Hanging out at the Finnish Metal Expo, SABATON singer Joakim Brodén and Pär Sundström insisted we listen to the bassist's phone, for a teaser of what's to come on Carolus Rex. First off, there will be two versions, the announced Swedish language disc and a second, English version (delayed release). Stepping aside from the usual global warfare themes, the band admits this one will be a little controversial, especially at home, for a nation that likes to declare its neutrality. Sort of a Swedish Glorious Burden, although their history is less known worldwide, making this a learning lesson for outsiders and their countrymen alike. Of the two English vocal cuts aired, both are undeniably mid-tempo Sabaton, although Brodén shows improved singing ability (not just enthusiastic shouts). 'Gott Mit Uns' features producer Peter Tagtgren (PAIN/HYPOCRISY) adding backing vocals. More information coming soon!

Carolus Rex is tentatively due for release in the spring via Nuclear Blast Records. Carolus Rex artwork and tracklisting can be viewed below:

Carolus Rex tracklisting:

'Dominium Maris Baltici'

'Lejonet från Norden'

'Gott Mit Uns'

'En Livstid i Krig'

'1 6 4 8'

'Karolinens bon'

'Carolus Rex'

'Ett Slag Färgat Rött'

'Poltava'

'Konungens Likfärd'

'Ruina Imperii'

The fourth in a series of behind-the-scenes webisodes from the making of their forthcoming new album, Carolus Rex can be viewed below:

Check out the three previous webisodes below:

Sabaton's Swedish Empire Tour 2012 dates include:

April

10 - Tampa, FL - Brass Mug
12 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
13 - Dallas, TX - Trees
15 - San Antonio, TX - Backstage Live
17 - Lubbock, TX - Wreckers
18 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
19 - Kansas City, MO - The Beaumont Club
20 - Waterloo, IA - Spicoli's Grill and the Reverb Rock
22 - St Louis , MO - The Firebird
23 - Milwaukee, WI - Rave
25 - Charlotte, NC - The Casbah
27 - Albany, NY - Bogie's
28 - Buffalo, NY - Broadway Joe's
29 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
30 - Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar

May

2 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Loft
3 - Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero
4 - New York City, NY - The Gramercy Theatre
5 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
7 - Montreal, QC - Petit Campus
8 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial de Quebec
10 - Toronto, ON - Wreck Room
11 - London, ON - Music Hall
12 - Columbus, OH - Al Rosa Villa
13 - Detroit, MI - Blondie's
15 - St Paul, MN - Station 4
16 - Chicago, IL - Reggie Rock Club
18 - Louisville, KY - Vernon Club
19 - Richmond, VA - Kingdom
20 - Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
21 - West Springfield, VA - Jaxx
23 - Hollywood, CA - Key Club (CD release show)
25 - Mexico City, MX - Circo Volador