Sabaton and Pop Evil Unite for Epic 'Templars' Reimagining
In a year already marked by triumph and thunder, Swedish metal juggernauts Sabaton are back, reloading their 2025 anthem 'Templars' with a fiery new version featuring the illustrious Leigh Kakaty of Pop Evil. Released through Better Noise Music, this collaboration is now storming through all digital service providers, giving fans a chance to experience a seamless meld of hard rock genres.
The electrifying moment came alive at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, KY, where Sabaton invited Kakaty to join them onstage, surprising a sea of metalheads with an explosive debut of the revamped track. The collaboration ignited the crowd, as Kakaty's soaring vocals intertwined with Sabaton's trademark thunderous riffs, culminating in the chant-worthy chorus: 'Templars on the march, charge from the temple.' This was more than a performance; it was a moment that will be etched in the annals of heavy metal history.
Vocalist Joakim Brodén expressed his excitement, stating, 'When we released 'Templars' last year with our album Legends, fans embraced it wholeheartedly. We wanted to add a new flavor, and teaming up with Pop Evil was a no-brainer. Leigh's powerful voice brings a fresh energy that we can’t wait for everyone to hear. It’s the perfect way to ramp up the anticipation for our upcoming North American tour.'
Bassist Pär Sundström echoed this sentiment, noting the band's penchant for revisiting their music in innovative ways. 'With 'Templars', we saw a golden opportunity to experiment. Collaborating with Pop Evil allowed us to evolve the song, and Leigh's attitude adds a whole new dynamic that’s thrilling to witness.'
Kakaty himself remarked on the collaboration, highlighting the song's narrative power. 'Sabaton's knack for weaving history into their music is something I admire. 'Templars' resonates with themes of loyalty and purpose, and bringing that story to life together was a privilege. As we gear up for the tour, this track takes on even more significance for me.'
As Sabaton prepares to launch their 'Legends On Tour' across North America, starting September 23 in Halifax and wrapping up December 12 in Fort Lauderdale, the anticipation is palpable. With Pop Evil and Wings of Steel supporting, this tour promises to be a monumental celebration of metal camaraderie.
In addition to this fiery collaboration, Sabaton is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of their iconic album, 'The Last Stand', which has been re-released in a special edition packed with bonus tracks and exclusive live footage. As Sundström reminisced about the album's legacy, it’s clear that both the new version of 'Templars' and the anniversary celebration mark significant milestones in Sabaton's storied journey through the realms of heavy metal.