A war always needs heroes, but heroes may also need war to be able to show their true souls.
But what can a hero be if his achievements are not recorded?
Beyond any storyteller or any historian present at the events, the value of a snorter grows when it is sung, or praised with the accompaniment of similar music.
In the Middle Ages, this role was taken over by the bards, who were also historians, transmitting historical events that the establishment wanted to hide in every way.
Thus, an event, through a song, even sung by some imaginary Cacophonix, acquires an eternity character.
The subject matter of Heavy Metal is quite wide, but in a general war, history is one of its most popular sources.
More specifically, Power metal is a very frequent visitor to the castles of this historical industry, always through the lyricists of each band.
Sabaton Swedes are no exception.
From their first albums, they incorporate historical events into their lyrics.
On their fifth album “Coat of Arms”, they tackle World War II.
The Warsaw Uprising…
The album’s third song, “Uprising”, refers to the Warsaw Uprising, which began on August 1st and ended on October 2nd.
The uprising was part of the “storm operation”, organized by the State Army, the Polish resistance.
Its goal was to liberate the country from the Nazis, but also to prevent Soviet advance, which was aimed at complete control by Stalin.
In fact, the aim of the Warsaw Uprising was to liberate itself from the Poles.
He took advantage of the advance of the Red Army, but without being enslaved by it.
Although it started with positive signs such as the occupation of important positions by the Poles, the Red Army stopped its advance, receptively, a few meters from the positions of the Poles.
The result was that, in addition to the heroism of the resistance, about 200,000 civilians and 15,000 resistance fighters were killed by the Nazis.
And all this in front of the indifferent eyes of the Soviets and under the orders of Stalin himself.
At the same time, in the two months that the uprising lasted, about 60% of the city was destroyed.
The Germans completed the disaster, blowing it up.
Along with Dresden, it was the most devastated cities during the brutality of the armies on both sides.
Stalin’s goal was achieved, which was nothing more than complete control of the city and the neutralization of the Resistance.
However, despite the efforts, the heroic attitude of the Poles was not forgotten, it was recorded and sung.
The role of Sabaton…
The Sabatons did not remain indifferent to this and included in their subject matter this particular uprising – battle.
The imposing music belongs to Joakim Brodén keyboards and the singer of the band.
The lyrical part is a creation of Brodén, together with the bassist Pär Sundström.
The intensity is added even more when he uses Polish lyrics in the refrain “Warszawo, walcz!” (Warsaw, war!).
But also, the video clip of the song is quite interesting, as it is a small work of art and in fact, within the cinematic standards.
Directed by Jacek Raginis and filmed entirely in Warsaw.
Specifically, at the Norblin factory, which is located on “Siderou” street (Ulica lazelazna), a street with many historical references.
A metal processing factory (!!), as it was officially named after the BP. (Walcownia Metals Warsaw).
The film also stars retired armored general Waldemar Henryk Skrzypczak as well as renowned Swedish actor Peter Stormare.
The video clip was first shown on August 1, 2010, on the 66th anniversary of the “Warsaw Uprising”.