Joakim Brodén of Sabaton Discusses New Collaborations and Upcoming U.S. Tour

On Friday, September 12, Joakim Brodén, the charismatic frontman of the Swedish metal band Sabaton, joined the hosts of Loudwire Nights to discuss the band’s latest single, “Crossing the Rubicon.” The track features the talents of Jonny Hawkins and Mark Vollelunga from the band Nothing More, marking a significant collaboration for both groups.

Collaboration with Nothing More

During his conversation with host Chuck Armstrong, Brodén expressed his enthusiasm for embracing new and unexpected musical endeavors. “I love doing fun stuff and unexpected stuff and trying new stuff,” he shared, highlighting the excitement surrounding the collaboration with Nothing More, who recently became label mates with Sabaton under Better Noise.

While Brodén is typically heavily involved in the band’s creative process, he admitted that he stepped back during the creation of this track due to a busy schedule. “Sometimes it is as simple as that … I wasn’t too much involved in it because I had a lot going on at the moment,” he explained. Pär Sundström, Sabaton’s bassist and Brodén’s long-time collaborator, took the lead on the song alongside Hawkins and Vollelunga. “I’ve got to say, I was super impressed when I heard the results,” Brodén added, noting his surprise at how much he enjoyed the final product.

Exciting Plans for a U.S. Tour in 2026

In addition to discussing their new single, Brodén revealed exciting plans for a U.S. tour in 2026, where Sabaton will be joined by Pop Evil. Although details were still being finalized, Brodén expressed his love for touring the United States, citing the country’s national parks and natural beauty as a highlight. “It’s more of a feeling than a certain thing,” he said, regarding what makes touring in America distinct compared to other regions.

When asked about his favorite national park, Brodén didn’t hesitate. “At the moment, it’s the Rocky Mountains,” he stated, adding that he hopes to visit parks in Utah, such as Moab and Zion, stating, “Big bucket list and I’ve got to bring some camera equipment and hiking gear.”

Insights from Brodén on Heavy Metal and Historical Research

Throughout the interview, Brodén also shared personal anecdotes about his passion for heavy metal. He discussed the impact of Ozzy Osbourne on his musical journey, particularly noting albums like “The Ultimate Sin” and “Blizzard of Ozz,” which were pivotal during his formative years. “I love Ozzy for being Ozzy as a solo artist,” he remarked, reflecting on the limited exposure to such music in Sweden during his upbringing.

Moreover, Brodén recounted the moment heavy metal captured his heart, recalling watching Twisted Sister perform on Swedish television when he was just a child. “I was screaming so she thought, ‘My kid is dying,'” he laughed, remembering the excitement that drew him into the genre.

As Sabaton is known for their historical themes, Brodén also touched upon the research process behind their music. “It’s different for every song … It depends on how much we know about this person to begin with,” he explained, emphasizing the varied sources and methods they utilize to ensure historical accuracy.

Conclusion

Joakim Brodén’s conversation on Loudwire Nights showcased not only the excitement surrounding Sabaton’s new release “Crossing the Rubicon” but also the band’s future endeavors, including their upcoming U.S. tour. With plans to explore America’s natural wonders and a commitment to delivering powerful music, Sabaton continues to captivate fans globally.

FAQs

When will Sabaton’s new single “Crossing the Rubicon” be released?

The single is already available for listening, having been discussed by Joakim Brodén on September 12.

What can fans expect from Sabaton’s U.S. tour in 2026?

Fans can look forward to a high-energy performance alongside Pop Evil, with more details to be announced closer to the tour date.

How did Joakim Brodén get into heavy metal music?

He was influenced by bands like Twisted Sister at a young age, which sparked his passion for the genre.

What historical themes does Sabaton explore in their music?

Sabaton is known for writing songs based on historical events and figures, with extensive research conducted for each track.