View Gallery

Two of metals up and comers, while capable of headlining giant festivals throughout Europe, the countrymen wisely opted to tour North America together. The Best Buy Theater, just off Times Square was the site of the Swedish invasion force. The high octane Sabaton came storming out of the gates, as usual, with "Ghost Division", a better opening number would be hard to find, anywhere. Almost from word go, fans started launching themselves over the barricade. With trademark mirror sunglasses, Mohawk and steel plated flak jacket, singer Joakim Brodén charges from one end of the stage to the other, smiling and flipping the mic and leading a rabid fanbase through a career retrospective. The rest of the similarly attired bandmates, including founding bassist Pär Sundström, do a virtual Keystone Cops routine, running all over the place. Unlike in April, the current tour sees them airing a pair of songs from Heroes, including the video track, "To Hell And Back", which chronicles the life of decorated WWII fighter (and later Hollywood star) Audie Murphy. Prior to the bouncy "Carolus Rex" Brodén addressed the Amon Amarth fans, joking "You Viking people are standing there, looking at (us) the Village People in camo pants!" Later, they'd break into a few bars of "YMCA". His self-deprecating sense of humor is one of the charms of a Sabaton show.  "40:1" is another energetic anthem, leading into "Swedish Pagans". Newbie "Resist And Bite" sees the singer strap on a guitar. "The Art Of War". "Primo Victoria" and the catchy odes to other bands, "Metal Crue" close an all too brief evening. Hoping for a full headlining return, next spring.

Unable to fit most clubs, the NYC theater enabled the Vikings to bring their longboat with them, dry-docked elsewhere throughout this tour. Not as massive as the one utilized on Mayhem Fest two summers ago, it still had a beaming eye and smoke poured from its bow, as the night began under a purple fog. At times, bearded/hulking frontman, Johan Hegg would climb aboard, using the dragon's neck as a balancing pole, from which to sing. "War Of The Gods" kicks things off. The punishing 1-2 punch of "Runes To My Memory" and "Death In Fire" follows, the burly Viking singer headbanging madly as he bellows a deep growl. A green tinted "As Loke Falls" sees pressurized "steam" shoot skyward, When not jumping in place, Hegg punctuated the lyrics with a meaty fist thrusting overhead. As it ends, the stage goes black, leaving the frontman alone, in spotlight to introduce the blue hued "Varyags Of Miklagaard". A speedy "Deceiver Of The Gods" has fast become a fan favorite.

Speaking of faves, "The Fate Of Norms" has long been one, prior to current video/single "Father Of The Wolf". As a fury of strobes flash during "Guardians Of Asgaard", four figures stand together, across the front of the stage. "Destroyer Of The Universe" begins a glorious run of material, leading towards the conclusion of the proper set. "Cry Of The Black Birds" (or is it blue birds, given the luminous lighting) has the ale horn holstered singer "banging" madly, before ending with his arms outstretched. "For Victory Or Death" is another staple, before ending with "Victorious March". A quick return to the stage for an encore duo, four white lights spotlighting Hegg, who introduced "Twilight Of The Thunder God", before triumphantly sending everyone home, with the strains of "The Pursuit of Vikings" still ringing in their ears. It takes something special for me to venture into NYC, a trip that takes several hours (roundtrip) and incurs a hefty financial burden (be it bus fare, or tolls/parking), but tonight was totally worth it!