was in the austrian (now Italien) mountains.

[@phillee2814]

The only year the truce took place was 1914, and Belgian, British and French were all facing the Germans.

[@darkiee69]

@@phillee2814 There were small pockets of peace in 1915 too, but they were very few, and those who took part got punished really hard.

[@isaiahwelch8066]

Thank you for your story! Not many people would be willing to follow the footsteps of family who fought in a past conflict like the Great War. I hope he, your grandfather, lived the rest of his life peacefully, knowing full well the horrors of war. May the holidays of 2021 find you and your family safe and well. Cheers from America!

[@crhu319]

Yes the shame was that only Russia revolted against the war and imperialist conflict.

[@DGARedRaven]

"And TODAY we are brothers, TONIGHT we are friends. OUR MOMENT OF PEACE IN A WAR THAT NEVER ENDS" I love this part. And a belated Merry Christmas to y'all, all over the world!

[@sagebooker]

So happy you're discovering Sabaton ! Joachim 's voice is so a wonder ! There are so many songs of Sabaton you can listen to and dig in a particular wolrd of metal which put in the spotlights episodes and anecdotes of wars in world history. You can listen to them live too, they're amazing ! But you can shed a tear on three peculiar videos : Nightwitches, No bullet fly and Bismarck (this one, you cry less but you sing the all day long the riff in it)

[@TENGILL]

Here i am again, 11 months later. Watching your reaction to this video is a x-mas tradition for me now. :)

[@blentiz5011]

Tommy (The Guitarist and in this video the French Soldier) also has a band named "Majestica" and he has done a Christmas Album last year. It is fricking epic.

[@bryaneagon3059]

You picked one hell of a good song to be your first encounter with this particular band. Even though it is a recent video release, I felt they really had outdone themselves. I describe them as the bards of history.

[@infernogaming7923]

I never expected Sabaton to blow me away after hearing all of their songs but this one got me, they did a fantastic job on this album

[@ox7639]

Hey Julia. Thank you for that reaction - i guess you are the first reactor who felt the same I felt when I first heard it - it crushed me and haunted me for days. Merry Christmas

[@loganbovard1401]

Welcome to the Sabaton fan group. Their music is just an amazing way to tell stories from Bismarck to The Last Stand amazing story telling and performances all around!!! Can’t wait to see more from them hopefully.

[@michaellein2389]

Julia goes along with the song from the beginning. Feverish with every nuance. Gets goosebumps and so on. And then this huge super beautiful smile when she recognizes Floor. This is the best reaction and analysis of this song for me so far. And I've seen pretty much all of them so far. I also sat there with my mouth open when I heard the song for the first time. I thought that No bullets fly was Sabaton's best, but what Sabaton has done with this song... Respect! Merry Christmas to you!

[@ColinPottersBar]

I've seen a few reaction videos to this masterpiece, and all have said how it has moved them, and how great it really is. The ending before the credits is just unbelievable, I defy anyone not to shed a tear in whilst watching this.Thank you for posting, I want the whole world to play this at this time of the year and people realize how terrible war is......LEST WE FORGET...

[@MB-co6qj]

❤ loved every flippin' bit of this reaction!

[@ulventorden5293]

I played this song for my cousin that is over 20 years older than me. He only listens to old country and classic rock. And he'd never heard of this event before or at least didn't remember learning about it. I showed him this video, and he cried. This video brings tears to my eyes every time too. Absolutely beautiful.

[@AlteFritte]

Sabaton is one of my favourite bands and I absolutely LOVED your reaction, your thoughts, your feelings and your passion! Edit: Melodic and epic music? You'll definitely get that with Sabaton! Can't wait for you to check out more of their music. :)

[@Alpha-5]

This was released not too long before Remembrance Sunday too, the melancholy of 'Lest We Forget' had so much weight to it at the time I was tearing up for the first 20 times I listened to the song.

[@zockor]

Great reaction for an amazing band!! PD: you look beautiful ♥

[@waynecorder7675]

Sabaton has been teaching history of how the horror of war sometimes brings out humanity in us all. Can't help feel for the people involved in these stories and the masterful way Sabaton has brought it to life. Merry Christmas Julia your reactions and break downs are always spot on 😃

[@awesomelana7227]

Good choice for the holidays. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 to all.

[@stevedergamer5322]

After hearing all the Sabaton-song, you know everything about every war ever. They are awsome. I saw them live early 2020 in Germany

[@jeffk1482]

This is absolutely, no doubt one of the most enjoyable reactions I've ever, ever watched. Merry Christmas Julia and all!

[@Kekoapono]

The brotherhood depicted in this music video really bolsters the fact that many of these young men weren’t monsters. They were ordinary people who didn’t want to kill each other, but had to because of the monsters who commanded them. These men sang Christmas carols to each other and gave each other small gifts, for crying out loud!

[@Pantherking916]

The greatest tragedy is that this magical event still wasn't enough to end the war there and then but the butchery continued for another 4 bloody years and 109 years later, we have STILL learned nothing.

[@fredericjaquet3729]

This story always makes me emotional. But seeing you also getting that emotional, made me shed a tear.

[@mithralmaw2880]

You really should do more Sabaton, they have incredible storytelling components, emotional beats, and powerful music. I would suggest Royal Guard next.

[@glennmorganfan9411]

That was so beautiful!!!.....It's not often Metal makes me weepy......b......but this definitely did it. UGH!! When the instruments dropped out and it was just their voices......GAH!!! That hit SO hard right in the heart. ....and yep! That was Floor Jansen at the end there. Unmistakable, such a classic tone. The story they based this off of is so great too. Two sides coming together on Christmas time to put down their weapons, share joy with each other, swap "gifts", and sing carols together. .....and it was MUSIC that first bridged the gap. They didn't understand the language, but they knew the melody of the carols. (Silent Night if I remember correctly) Sadly it was brief, (The higher ups worried it would cause sympathy and desertion) but it was magical while it lasted. I hadn't listened to anything from them either. Thank You for this miss Julia.........and if you'll excuse me I'm going to go sob now. Recommendations Unleash the Archers "Time stands still" "Test your metal" "Faster than light" ....and you HAVE to check out the duet Britney Slayes did of "La Traviata". It is honestly the most magical thing ever. Just scroll two minutes in to check out the song without all the stories and banter. Nightwish "I want my tears back" Israel "Bruddah IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole "Somewhere over the rainbow (His famous one take 3am recording) "White Sandy Beach" The Hu : "Yuve yuve yu" The Rambling Sailors: "Sailor's Prayer" Laboratorium Piesni "U lisi" Stoj pa moru" "Izgrela mi" "Kappee" The Pirates Charles "Kyl'grath'ya" "The star spangled banner" "Rowman's row" The Longest Johns "The Wellerman" "Leave her Johnny" "The Parting Glass" Exit Eden "Impossible" Once Human "Gravity" MALINDA: "More with you" "Hoist the Colours" Thundermother "It's just a tease" Clamavi de Profundis "The Ent's marching song" "The Castle of Dromore" Christmas Metal Songs "Joy to the world" and "Canon Rock" both by Orion's Reign featuring Minniva

[@firesturmgaming]

The opening is Carol of the Bells I think, played in reverse octave to symbolize the hopelessness of war. It's played in it's proper configuration later on to symbolize the moment of peace during the Christmas Truce.

[@ispbrotherwolf]

Nice, you noticed that to, it gave me chills at first...

[@lowberrymix]

I heard it on the radio first, when it first came out. Then over christmas the whole time and now that I watched the video to it, I cry more every time I watch it. It's such an amazing story that brings me to tears the more i think about it. Sabaton is a fantastic group that really capturs your attention

[@2104dogface]

Sabaton has their very own "Sabaton History Channel" on youtube were they talk about the history of the song topic and then alittle about how/way they did the song. they don't have 1 for this song (yet) BTW Great Reaction, for more on this topic there is a decent movie (2005) "Joyeux Noel" (Merry Christmas) shows the German, French & British (well a Scottish unit) , sadly when word of these events got out many units were punished and relocated to other sections of the line were the fighting was more savage. and then they made sure on holidays they would launch attacks and such. but the war took a turn and got more deadly esp once GAS started to be used in 1915 some soldier tried to repeat the event of 1914 but were shot. for another good song live checkout - En Livstid I Krig (Live - The Great Tour - Gothenburg) make sure you have the captions on as they sing it in Swedish

[@Sandbek1973]

The smile on your face when the music starts says it all, Julia. Once you enters the world of Sabaton there is no going back. Welcome to the family, Julia! Great reaction video...as always. Cheers from Norway

[@briarus1000]

the songs "cliffs of Gallipoli" and "no bullets fly" [the story of the charlie brown] are great songs. they may hit home...

[@magennis]

Cliffs of Gallipoli gets me every time

[@CoffeeMatt10]

@@magennis “oh mothers wipe your tears, your sons will rest a million years” Always hits me

[@lenco1337]

I absolutely love the bloopers part! Please keep that in you videos. It makes me smile every time. AND keep up the good work Julia! Your channel is amazing!

[@Caroline.123]

Many years later when they spoke to one of the actual soldiers, he said Silence I remember the silence and Sabaton used these words and they are powerful.

[@evalia4515]

Well here come the onions … again 😭

[@davidjohnson5045]

I have always loved watching your reactions while you're watching the videos. Makes a person almost feel what you're feeling.

[@TheButterflyChaos]

Yay, finally. Perfect to get into the Christmas Spirit. Merry Christmas♥️

[@TheButterflyChaos]

Also. If you wanna see what a power-house Joakim actually is. See basically any song live (but particularly Uprising or Ghost Division). He runs around like a madman on stage. If you want another tearjerker - see En livstid i krig live in Gothenburg. Also, check out Sabaton History Channel

[@flatoutt1]

it gives me a bit of a look/feel at what my grandfather went through in the trenches on the western front . he was injured and broke a leg from a german grenade and spent a year in england recovering .got him out of the war and saved his life . thanks from a grateful aussie .these guys are on a world mission to jam our face into it ,to wake us up so we can escape this stupidity. you wouldn't believe this but i only heard about these guys yesterday. somebody give these guys a medal or a grammy or something for their contribution to humanity

[@epicans6065]

As some people said in the comments already, Tommy Johansson, one of the guitarist, the guy in blue who threw the grenade in the beginning of the clip, is a freaking awesome singer, who has an insane range. He has his own projects, the main one behing Majestica. He has also done two albums of Swedish pop covers ( mainly Abba). Majestica - Above the sky : kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6WcfpRnjMRjras

[@keithjones9953]

Thank you Julia for your awesome and heartfelt reaction 👌

[@lukepooler6155]

A very important piece of history to remember. Especially when Christmas is made so much about gifts and material goods these days I think

[@ericventurino9011]

They've wanted to tell this story for years but held off until they could perfect it and truly do it justice. It turned out outstanding and made me cry the first time hearing it. Such a beautiful beginning to your Sabaton journey. Such a powerful band both musically and educationally.

[@prashantsarkar821]

You absolutely need to check out "No Bullets Fly". Probably one of their most epic song, and the story behind it is almost as incredible as the christmas truce.

[@zeallust8542]

I mean, its a very similar story. Just a much smaller scale, and obviously it happened differently than the Christmas Truce, but any kind of non-commanded truce story always hits me hard

[@HistorysRaven]

This is a GREAT song to listen to and react to. I probably wouldn't have suggested it as your first encounter with the band. It's heart wrenching. "Winged Hussars" would've pumped you up and kept you going for hours. If you want to listen to their best live song, "Uprising" is probably the best, if for no other reason than where they are and the crowd participation.

[@2121gul]

En livstid i krig, live i Göteborg. 🍻🇸🇪

[@iamgamerfun4032]

Something I love about how Joakim sings this song is those very minor tones of bittersweetness in his voice, much how the christmas truce was. As remember they were outside of the trenches and in no man's land where they shook hands, exchanged gifts and rations, and played soccer. All the while their dead buddy might not even be like a few feet away from them. If you haven't heard any of sabatons other songs, I highly recommend checking them out as they tell stories of a wide variety from the glorious actions of heroes, to horrorendous events with Joakim always setting the tone with the other members melding together into a beautiful harmony. So please I would love to hear you react to more sabaton songs

[@Utahpanzer]

If you want another tear-jerker emotional journey with this band then I highly recommend watching En Livstid I Krig (Live - The Great Tour - Gothenburg). If you do, PLEASE make sure to turn on the closed captions!!!! The song is sung with in Swedish, with a ton of crowd participation, and if you watch it without captions you will lose so much of the story of the song. It is seriously one of the most emotionally powerful performances I have ever seen and it never fails to put tears in my eyes(much like this song/video)

[@CeruleanChurch]

I’ve seen this video so many times from seeing coaches and maestros and techs reacting to it and yet it still makes me tear up. Sabaton’s quality, attention to detail and ability to tell these compelling stories this way is second to none

[@wesscoates5676]

They're dropping a new music vid this friday: soldier of heaven. Which, along with Christmas truce, will be on their new album (war to end all wars) which drops in march. I have every one of their albums on CD so far, and i look forward to buying this next one. They're a Swedish heavy metal band from Falun Sweden, and they make songs about wars. Actually, if you're in the land down under, i guess for you the vid drops at about 10p.m. to 12a.m. tomorrow depending on whether you're on the east coast or west coast. Know what? I'll stick a link up.

[@wesscoates5676]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/goqsZJibnK59oqs There you go.

[@CrusaderinBlack]

I've seen a lot of reactions to this music video, and a lot of people don't know the story! It is exciting to me that people are learning the history of the Christmas Truce but it is really refreshing to see someone who knows the story and has a deep appreciation for it. Thanks for the video! All the vocalist talk was very interesting

[@anthonymonaghan4964]

Sabaton does songs based on historical warfare both battles and individuals .. and as metal bands go i think they are one of the true legends and greatest

[@jccasts]

Merry Christmas from NYC. Awesome reaction! Sabaton and The Queen of Metal Miss Floor Jansen 🎉🎊🎄 have a metal Christmas. Everybody🤘🤘🧨🤘🤘🧨's 🎄

[@Shabanezloth]

Such a great song, and your breakdown is just as good! Have a great christmas :)

[@tompickles9798]

How do you put music to a well documented part of history that shaped a war to end all war's. YOU DO IT LIKE THIS. I've got this on loop in my car it's AWESOME/ EMOTIONAL/ GOOSEBUMPS it's got it all. SABATON WOW. A GREAT reaction as always.