Vocal Coach Reacts: SABATON 'Christmas Truce'' First Listen & In Depth Analysis!

[@ninaschofield]

I really enjoyed my first listen to Sabaton!! Let me know what else I should be watching 😊

[@JStephens_73]

I will see Sabaton in April, in support of another little band you may or may not have heard of before called Judas Priest. As for what else to look for from them.. No Bullets Fly/animated story version, as well as Night Witches, the aimated story version as well

[@sstrykert]

If you like the closing aria vocals, you'll love Nightwish

[@JStephens_73]

@@sstrykert check the Playlists section and you'll see she has reacted to quite a few selections from Nightwish already :)

[@sstrykert]

@@JStephens_73 just caught that, thanks

[@ingerkristine3597]

A song that moves me and also give me the goosebumps every time is En Livstid i Krig (A Lifetime of War) live from Gothenburg. They are singing in Swedish, but there are English captions kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXPWZHpnhdusnK8

[@MacOriginalGamer]

But seriously, as far as Sabaton goes, during the Pandemic my daughter couldn't go to school. I called her history teacher and told her about Sabaton and how they educate people about history using music. We worked out a syllabus that she adapted for the rest of her students too.

[@Raven-fh2yy]

Just for your info Floor is the wife of Hannes Van Dahl... the drummer for Sabaton... the blonde guy who got blown up at the start of the video and the first guy into no mans land.

[@ninaschofield]

Oh I didn’t know that - thanks for the info!

[@SwedishWarGoat.]

I live less than 10 minutes away from Floor's and Hannes's house. I actually met Hannes in our local supermarket two days before midsummer earlier this year. I heard someone drumming on their legs and there he was, looking to buy potatoes for midsummer dinner. 😄 I havn't met Floor yet, but a friend of mine met her a couple of times in the same supermarket. And my brother saw her and their daughter at McDonalds a couple of years ago.

[@jeffk1482]

@@SwedishWarGoat.Very much “everyday people” it seems. I really like that.

[@andrewludwig9251]

How cool is that? I met Hannes at a meet and greet in Seattle 6 years ago. He is a great human being!

[@ursmetzger]

Sabaton: "We need a very good soprano singer for the end credits of our new song." Hannes: "I have one at home."

[@treintje1001]

Yes! Finally a reactor who actually appreciates the ending credits music AND manages to find the hidden gem! Good work!

[@TheFinePlayer]

The credits are actually my fav part xD

[@572Btriode]

Mme. Schofield is a professional. . . . . . . .

[@masqu666]

love the anding with flore

[@philipriley2253]

I actually read the comments before watching a reaction video & as soon as I see they have cut the credits I don't watch. Far too many cut it & therefore aren't reacting to the whole song..

[@Zabiru-]

I've found that its somewhere in the region of 60 to 70% of reactors that don't find that Floor is singing the end credit bit. Some don't listen to that part at all but most seem to. More often those that know Nightwish make note of the fact that is is her though, obviously.

[@bazkeen]

Sabaton is such a great rabbit hole 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 So many emotional songs

[@barrychristie3355]

Congratulations. I have watched over 40 reactions to this video. A third of them don't bother with the closing credits and miss hearing the outro delivered by the best vocalist around today. The rest do listen but only half recognize that it is Floor singing. You are the only one who realized that the snare drum changes pattern to a standard military cadence halfway through the outro. Well done 👍

[@hugoagogo]

Love the reaction. Floor's outro vocals combined with the score gives me chills every time. Happy Christmas to everyone out there.

[@chadbennett7873]

I was so happy to see you react to this. I so highly respect your music knowledge and talent, and I thought you might pick up on The Carol of the Bell played in reverse at the beginning, but you pointed out Tubular Bells, which I had not really considered. I just love your ear for small things. Tommy carries out a vintage WWI guitar and then plays the electric lead is so cool, and that's just how carefully Sabaton tries to stay true to the theme. There is so much in this video that hits home. I've studied this event extensively and have written several articles regarding it. I like to imagine the planning session for it. "And I think we should add the voice of an angel over the credits!" Hannes: "Hold my beer and hand me my phone!:

[@MacOriginalGamer]

Tommy has the ability to make any guitar sound like an Electric. 😆😅🤣😂🤣😂

[@andresblanco03ab]

🤣🤣

[@johnekare8376]

Wonderful reaction!

[@ninaschofield]

Thanks so much!

[@Mars-is4un]

🤗🍒🤘🏻😘Well done Nina, letting the credits run is important, as it turns out, because that's where Floor was!!😘

[@Tarkus_]

Such a masterpiece, both the song and the music video. I also love that you appreciated the outro, unlike many reactors, and even picked up on the vocals being performed by Sabaton's drummer's wife. I think it was cool of them to let a family member do that. 😏

[@whirledpeaz5758]

I am a Cold War veteran. I enlisted in the US Navy in the hopes that my service might lead to peace in my lifetime. I was standing watch when word was passed of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I cried, thinking my wish had come true. The next year Iraq invaded Kuwait. My heart was broken. This song embodies both of those extremes of emotion for me. I cannot listen to this and keep dry eyes. But, I will listen every chance I get.

[@elvwood]

Fantastic react/analysis! This is my #3 favourite Christmas song, and my #1 favourite Christmas music video. It still makes me cry every time, often twice. It's also great live, everyone joining in for the chorus. Well done for spotting the credit for Floor, lots of reactors aren't still reading by then. I imagine the conversation about the outro credits going "Hannes, we need a soprano - any ideas?" "Hang on, I'll have a look around at home - I'm pretty sure I've got one somewhere..." I would love to see you tackle their cover of _1916_ (which has similar production values) and _No_ _Bullets_ _Fly_ Animated Story Video (which does what it says on the tin). That's my trifecta of perfect Sabaton music videos, though there are plenty more great ones after that! Enjoy.

[@jennienoppers210]

Well done! watching up to Floor!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@nwlondonmetaller3427]

Hearing for the first time, what a powerful track. Musically well composed and a brilliant vocalist. You can feel how the music reflects well with the video. Thank you for presenting this track and video, I would have never would have known about it.

[@Bonovin]

Floor is married to the Drummer in Sabaton. Hannes van Dahl

[@99subetai]

So many reactions to this video just end with "Lest We Forget" and the scene with the cross, ignoring the ending vocals which are incredible! Thank you for giving Floor Jansen's vocals the credit they richly deserve! Merry Christmas!

[@ColinPottersBar]

So pleased you enjoyed it Nina. When I first heard it 3 years ago, I knew that this was something special, and it has enjoyed 17 million views so far. I have played it every Remembrance Day and Christmas since and it is as poignant now as it was then so we must make sure people are reminded of the horrors of war. But thanks to Sabaton for this masterpiece, probably the best video ever made since Thriller!

[@chriso6719]

The high production value in this video is because it was made by people that usually make movies. When the world shut down, movies also stopped, so they had time for this. Yes, most of their songs are about Military History. Lead singer Joakim Broden doesn't have a huge range, but he uses all of what he does have. He and bassist Par Sundstrom are the primary songwriters, and only original members left. Guitarist Chris Rorland joined in 2012, drummer Hannes van Dahl in 2014, and guitarist Tommy Johansson in 2016. Of course it's Floor at the end, she is married to Hannes, they just recently welcomed their 2nd daughter. Sabaton also has their own history channel here on yt, an episode for every song with an in depth look at the story behind the songs. Today is the 80th anniversary of the events described in their song "No Bullets Fly", please try the animated story video for that. Also try their recent cover of Motorhead's 1916.

[@kerrismith5986]

A Merry and Lovely Christmas and New Years to you, young lady. Thank you for reacting to this song. I have been trying to get my husband to listen to Sabaton for a while. I'm not all That in to their music, but I think my husband would like it. However, he is being ............ difficult??? NOW I can get him to listen, because he does enjoy your reactions. I shall shoot him a link to this, then sit back and hope. Thank you again.

[@staffan-]

One of the most well-made musical reactions to this piece. Nice!

[@alancarter41]

Excellent reaction. Joakim and Par spent years working on this song, wanting it to be as perfect as possible due to the importance of the event. When they filmed the music video they hired a professional movie crew (available due to the pandemic) and made everything as authentic as possible. Sabaton never glorifies war (for those who claim they do, listen to "The Price of a Mile" or "the Final Solution"), they just tell the stories of sacrifice, heroism, honor, and humanity that often emerges from the chaos of war. Interestingly, Joakim structured this song as a waltz.

[@eTraxx]

So .. they were making the video and someone asked .. "Huh. Wonder who we can get to sing the outro .." Hannes says .. "OH. I know someone ..." (made that up but fun to think .. might have been)

[@ninaschofield]

Let’s go with that! 😊🎄

[@samusahlsten5948]

Great reaction. This has become my favourite christmas-song. I knew you would catch Floor in the end. Merry christmas to you too.

[@TheVirtualWatcher]

Glad you enjoyed it 😉 I think it is a great representation of the iconic story and the music ain't bad ...

[@572Btriode]

Absolutely accurate too, the singing of carols from the opposing trenches, the football, the exchange of pictures and uniform buttons is a matter of the record. IIRC, a cross still stands on the very spot and every Christmas people do leave footballs there.

[@robertsheeler321]

Congrats on catching it was Floor Singing the outtro and wife of the drummer of Sabaton Hannes Van Dahl

[@thesaltyengineer6086]

I'll be waiting for more sabaton, this is only the beginning of another amazing journey

[@kalnis]

Spent evening watching your Nightwish reaction videos and now I am here starting whole new chapter... Thank you for the great reaction videos !

[@brynwhite4108]

The main character, with the long blonde hair, is the drummer and is also married to Floor.

[@ninaschofield]

That’s so cool!

[@1982jeepcj8]

Sabaton has no bad songs, they have some that aren't as strong, but the subject matter more than makes up for it. They are subjects that deserve as much promotion and reflection as possible, like nightwish there is a brilliance in what they do. I suggest No Bullets Fly, animated story by Sabaton. After that the Motorhead tribute done by Sabaton covering and reworking 1916 is amazing, it is a rough one though. At the end of each video, there is a link of movie camera imposed ona ww1 machine gun, this is a link to the Sabaton history, KZbin channel that tells the history and making of each piece.

[@justitia257]

Beautiful Video, Beautiful Song

[@calibadgerdude6082]

The opening piano motif is basically inversion of The Carol of the Bell, so it really does sound eerily familiar and christmassy while keeping that somber and dark tone.

[@AvengedsFold93]

I've watched most of the reactions of this sabaton song, but I must say that you made the best one. You went deep into it and even enjoyed the wonderful outro with Floor. Thank you from Sweden!

[@alexandersteinmetz6857]

The Professional you are, you ofc did get to notice Floor;) Great recap of this one, and as there werent any Voice Acrobatics, you centered on the whole Video, like so many Times before, an Pleasure to watch your recap. Stay healthy NWArmy Frankonia, Germany.

[@Marco-Conner]

11:10 the nightwish army is here too :) always at Floor, always by the valkyrie's side. special greetings to SABATON family.

[@strummer3162]

I feel very fortunate that you reacted to this song, as being a huge Sabaton fan, I believe that is why KZbin recommended it to me. What a breath of fresh air your reaction was! Your reaction style is my absolute favourite. Never feel bad about stopping to add your insight, as it is exactly what I want to hear. Especially when you actually have really interesting things to say. I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed that and I'm excited to now look into your other reactions.

[@Maxad1812]

Very nice reaction Nina! You should react to Tommy Johansson...the guy who played the guitar in this song. His talent is out of this world🤩He is not only the lead guitarist in Sabaton🎸. He has his own band Majestica too. And on his own YT channel he puts out a new stunning cover every friday. It would be soooo nice to hear you react to his amazing cover of "She`s Gone" by Steelheart😍 Cheers from Sweden 🥂

[@geoffhorrocksjr.9999]

Epica - Sirens needs to be very high on your list to react to soon! Love your reations 👍🏼

[@rcairnut]

this song is a masterpiece, thank you for your reaction and listening all the way through the outro, she is just amazing!

[@santino001vileno9]

Well done Nina!, and thank you. Isn't KZbin just a wonderful platform? I'll wager that 50% of the reactors & respondents to these presentations that we all enjoy so much have never even heard of Sabaton or Nightwish or even Floor until around 4 years ago. (When Floor and Henk sang "Phantom" at Beste Zangers). We are flooded with fantastic artistry here on KZbin. All we need do id look for it. Thanks again for a great reaction Nina! I've been a "Sub" to your channel for smoe time. TC/

[@robertpetre9378]

I always find it really cool whenever metal bands have piano in them even if it’s just an introduction to the song. It gives it a grandiose feeling like it’s sophisticated.

[@2104dogface]

Great Reaction, Sabaton sings about Military History from many time periods and has their own "Sabaton History Channel " on youtube. the Blonde German soldier is the drummer and he is married to Floor Janson - for more on this topic there is a decent movie (2005) "Joyeux Noel" (Merry Christmas) shows the German, French & British (well a Scottish unit) , this took place Unofficial during the 1st year of the war by the soldiers at the front and they also used the time to bury the bodies of the dead. 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. also Sabaton History put out a eps. covering the story of this event - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnvUZ2eae5qNnLM also Paul mccartney covered this topic in 1983 with his song & music video "Pipes of Peace"- kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqjcd4eIfM58i7c

[@martinklaus2203]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. So many reactors cut off these credits and and totally miss Floor. Wonderful reaction!! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@zpitzer]

glad you watch the whole thing, some YT reactors don't and miss that Floor is singing.

[@monerane]

Hello Nina, Sabaton is incredible - if you want to cry react to their 1916 ;)

[@marklinden2342]

Great song, great video, great production, Great Reaction (as always) …and an EPIC outro by Floor ♥️

[@Templarofsteel88]

If you want an awesome live song with Sabaton you should react to en livstid i krig (a lifetime of war) live Scandinavium Gothenburg. The album Carolus Rex they released during that time is about a part of Swedish history called the era of great power (stormaktstiden in Swedish) when Sweden was a much bigger nation with ambitions of expanding. The album was released with both a Swedish and English version, the difference being that the Swedish one tells the story from our/ a Swedish soldier's view while the English is more from an outsider's view. It is the Swedish version they played at that show so be sure you have the subtitles on, I was there and all I can say is that you will not regret it.

[@Keiichisaotome]

What an insightful analysis and great reaction. I especially liked when you paused and demonstrated on the piano. Sabaton is a great rabbit hole to fall into and just for your personal enjoyment I would recommend Yarnhubs animated story video they did in colab with Sabaton on the Christmas Truce. Sabaton should come with a warning label though... if you listen to Sabaton you may: Want to learn more about history Find yourself being proud of a country you do not below to Be looking for those damn onion cutting ninjas after every other song

[@mightyravendark932]

Great reaction:) I hope you will do some more Sabaton. En Livstid i Krig (A Lifetime of War) Live in Gothenburg is my suggestion. It`s in Swedish but there are subtitles.

[@monzo760]

What I love is that they put the band members on different sides, like how even though they are the one band they were on different sides which really solidifies the unity even in the side difference

[@dew2334]

Nina I love your channel and 💙🔥 Sabaton please do more.

[@jasonmarshall7572]

May i suggest Sabaton tribute to the Motorhead song 1916. Hannes the guy who walked out towards the enemy is their drummer and Floor Jansen's husband.

[@stanthompson8575]

I do enjoy your reactions and Sabaton would be well worth another visit. By the way I think most people pronounce it 'Sab-a-ton' rather than 'Say-ba-ton' and I believe it's the name of the piece of metal armour that protects the upper foot.

[@dernwine]

I was on my second operational tour (and my first christmas in a warzone) when this song was released. Let's just say I get some pretty complicated emotions when I sit down and listen to it.

[@glenngunnis6642]

Excellent reaction! 🤘🎸

[@nathancooper2162]

fantastic reaction to my my fave band.! Glad you gave Floor the love too.

[@Ireksojkowski]

Very beautiful, thank you

[@JariJuslin]

As you noted, Joakim carefully articulates every single syllabse. It's his style - they are about telling stories and giving spotlight to people and events that could otherwise be forgotten, so they want the lyrics to be easy to follow. Story over technical trickstery. They spent years on this one because it was such unique and delicate moment in history they wanted to get it exactly right. And they did.

[@anderslofgren8235]

Nice reaction. One reason Floor is in it is probably that her husband is the drummer in Sabaton, the slim guy with the long blonde hair, Hannes Van Dahl. They live here in Sweden with their two daughters 🙂

[@hardy9099]

Please more Sabaton reactions❤❤❤❤

[@pvandewyngaerde]

A christmas song in my favorite genre.

[@penaarja]

Tears on ny eyes❤️🇫🇮

[@peterheider6557]

Btw: Sabaton has a very talented guitarist named Tommy Johansson. 😊You should ckeck out his youtube channel , too. He is a great singer, did a christmas calendar last year with a christmas song every day from dec 1 to dec 24. "O helga natt" the swedish version of "O holy night" will give you chills.

[@hawaii2k]

Funny how you mention during the outro how it could've been a movie score. For the two last albums, they've released soundtrack or symphonic versions of all the songs.

[@Zankaroo]

First off you have very beautiful eyes and smile. Secondly Sabaton is just amazing in everything they do. They put so much work into just research about a battlefield topic before they do anything for lyrics or music to make sure they are telling the true story of what happen with a given battle topic. And yes they said in an interview that he made that part reflect the Christmas song on purpose and it worked wonderfully.

[@jacksonebendick9592]

Gotta say it, top is so cozy and cute

[@kjelljohansson1799]

Hi Nina. Nice react. You should listen to the Guitarist in Sabaton Tommy Johansson and a song called You rice me up and one octave higher and even his band Majestica its great music i asure you. Merry christmas from sweden .KJ.

[@Stewrats]

Fantastic tune. Sabaton are power metal icons these days. The only metal band for history nerds.

[@lgkf1126]

It's always a good day when Miss Nina reacts to an awesome Metal Band

[@northof4912]

Thank you for watching through the credits and seeing who graced the outro! Too many reactors skip the end, not knowing what they missed. The entire performance is incredible! The band honours those who protected us.

[@kjelljohansson1799]

Hi Nina Im an old swed and sabaton fan, you must listen to Sabatons concert from Woodstock in Poland There song fourty to one is incredible and the audience sing with them there was 550 ooo people at same time but in all it was 750 000 to see them. And you have a song called En livstid i krig 8A lifetime in war ) from the graet tour in sweden. Mvh.KJ

[@AlfCalson]

🤘 Sabaton 🤘 singer 🤘 Joakim Brodén 🤘

[@rogervikstrom2005]

Welcome to Sabaton, nice reaction, or should I say analysis? I really like it when I also learns a lot about music when listening to reactions videos 👍 If you like piano you should check out Tommy Johansson (the acoustic guitarist) cover of Joy of Christmas, a cover of his own band Majestica but only piano and his amazing voice. Happy holidays 🎅

[@LuisNunes-ps4sl]

Instant Christmas classic right here! One point about Sabaton, both guitarists, Chris and Tommy, are excellent vocalists on their own, perfectly capable of fronting a band on their own. Tommy even has his own project called Majestica. That's why you were enjoying the refrain so much, Nina. That and the superb writing. 😉😉 P.s. Any chance for Dan Vasc's Adeste Fidelis?

[@ISAFMobius18]

A great and powerful introduction to the band. Other songs from them i highly recommend are Bismarck, No Bullets Fly and their Motorhead cover '1916'

[@Cthugni]

Such a great reaction! The references, the technical skills, your great ear, you are great! I`d love to see you check out a hugely powerful band called Katzenjammer, with Hey ho on the Devil`s back. As a great female singer yourself, those women will blow your socks off! 😀

[@jamesp7709]

Great reaction. Loved your musical breakdown. I was very surprised to see that you had not ever reacted to Dimash's idol Lara Fabian. I would be interested to hear you react to her original version of "Adagio" or her version of "Je suis malade" or "Caruso". All Lara Fabian videos should always be picked from live performances, as she is even better live than on record. Anything from her 1999 concert "From Lara with Love" is a vocal master class. (There are restored versions of those videos with crisp sound and visuals.)

[@crazycasey2598]

this event happened here in belgium......in ypres to be precise.....the cross still stands here in ypres.....thanks for reacting......

[@evanbrink6368]

I will sub because I know you will become a member of Sabaton Army. One of my favorites from Sabaton is Blood of Bannockburn. It is a little older but still enjoyable.

[@bestevaar7195]

FREEDOM WE HAVE EARNED

[@rianavermeulen4316]

Floor at the end❤

[@mattfeiden4762]

1916 will tear your heart out. It’s a Motörhead cover about the battle of the Somme in WW1

[@alleninfinity6730]

Very nice reaction.

[@wolfganghermann7056]

hi Nina the end credits sings Floor Janson her husband is Hannes van Daal drummer from Sabaton !!!!! Greetings from Germany Wolfi

[@aprilvoecks5877]

Noa couple things about the album(s) this song is from - War to End All Wars It's one of their WWI themed albums, and they put out 3 versions: Normal version - Just like the main music you listened to here History version - Intro of each song is reduced or removed, replaced with a couple sentences spoken by a female about the subject of the song. (Fot this one, it's "On Christmas Eve, soldiers from all sides laid down their arms, and embraced enemies like friends. For a moment, there was no war.") Symphonic version - Like the credits though without Floor's incredible vocals. They released an instrumental album "Symphony to End All Wars".

[@leechowning2712]

The fact that you actually took that extra minute at the end... so much of the time we have to tell people to listen. As to other bests from Sabaton... the list could easily be worded as any, but Great War and Price of a Mile are what I would suggest you listen to next.

[@TheMarktimusPrime]

We don't want to kill to solve problems, but sometimes we are left with little or no choice in the matter

[@dagandersson3641]

Great reaction. Love when I see someone actually pause to give us their input on what they hear and experience.

[@dominicmain4626]

It took Sabaton about 3 years to do this song and make the video as they wanted to make sure they did the story justice. I believe they were looking for someone to do the end credits and Floor offered and daid you wont find anyone better or something like that anyhow.

[@Thorgrim247]

Yes, that is Floor Jansen at the ending. Her husband Hannes is the drummer of Sabaton and the blond guy who was injured by the grenade at the beginning.

[@n5iln]

Why wouldn't it be Floor Jansen performing the ending credit vocals? Her husband is Sabaton's drummer. The running joke goes like this: JOAKIM: We need a really big close for this video. TOMMY: How about a power soprano reprising the theme? JOAKIM: Great idea. Who can we get on short notice? HANNES (on phone): Honey, can you come down to the studio for a bit? I need a favor...

[@sumtensor]

Notice in the end that it actually switches to Carol of the Bells.

[@cam0racer]

I have never listened to this with headphones. After your comments on panning I will do that soon.

[@Klyde-t3d]

The open piano rift is from the Carol of the Bells but reversed.

[@dmj4966]

Production is always excellent, not always live action. No bullets Fly and Night Witches, for example, are animated, very deep catalogue and En Livsted I Krig live in Gothenburg definitely worth a a review....I'm a huge Pink Floyd, Nightwish, and Ren fan, but Sabaton catalogue rivals theirs

[@anderslarsson1289]

👍U r great👐👐

[@edwinsuijkerbuijk5106]

At 2:50 you say it sounds christmasie but kind of dark, and you play it on the piano. I don't have much musical knowledge myself but somebody once told me that it is the theme of the "Carol of the Bells" in reverse. Maybe somebody with some musical knowledge can tell me if it indeed is.

[@davidstonerook3868]

I would recommend Sabaton's cover of Motorhead's 1916 as well as the animated videos for No Bullets Fly, The Lady Of The Dark, and Night Witches also Sabaton also has its own History Channel on KZbin called Sabaton history, which explains the events behind the songs Not only is Sabaton an amazing band they are a phenomenal History Teacher love Nightwish as well 🖤💀🦇💣⚡️🤘

[@erikpalmer1201]

It took them three years to make this song because they wanted it to be perfect.

[@radimradyys4620]

Filming took place in the former military complex in Rožmitál pod Třemšín in the Czech Republic (Joakim Brodén has a Czech passport. his mother is CZECH) by a Czech team. Overall, the work on the clip took about three weeks. It was filmed over two days in actual trenches that were dug for filming purposes. Here is the Making of: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6XFknycbtmZhLs