Sabaton: "We need a very good soprano singer for the end credits of our new song." Hannes: "I have one at home." not my quote, but it fits here perfectly.
I sent this song to my 78-year-old dad, after telling him, "I found a heavy metal band you might actually like!" (He's a country music fan.) After he watched it he texted back, "That was pretty good!" I think I'll send him "No Bullets Fly" next, along with, "Imagine you're listening to a new song from your favorite band, and you suddenly realize they're singing about your grandfather!" (That actually happened, true story.)
Great reaction, Note: the 1st guy outta the trench is Hannes Van Dahl (there drummer) and the opera singer at the end was his wife Floor Jansen from Nightwish
The uniforms for the soldiers of each side are authentic to what they actually wore at the time, as were the trenches that they constructed for the video.
This happened during the first winter of the war. It was spontaneous, and happened at several points along the lines, because everyone who fought at that time were volunteers. They were not conscripts. And they realised that the people they were fighting were their kin. They did have a piano, they did play football, and what sparked it was carol singing and the absence of the sounds of war. What happened in the evening and the day after were the officers had to execute their own people, courtmarshal them, threaten them, and so forth, to get the troops returning to combat.
Ha yes - that opera singer at the end: the rather terrific Floor Jansen helping her husband (Sabaton drummer and blond soldier, Hannes Van Dahl) with a bit of vocalising just for the video.
One of my favorite Sabaton songs. The part on the piano was taken from Carol of the Bells. A very heart wrenching song and video. I call Sabaton the Metal History Band. They even have their own RUclips history channel. The outro during the credits is done by Floor Jansen who is married to Hannes Van Dahl who is the drummer for Sabaton.
@@onearthonelegion Bit late I know. While I would call Sabaton a history band I would not so for Iron Maiden. In my view Iron Maiden is more of a band that has certain songs with history inspired themes whereas Sabaton has history first and make a song about it second.
The costumes and weaponry are very authentic. Sabaton even had a crew dig and side the trenches and battlefield. The piano is also a realistic touch although it depended on whether the troops were stationed close enough to somewhere that _had_ a piano. Other instruments and furnishings were also “liberated” or salvaged/scavenged from nearby villages/buildings. The Christmas Truce was the only event of its type in recorded history. Incredible, and incredibly sad. It’s one of my favorite events in history. This song is one of my favorites songs ever.
Very nice to see you taking a look at this song. The next song to check out from Sabaton would be 1916, which is a Motörhead cover depicting the horrors of the battle of Somme.
Been to the concert in Amsterdam a couple of weeks ago, they are great live. A epic and huge evening that gets everyone involved. This song is also awesome live!
Great reaction! It's a wonderful song. And the end credits do have a wonderful singer to close the piece - I think you might know her from previous reactions - look just after the band is listed, towards the end of the credits rolling. ;-)
I saw Sabaton open for Nightwish in 2014, I knew nothing about them, they were fantastic! You probably know this, but the soldier with the long hair getting injured in the beginning is Hannes Van Dahl, he's their drummer and also the husband of Floor Jansen.
Yep, he's the one who walked into the meeting where they discussed the ending of the video with some popcorn in his hands going "you guys know I have an angel at home right, let me call her and we can one take this ending no problem".
I saw Sabaton open for Delain and Nightwish in North Carolina, but I don't remember when... They put on SUCH fantastic shows. I'd heard some Sabaton before that, but I never really got into them until I saw them live. Their energy is incredible!
Wonderful song, I had the joy of seeing this performed live in Leeds (UK) this year and hearing the entire arena belt out this song whilst actual snow poured out of the machines was a sight to behold. Floor Jansen performs the credit vocals, she is married to the drummer Hannes Van Dahl (long blonde hair, no beard in the video). Also don't worry about the piano, it was unplayable and apparently beyond repair so they bought it to blow it up lol, even signed one of the pieces for a giveaway.
@@andrewkenny6119 yup, a few minor issues with the sound at the beginning like :D But as they said, teething issues for the very first gig of the tour.
Good suggestion !!!.. only problem is what song to recommend 😝 Tommy has so many good ones I’m partial to “The light 20th anniversary” not only a cover but his own work (first recorded at 18 years of age .. written a couple of years before) or for the more operatic feel “Phantom of the opera “ (singing both parts) or why not “She’s gone “ that is what people often listens to first from Tommy (soon 1 million views) Edit: the singer Joakim said in an interview with Julia Nilon (on YT) when asked if there was any hidden singers in a Sabaton “Hell yes Tommy Johansson. He is the best singer in the band “ but also said that Tommy has quite a diffrent sound from Joakim and not as well suited for the Sabaton songs. I agree with that Tommy’s a tenor with a mostly clean sound ( very suited for classic power metal ) with at times musical theater/ operatic quality’s ( depending in which style he sings in).
@@572Btriode I actually knew it happened in history. It also happened I believe in the American Civil War. WWI was my grandpa's war. To have it enacted this way tore my heart out in a way reading about it doesn't quite do, impactful tho that is.
You should listen to The Symphony To End All Wars, symphonic edition of the album (symphonic version of this song is also on it). It's a masterpiece, and this version in the end credits is from that album
Great reaction. I'm surprised nobody has requested you check out Tommy Johansson. He's the guitarist for Sabaton. He does covers of everything and brings them to a new level. His vocals are incredible. I suggest You raise me up (one octave challenge). Many others to choose from. He releases a new one every Friday. Check him out. He doesn't disappoint.
Watched a few of these new, my boy watched it and picked up on fact how young the boy was who picked the ball up before the guitar solo, never noticed myself...shows the detail these guys go to on their videos
Hey Ken, greetings from Belgium! The events depicted in the Sabaton production actually took place on the Belgian defense line near Warneton (Flanders). The authentic cross shown at the end of the clip, has of course disappeared (decaying wood), but has been replaced every time it was necessary and still stands today. Part of the British an German trenches have been restored to give an impression of what it was like to be only a few meters apart in some places. The site is a pilgrimage station on the route of the "Flanders Fields" battlefield tour, and even in the deep of winter, there is not one day without fresh flowers or candles brought by locals or kin of fallen soldiers. Fir your information, the "opera singer" at the end of the clip is Floor Jansen, the wife of Sabaton drummer Hannes Van Dahl (the guy stepping out of the trench), she is also the most overwhelming singer of the rock group "Nightwish". All the best to you from Belgium and keep up the good work we all enjoy so much!
The christmas truce didn't happen in a single place. There are multiple accounts of it happening all along the front lines. The site you mention is only one of them. Sadly, there were also parts of the front where soldiers tried to leave the trenches for a truce, but were shot down by the opposing side.
It is Sabaton themselves who have written the song, like all the other songs they sing. The opera singer's name is Floor Jansen and she is married to the drummer in Sabaton, she is a singer in the Finnish band Nightwish. About Sabaton Sabaton is a Swedish power metal band from Falun, which was formed in 1999. The band's songs are inspired by various historical wars. Even the band name is military inspired, as Sabaton is also the name of the part of the armor that covers the foot. If you want to hear a singer with a great voice, you should listen to Tommy Johansson, who is the guitarist in Sabaton. About Tommy Johansson Tommy "ReinXeed" Johansson, born October 26, 1987 in Boden, is a Swedish multi-instrumentalist, singer and music producer, best known for his work in the bands Sabaton and Majestica. SHE'S GONE - STEELHEART (Cover by Tommy Johansson) ruclips.net/video/CC0EJpUq-Os/видео.html YOU RAISE ME UP (1 OCTAVE CHALLENGE) - TOMMY JOHANSSON ruclips.net/video/zoGJ7mxNq0M/видео.html PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - Tommy Johansson ruclips.net/video/QgyR-gjcNbk/видео.html PS!! You didn't mention the correct hairstyle in the military. When it comes to the Swedish military (Sabton is Swedish), so the conscripts can have whatever hairstyle they want, but if they have long hair, it must be in a ponytail or must they wear a hairnet.
Sabaton is my favourite band. They are truly bards of metal. Their storytelling ability’s are superb not only conveyed through their music but also through their music videos (that are like short films) or the animated versions which gives you context or through their own history channel ( with historians included) that gives you the full background. And to top it off they are an amazing band live ( you should really check a live video out .. the last stand maybe ? .. or one showcasing the bands bantering with each other on stage (perhaps someone can suggest one because I don’t seem to have a suggestion at hand) And they sound really good live too . I actually think ( heard in interviews and such)that Joakim at some point was accused for singback .. being too consistent in live performances ( but have only seen comments on that myself in a couple of occasions so perhaps that was a while back / before hellfest 2019 when it became obvious he didn’t do that🤣 ) In live settings they are a blast . You can see how much fun they have both with each other but also with the public. It is not unusual for them to change stuff up. Since they all are multitalented it’s possible for the guitarists to fill in for Joakim on singing(just saying: hellfest 2019) and the singer can start playing the piano or the guitar. Probably missed a lot of talents still 😝 If you check their vlogs they also seem to be a bunch of lovable goofballs ( they are usually totally hilarious) but they take their craft very seriously.
Check out the German Helloween - The keeper of the seven keys part 2. sort of a metal Opera fantasy song. Or give king Diamond another go, but check out the studio album Abigail. I know you like to see them live, but many times it is 30 years after they wrote it.
‘Not the piano! Ah, crap’. The felt loss of brotherhood and hope across generations never ends. Rightfully so. Thank you for not only teaching us about music but also about humanity. Well done. As always.
The war was still young in December 1914 and both sides were using equipment from past conflicts which is why the Germans are wearing the "pickle hat" and the French are in blue tunics with red pants and blue serge Kepi cap with English troops in stiffened peak caps and Glengarry bonnets. A slow change to helmets and the more well-known French "horizon blue" uniform was in progress and most units were equipped with combat friendly uniforms by the middle of 1915. And I have seen many photographs from WW1 showing troops in the trenches with musical instruments, from accordions, to violins, to bagpipes, and yes, even a piano.
Ken, it's Floor singing the end credits! She is named right at the end :) Yes, a very moving video, of movie soundtrack quality. As you probably know, this event happened during the Great War.. the war to end all wars, it was supposed to be. If only they had known back then, but would it have changed anything.. Best regards from New Zealand. Always enjoy your very insightful, and knowledgeable reactions :)
This is completely authentic for 1914. Helmets for anything but heavy cavalry had been abandoned in the late 1600s and only started being distributed in mid 1915. French general Louis Adrian designed the first one issued.
"Who are the opera singers?" Oh, Ken. Your metalhead viewers were waiting to see if you recognized her voice, or at least caught her name in the credits. It is that moment we all wait for when someone reacts to "Christmas Truce". Sadly, that moment never came....LOL. At least you watched all the way to the end. Some reactors turn off the video when the credits start rolling. The audacity!!
At the begin in 1914 the uniforms where quite colorfull, like with the french and there blue and red uniform and over the years they evolved and became more adapted to this new kind of war. For example the germans had the red stripes and the barret or the pickelhaube with a lether cover and at the end they had the m1916 stahlhelm and the stripes were reduced to only the jacket etc.
They have two songs that renew my faith in humanity... This being one of those songs (The other is No Bullets Fly). Powerful and so sad, no because they had a truce but because of the massive loss of life. Their songs Price of a Mile and Fields of Verdun really showcase this from the meat grinder perspective of things...
Comment no 2 😀 this is connected to comments about checking out one of the lead guitarist in Sabaton (Tommy Johansson). I totally agree with the people that have suggested that ( best “easter egg”I have EVER found in a band!). BUT the suggestions have mainly been about his covers on YT (which are great and sooo worth checking out!!!) but since @Kevin Levigne talked about doing a lot of Christmas shows…I would also want to mention the “A Chrismas Carol” album ( the Scrooge story) from Tommy’s band Majestica that he has written and arranged . I think that album is a power metal masterpiece, an “Epic symphonic power metal chrismas album” (in Tommy’s own words). An album ready for the stage (written as a musical, voice actors and all). All band members have a role and sings lead vocals at some point 🔥 Fun fact: Tommy did the music for Floor Jansens covers of “frozen2” and “oblivion “ (it’s in the description of the YT videos) .. it’s handy to be a multi instrumentalist (guitar, keyboard, bass, drums) and be able to program orchestral parts .. especially during Covid 🤣
9:04 "who are the opera singers ?" I think by now Ken you have found out they are Floor Jansen, Floor Jansen and Floor Jansen. Just as it says right in front of you at 10:09 🙂 Uniforms are absolutely accurate as are the events, certainly Sabaton's haircuts, or the lack thereof are not ! The cross still stands and is maintained on the original spot.
There were stories of "Christmas Truces", where soldiers from both sides would meet in the middle, showing each other pictures of their families and playing the odd game with a ball, they would then go back to their respective trenches and continue to kill each other. Even after the Armistice was signed, there were commanders, trying to grab their last bit of "glory", didn't tell their soldiers the War was over and had them continue to fight. So many died after Peace had been declared, just so tragic.
@@vhaarryeah most of them had to be transferred to different areas and every year around chirstmas both sides would step up the bombardments to prevent anything like it happening again really sad frankly war rarely needs to happen particularly not wars like that which in the end served very little purpose.
Ken, the authenticity of the video is on-point...Sabaton actually have rheir own Sabaton History Channel on YT to give more in depth info on the stories they tell in songs! At the start, was Carol Of The Bells, played backward...and I'm sure you noticed...the entire song is a waltz! For a more symphonic sound (and different mood) check out the cover of this done by their own guitarist, Tommy Johansson, on his YT channel full of the best power metal covers youll ever hear! In fact... Tommy is often referred to as, "the male Floor"...and you will absolutely freak out when you hear Tommy.sing!!!! I suggest starting with his cover of Steelheart's She's Gone. I'm not just hyping him... you will legit be blown away by Tommy's voice!
i'm honestly surprised i haven't found many people reacting to sabaton. their music and lyrics are amazing and are based on historical events. their videos are also well produced.
World War I and the fighting from trench to trench and the deadly no mans land inbetween was just soo cruel. Thinking of all the men who died there and maybe really found some calm and peace on Xmas day.
back then, no one knows something like a "steel helmet"...in 1916, the iconic Stahlhelm was invented by the german Troops, and at the same time, the at least iconic "Tommy" Helmet used by the Commonwealth and the US . Thanks so much for this reaction! Trust me, this Band has a lot of Songs worth to have an eye on!
@5:50 I'm not sure about the exact timeline but good call on the helmets. I think it may be a combination choice of no helmets to show off the acts more like in movies and the fact most troops early in the war did not have them. The Germans for sure did and the Brits I believe had them more most troops at this point. The French would adopt them later and other troops later as well. The rest of the uniforms are very good tho, they have English, Scottish, German and I think a couple other specific uniforms as well.
Cloth caps were standard issue for a significant part of the first world war, steel helmets were not issued initially, according to some sources partially because the people in charge figured the war would be over before they could get the helmets to the front lines, and so they dragged their feet on making it standard issue equipment
You may know by now that Sabaton have an accompanying channel on RUclips, Sabaton History, where there are very detailed descriptions and explanations of the background for their songs. Everything I know about military history (and I'm 70 years old) I learned from Sabaton. I greatly appreciate that they show no bias in their various depictions of events. War is war; it is never good, but neither is the evil or the heroism ever one-sided. I highly recommend Sabaton’s cover of Metalhead’s 1916. Christmas Truce always brings me to tears, but 1916? Unbelievable! If you’ve not seen it already, please make sure to keep it running and read the few paragraphs at the end, before the credits. The impact of those facts is gut-wrenching. (I believe the Christmas Truce occurred in 1914, two years before the Battle of the Somme in 1916.) 🇨🇦👍
Very epic sound. Would you please consider for this month the band Make Them Suffer and their new song Ghost of Me, or even their song Doomswitch. Cheers.
The memorial with the cross is a real thing in France (or Belgium, not sure). But since they were shooting and blowing stuff up all over they recreated it (and the trenches) in Czechia.
I like your reaction to this truly epicentrum song and video. As a matter of fact, it is quite true to how it was in the early tears of WWI. They fought a war like in the 1800's but with innovations from the 1900's. It was a cruel war. The only thing in this video that wouldn't be true is the tank obstacles you can see. They were introduced in 1916. Sabaton is very exact with the history of lyrics and visuals. It's a very great song remembering the fantastic event of the Christmas truce from 1914.
From my understanding, Sabaton conducts extensive research and they put as much historical accuarcy as possible into their music and videos. Actually, I hate saying "videos" because in my opinion, these amazing creations are like mini movies and better than a lot of content coming out of Hollywood lately. I did laugh out loud when you said "Whoa!!! Not the piano!!! Aw, crap." Another great creation by Sabaton is "Bismarck"!
A lot of the uniforms came from previous conflicts. The German hats and uniform were replaced during the war. The French soldiers were still wearing the red, white and blue uniforms they wore during Victorian conflicts whilst other nations had changed to olive drab due to the muddy wet conditions of the trenches.
@Ken Lavigne: Just to put a bit more historical context into this video, the cross Joakim carried in the video actually exists, located near Ypres, Belgium. Additionally, this event had some interesting ramifications. First, after the Truce, a German commander had to move his men after they refused to fire at the men they had drank with and celebrated with the day before. Lastly, on another video, one commenter said that without the Truce, he would literally not exist, as both of his grandfathers had met on the field during the Christmas Truce. How amazing is that? Loved your reaction, Ken. Be well, friend.
This was early in the War and Germany had pretty much just united. Thus the uniforms were often from the various pre-unification state armies and thus not every German looked the same and not all uniforms were up to the standards of that day.
Combat helmets didn't start being mass produced until around the end of 1915, the Christmas Truce was in 1914, so I'd say this video is pretty period accurate in that regards.
That song is at Sabatons album The War To End All Wars. There also is an orchestral version of it, The Symphony To End All Wars. You're gonna find your symphonic version of Christmas Truce on it. That's being said, you wouldn't be able to sing along, it's a rather orchestral approach. Feel free to check it out for yourself though.
this song was fucking awesome last year live in switzerland wehndthey bougth for this song a Piano and then sell them in a auction for doctors without borders. And if you want to hear more Christmas with Metal then listen to Majestica: they wrote a wohle album about the Xmasstory or listen to the Trans Siberian Orchestra who also wrote a nice little Xmasstory. And i thinke their costumes are as authenitc as possible.
as for the piano, there where pianos "liberated " frkm wrecked houses near the trenches. even seen a picture with a grand piano... As you likely know Sabaton is a Swedish band with a loooong list of history based music. and also an award winning history channel that gives background to over 100 if their songs including this one. Sabaton videos often have dedictions and/or messages at the end, just like you saw here, perhaps not always but, watching to the very end is frequently well worth it. Animated STORY videos (short history lessons with music videos in them) No bullets fly Night witches Lady of the dark Red baron Christmas truce epic OFFICIAL videos. Bismark, about the sinking of the ship Defence of Moscow, self explained. (cover) 1916, battle of the somne (cover) 40:1, about polish soldiers, badly outnumbered (just under 750 in all) facing 42 000 germans, they where BADLY outgunned desperately defending against the German invasion 1939 Uprising, the Warsaw Uprising against the nazi germans during 1944. To hell and back, they tell the story of Audie Murphy (highly decorated) and his struggle AFTER the war, so about PTSD and drug addiction that returning soldiers can face. Fields of verdun, the 300+ day long battle fought there. Price of a mile, about the battle of Passchendaele Screaming Eagles, about the battle of the bulge during ww2 Live performances 40:1 from poland Uprising from poland En livstid I krig live from Göteborg Sweden (in Swedish but there are subtitles) , very heavy again, about thoughts of a young man going to war. these are just some, there are plenty more.
Would you please react to Piet Arion's Run to You and Oh Holy Night .. also whistle tones on his rendition of Mariah Carey's Never Too Far from 10 years ago! He has come a long ways...
l love joakim broden's voice and it be hella hot when he hard rolls his R's thus be my fav sabaton song the blond guitar player tommy johanssen he be their lead guitarist and he also has a amazin voice and his vocal range be mad crazy l love him and the disneyfied sabaton songs he does as well as covers of other bands songs he plays multipul instruments as well like guitar,bass,keyboards,drums as well as the flute l felt bad that they killed the piano the blond that got concussed by the granade be their drummer hannes van dahl(who also be married to floor jansen the singer on the end credits she also be the lead singer of nightwish) the small fella writtin in the journal be their bassist par sundstrom the fella lookin at the pic of his "family" be their rhythm guitarist chris borland
You're right, they typically would have helmets at this time-- what they have are the off-duty cap. It's not totally inaccurate as it provided more warmth in the winter than the leather pickelhaube. Uniforms are pretty accurate otherwise-- (obviously their hair is far out of regulations-- beards were super uncommon as you couldn't get a good seal on the gas masks, so bearded guys tended to die right away)
Some historical details, Christmas truces were explicitly forbidden from that day onward because many soldiers refused to resume fighting once the enemy had a human face
You need to listen to Nightwish then you would know who the opera singer is there is a sad back story here. Her partner is Hannes Van Dahl the drummer in Sabaton
Good reaction. I think you would enjoy "Home Back" (OMV) from Jinjer. It their song about being displaced from their home in the Russian -Ukraine war. Thanks again for a genuine reaction. (Subbed)
If you want to listen to a more symphonic version of this song you should ract to Tommy Johansson and his cower of Christmas truce Tommy is the guy who played the guitarsolo in the video Tommy have his own youtubechannel with a lot of amacing cowers He drop a new cower every friday so the rabbitwhole is wery deep He is an multiinstrumentalist and play all the instrument himself He is also a musicproducer His singing voice is amacing and the range is cracy
This truce wasn't authorized by the military command in fact it was a spontaneous act where the German soldiers took the initiative. After the truce many soldiers on both sides refused go back fighting which is very understandable. However it wasn't popular among the commanders in fact some actually got executed for disobeying orders.
Fun fact: the opera singer at the end when credits were rolling is Floor Jansen :)
It's even at the end of the credits.
Indeed, merried with Hannes (the drummer), blond long hair ;-)
They actually did blow up the piano for the video. Joakim was giving away a piece of it in a contest on Twitter shortly after the video came out.
Surely you recognized the "opera singer" at the end, Ken? Check the ending credits if you didn't...
Night wish
Floor Jansen 💯
Sabaton: "We need a very good soprano singer for the end credits of our new song."
Hannes: "I have one at home."
not my quote, but it fits here perfectly.
Soprano singer at home: "Actually I'm the floor"
LoL
Enough of floor licking please. This song is all about the amazing band that is sabaton. Don't let your blind floor love distract
And she sang it beautifully, like she always does
I sent this song to my 78-year-old dad, after telling him, "I found a heavy metal band you might actually like!" (He's a country music fan.) After he watched it he texted back, "That was pretty good!" I think I'll send him "No Bullets Fly" next, along with, "Imagine you're listening to a new song from your favorite band, and you suddenly realize they're singing about your grandfather!" (That actually happened, true story.)
to be immortalized in song by modern day bards has got to be the most badass thing to happen to anyone
@@kusada3035 Former Leopard 2A6M CAN Commander and CAF Armoured Officer here.
Immortalized by Panzer Battalion and Steel Commanders.
@@hellhoundactual8201 fkn badass
Have him watch "Night Witches". It's awesome.
Try 1916, he either love it or get emotional from it
Great reaction, Note: the 1st guy outta the trench is Hannes Van Dahl (there drummer) and the opera singer at the end was his wife Floor Jansen from Nightwish
their*
@@vhaarr *deer
Nightwish Army Northern Germany greets the Sabaton family.
The uniforms for the soldiers of each side are authentic to what they actually wore at the time, as were the trenches that they constructed for the video.
Sabaton is always quite authentic with every song and video they create. They do their research and are always respectful to all sides of battle.
This happened during the first winter of the war. It was spontaneous, and happened at several points along the lines, because everyone who fought at that time were volunteers. They were not conscripts. And they realised that the people they were fighting were their kin.
They did have a piano, they did play football, and what sparked it was carol singing and the absence of the sounds of war.
What happened in the evening and the day after were the officers had to execute their own people, courtmarshal them, threaten them, and so forth, to get the troops returning to combat.
Yes.
Too bad they didn't tell their commander to go to the front himself.
Ha yes - that opera singer at the end: the rather terrific Floor Jansen helping her husband (Sabaton drummer and blond soldier, Hannes Van Dahl) with a bit of vocalising just for the video.
Opera singer is Floor Jansen she is married to Sabatons drummer Hannes Van Dahl
One of my favorite Sabaton songs. The part on the piano was taken from Carol of the Bells. A very heart wrenching song and video. I call Sabaton the Metal History Band. They even have their own RUclips history channel. The outro during the credits is done by Floor Jansen who is married to Hannes Van Dahl who is the drummer for Sabaton.
Also Iron Maiden
@@onearthonelegion Bit late I know. While I would call Sabaton a history band I would not so for Iron Maiden. In my view Iron Maiden is more of a band that has certain songs with history inspired themes whereas Sabaton has history first and make a song about it second.
The costumes and weaponry are very authentic. Sabaton even had a crew dig and side the trenches and battlefield. The piano is also a realistic touch although it depended on whether the troops were stationed close enough to somewhere that _had_ a piano. Other instruments and furnishings were also “liberated” or salvaged/scavenged from nearby villages/buildings. The Christmas Truce was the only event of its type in recorded history. Incredible, and incredibly sad. It’s one of my favorite events in history. This song is one of my favorites songs ever.
Very nice to see you taking a look at this song. The next song to check out from Sabaton would be 1916, which is a Motörhead cover depicting the horrors of the battle of Somme.
Been to the concert in Amsterdam a couple of weeks ago, they are great live. A epic and huge evening that gets everyone involved. This song is also awesome live!
Great reaction! It's a wonderful song. And the end credits do have a wonderful singer to close the piece - I think you might know her from previous reactions - look just after the band is listed, towards the end of the credits rolling. ;-)
I wouldn't say wonderful, it was just someone the drummer had lying around at home. ;)
I saw Sabaton open for Nightwish in 2014, I knew nothing about them, they were fantastic!
You probably know this, but the soldier with the long hair getting injured in the beginning is Hannes Van Dahl, he's their drummer and also the husband of Floor Jansen.
Yep, he's the one who walked into the meeting where they discussed the ending of the video with some popcorn in his hands going "you guys know I have an angel at home right, let me call her and we can one take this ending no problem".
I saw Sabaton open for Delain and Nightwish in North Carolina, but I don't remember when... They put on SUCH fantastic shows. I'd heard some Sabaton before that, but I never really got into them until I saw them live. Their energy is incredible!
@@sylvirgiomanach1491 must have been the same 2014 Tour, Delain was the first act 👍🏻
Saw Sabaton in concert. Awesome!
There's a version of the 'Great War' album called the "Soundtrack to the Great War" where it's all orchestral versions of the songs on The Great War.
Wonderful song, I had the joy of seeing this performed live in Leeds (UK) this year and hearing the entire arena belt out this song whilst actual snow poured out of the machines was a sight to behold.
Floor Jansen performs the credit vocals, she is married to the drummer Hannes Van Dahl (long blonde hair, no beard in the video).
Also don't worry about the piano, it was unplayable and apparently beyond repair so they bought it to blow it up lol, even signed one of the pieces for a giveaway.
I was there too, very emotional all evening and the first live performance of 1916!!
@@andrewkenny6119 yup, a few minor issues with the sound at the beginning like :D But as they said, teething issues for the very first gig of the tour.
@@smeg4brainsukaya Never been to a Metal concert with a Bible basher outside and more empathy inside a venue for humanity.
You should react to Tommy Johansson (sabaton) he makes covers, Queen, ABBA, Toto and many more. I think you would like his vocals.
Good suggestion !!!.. only problem is what song to recommend 😝 Tommy has so many good ones I’m partial to “The light 20th anniversary” not only a cover but his own work (first recorded at 18 years of age .. written a couple of years before) or for the more operatic feel “Phantom of the opera “ (singing both parts) or why not “She’s gone “ that is what people often listens to first from Tommy (soon 1 million views)
Edit: the singer Joakim said in an interview with Julia Nilon (on YT) when asked if there was any hidden singers in a Sabaton “Hell yes Tommy Johansson. He is the best singer in the band “ but also said that Tommy has quite a diffrent sound from Joakim and not as well suited for the Sabaton songs. I agree with that Tommy’s a tenor with a mostly clean sound ( very suited for classic power metal ) with at times musical theater/ operatic quality’s ( depending in which style he sings in).
I hadn't seen this. It made me ugly cry. O My God.
It's all true, from the "Voices sang to me from no man’s land" to the exchange of photos, cards and uniform buttons, it's all documented.
@@572Btriode I actually knew it happened in history. It also happened I believe in the American Civil War. WWI was my grandpa's war. To have it enacted this way tore my heart out in a way reading about it doesn't quite do, impactful tho that is.
@@teresamerkel7161 I understand, it was both well said and written by you.
It is more than authentic .. there are statues about that soccer match and even a cross in belgium near Ypres ( Flanders ) wich was cool to visit
You should listen to The Symphony To End All Wars, symphonic edition of the album (symphonic version of this song is also on it). It's a masterpiece, and this version in the end credits is from that album
Check the classic christmas song the Carol of the Bells - you will hear the obvious connection immediately.
Oh I thought so
There's a symphonic version of it. It's in the album "The Symphony to End All Wars"
There’s already a symphonic version of this masterpiece ❤
Great reaction. I'm surprised nobody has requested you check out Tommy Johansson. He's the guitarist for Sabaton. He does covers of everything and brings them to a new level. His vocals are incredible. I suggest You raise me up (one octave challenge). Many others to choose from. He releases a new one every Friday. Check him out. He doesn't disappoint.
He even did his own cover of this song!
At 7:53 "Whoa!!! Not the piano!!! Aw, crap." Brilliant reaction. I thought it, you said it. Love your work, Ken. Thank you.
Watched a few of these new, my boy watched it and picked up on fact how young the boy was who picked the ball up before the guitar solo, never noticed myself...shows the detail these guys go to on their videos
Hey Ken, greetings from Belgium! The events depicted in the Sabaton production actually took place on the Belgian defense line near Warneton (Flanders). The authentic cross shown at the end of the clip, has of course disappeared (decaying wood), but has been replaced every time it was necessary and still stands today. Part of the British an German trenches have been restored to give an impression of what it was like to be only a few meters apart in some places. The site is a pilgrimage station on the route of the "Flanders Fields" battlefield tour, and even in the deep of winter, there is not one day without fresh flowers or candles brought by locals or kin of fallen soldiers. Fir your information, the "opera singer" at the end of the clip is Floor Jansen, the wife of Sabaton drummer Hannes Van Dahl (the guy stepping out of the trench), she is also the most overwhelming singer of the rock group "Nightwish". All the best to you from Belgium and keep up the good work we all enjoy so much!
Wow, thanks for this information. I didn't know that the cross is still there! Have to visit it one day!
The christmas truce didn't happen in a single place. There are multiple accounts of it happening all along the front lines. The site you mention is only one of them.
Sadly, there were also parts of the front where soldiers tried to leave the trenches for a truce, but were shot down by the opposing side.
It is Sabaton themselves who have written the song, like all the other songs they sing. The opera singer's name is Floor Jansen and she is married to the drummer in Sabaton, she is a singer in the Finnish band Nightwish.
About Sabaton
Sabaton is a Swedish power metal band from Falun, which was formed in 1999. The band's songs are inspired by various historical wars. Even the band name is military inspired, as Sabaton is also the name of the part of the armor that covers the foot.
If you want to hear a singer with a great voice, you should listen to Tommy Johansson, who is the guitarist in Sabaton.
About Tommy Johansson
Tommy "ReinXeed" Johansson, born October 26, 1987 in Boden, is a Swedish multi-instrumentalist, singer and music producer, best known for his work in the bands Sabaton and Majestica.
SHE'S GONE - STEELHEART (Cover by Tommy Johansson)
ruclips.net/video/CC0EJpUq-Os/видео.html
YOU RAISE ME UP (1 OCTAVE CHALLENGE) - TOMMY JOHANSSON
ruclips.net/video/zoGJ7mxNq0M/видео.html
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - Tommy Johansson
ruclips.net/video/QgyR-gjcNbk/видео.html
PS!! You didn't mention the correct hairstyle in the military. When it comes to the Swedish military (Sabton is Swedish),
so the conscripts can have whatever hairstyle they want, but if they have long hair, it must be in a ponytail or must they wear a hairnet.
Sabaton is my favourite band. They are truly bards of metal. Their storytelling ability’s are superb not only conveyed through their music but also through their music videos (that are like short films) or the animated versions which gives you context or through their own history channel ( with historians included) that gives you the full background.
And to top it off they are an amazing band live ( you should really check a live video out .. the last stand maybe ? .. or one showcasing the bands bantering with each other on stage (perhaps someone can suggest one because I don’t seem to have a suggestion at hand)
And they sound really good live too . I actually think ( heard in interviews and such)that Joakim at some point was accused for singback .. being too consistent in live performances ( but have only seen comments on that myself in a couple of occasions so perhaps that was a while back / before hellfest 2019 when it became obvious he didn’t do that🤣 )
In live settings they are a blast . You can see how much fun they have both with each other but also with the public. It is not unusual for them to change stuff up. Since they all are multitalented it’s possible for the guitarists to fill in for Joakim on singing(just saying: hellfest 2019) and the singer can start playing the piano or the guitar. Probably missed a lot of talents still 😝
If you check their vlogs they also seem to be a bunch of lovable goofballs ( they are usually totally hilarious) but they take their craft very seriously.
nice reaction, thank you.
Greetings from NW-Army-Germany and SabatonFan ❤🔥
Sabaton put out Symphony to End All Wars. It is the symphonic version of then entire album, including Christmas Truce.
Very emotional… True Story
I cried a lot
Check out the German Helloween - The keeper of the seven keys part 2. sort of a metal Opera fantasy song. Or give king Diamond another go, but check out the studio album Abigail. I know you like to see them live, but many times it is 30 years after they wrote it.
‘Not the piano! Ah, crap’. The felt loss of brotherhood and hope across generations never ends. Rightfully so. Thank you for not only teaching us about music but also about humanity. Well done. As always.
The war was still young in December 1914 and both sides were using equipment from past conflicts which is why the Germans are wearing the "pickle hat" and the French are in blue tunics with red pants and blue serge Kepi cap with English troops in stiffened peak caps and Glengarry bonnets. A slow change to helmets and the more well-known French "horizon blue" uniform was in progress and most units were equipped with combat friendly uniforms by the middle of 1915. And I have seen many photographs from WW1 showing troops in the trenches with musical instruments, from accordions, to violins, to bagpipes, and yes, even a piano.
The end is singing by Floor Jansen, she is the wife of the drummer Hannes vn Dahl
Ken, it's Floor singing the end credits! She is named right at the end :) Yes, a very moving video, of movie soundtrack quality. As you probably know, this event happened during the Great War.. the war to end all wars, it was supposed to be. If only they had known back then, but would it have changed anything.. Best regards from New Zealand. Always enjoy your very insightful, and knowledgeable reactions :)
This is completely authentic for 1914. Helmets for anything but heavy cavalry had been abandoned in the late 1600s and only started being distributed in mid 1915. French general Louis Adrian designed the first one issued.
I kind of want you to do a little recap/summary at the end of the month about what you learned/thought about metal..
"Who are the opera singers?"
Oh, Ken. Your metalhead viewers were waiting to see if you recognized her voice, or at least caught her name in the credits. It is that moment we all wait for when someone reacts to "Christmas Truce". Sadly, that moment never came....LOL. At least you watched all the way to the end. Some reactors turn off the video when the credits start rolling. The audacity!!
The operasinger is Floor Jansen. She is married to the drummer Anders Van Dahl... Btw she is very good at speaking swedish.
At the begin in 1914 the uniforms where quite colorfull, like with the french and there blue and red uniform and over the years they evolved and became more adapted to this new kind of war. For example the germans had the red stripes and the barret or the pickelhaube with a lether cover and at the end they had the m1916 stahlhelm and the stripes were reduced to only the jacket etc.
They have two songs that renew my faith in humanity... This being one of those songs (The other is No Bullets Fly). Powerful and so sad, no because they had a truce but because of the massive loss of life. Their songs Price of a Mile and Fields of Verdun really showcase this from the meat grinder perspective of things...
Comment no 2 😀 this is connected to comments about checking out one of the lead guitarist in Sabaton (Tommy Johansson). I totally agree with the people that have suggested that ( best “easter egg”I have EVER found in a band!). BUT the suggestions have mainly been about his covers on YT (which are great and sooo worth checking out!!!) but since @Kevin Levigne talked about doing a lot of Christmas shows…I would also want to mention the “A Chrismas Carol” album ( the Scrooge story) from Tommy’s band Majestica that he has written and arranged . I think that album is a power metal masterpiece, an “Epic symphonic power metal chrismas album” (in Tommy’s own words). An album ready for the stage (written as a musical, voice actors and all). All band members have a role and sings lead vocals at some point 🔥
Fun fact: Tommy did the music for Floor Jansens covers of “frozen2” and “oblivion “ (it’s in the description of the YT videos) .. it’s handy to be a multi instrumentalist (guitar, keyboard, bass, drums) and be able to program orchestral parts .. especially during Covid 🤣
video sure doubles up the epic
Man I could tell that Kevin went on an emotional rollercoaster with this song.
9:04 "who are the opera singers ?" I think by now Ken you have found out they are Floor Jansen, Floor Jansen and Floor Jansen. Just as it says right in front of you at 10:09 🙂
Uniforms are absolutely accurate as are the events, certainly Sabaton's haircuts, or the lack thereof are not !
The cross still stands and is maintained on the original spot.
There is a cross, much smaller than the one in the video, but it was put up in 1999, not back when the truce happened
There were stories of "Christmas Truces", where soldiers from both sides would meet in the middle, showing each other pictures of their families and playing the odd game with a ball, they would then go back to their respective trenches and continue to kill each other. Even after the Armistice was signed, there were commanders, trying to grab their last bit of "glory", didn't tell their soldiers the War was over and had them continue to fight. So many died after Peace had been declared, just so tragic.
They didn't simply "continue to kill eachother", they had to be threatened, courtmarshalled, and some were even executed for refusing to reengage.
@@vhaarr the battles resumed after the brief “truce”
@@vhaarryeah most of them had to be transferred to different areas and every year around chirstmas both sides would step up the bombardments to prevent anything like it happening again really sad frankly war rarely needs to happen particularly not wars like that which in the end served very little purpose.
Ken, the authenticity of the video is on-point...Sabaton actually have rheir own Sabaton History Channel on YT to give more in depth info on the stories they tell in songs! At the start, was Carol Of The Bells, played backward...and I'm sure you noticed...the entire song is a waltz!
For a more symphonic sound (and different mood) check out the cover of this done by their own guitarist, Tommy Johansson, on his YT channel full of the best power metal covers youll ever hear! In fact... Tommy is often referred to as, "the male Floor"...and you will absolutely freak out when you hear Tommy.sing!!!! I suggest starting with his cover of Steelheart's She's Gone. I'm not just hyping him... you will legit be blown away by Tommy's voice!
i'm honestly surprised i haven't found many people reacting to sabaton. their music and lyrics are amazing and are based on historical events. their videos are also well produced.
World War I and the fighting from trench to trench and the deadly no mans land inbetween was just soo cruel. Thinking of all the men who died there and maybe really found some calm and peace on Xmas day.
back then, no one knows something like a "steel helmet"...in 1916, the iconic Stahlhelm was invented by the german Troops, and at the same time, the at least iconic "Tommy" Helmet used by the Commonwealth and the US . Thanks so much for this reaction! Trust me, this Band has a lot of Songs worth to have an eye on!
I suggest for you to see Saboton history about the christmas truce.
Super video❤❤
@5:50 I'm not sure about the exact timeline but good call on the helmets. I think it may be a combination choice of no helmets to show off the acts more like in movies and the fact most troops early in the war did not have them. The Germans for sure did and the Brits I believe had them more most troops at this point. The French would adopt them later and other troops later as well.
The rest of the uniforms are very good tho, they have English, Scottish, German and I think a couple other specific uniforms as well.
The underlying beat sounds like "carol of the bells". Haunting
Cloth caps were standard issue for a significant part of the first world war, steel helmets were not issued initially, according to some sources partially because the people in charge figured the war would be over before they could get the helmets to the front lines, and so they dragged their feet on making it standard issue equipment
Floor Jansen at the end... excellent
You may know by now that Sabaton have an accompanying channel on RUclips, Sabaton History, where there are very detailed descriptions and explanations of the background for their songs. Everything I know about military history (and I'm 70 years old) I learned from Sabaton. I greatly appreciate that they show no bias in their various depictions of events. War is war; it is never good, but neither is the evil or the heroism ever one-sided. I highly recommend Sabaton’s cover of Metalhead’s 1916. Christmas Truce always brings me to tears, but 1916? Unbelievable! If you’ve not seen it already, please make sure to keep it running and read the few paragraphs at the end, before the credits. The impact of those facts is gut-wrenching. (I believe the Christmas Truce occurred in 1914, two years before the Battle of the Somme in 1916.) 🇨🇦👍
Very epic sound. Would you please consider for this month the band Make Them Suffer and their new song Ghost of Me, or even their song Doomswitch. Cheers.
listning to their other works....they are good👍
Funnily enough they do have a symphonic version of this song and the whole The War To End All Wars album called The Symphony To End All Wars
The memorial with the cross is a real thing in France (or Belgium, not sure). But since they were shooting and blowing stuff up all over they recreated it (and the trenches) in Czechia.
If you don't know anything about the Christmas truce, you should go and read about it!
Sabaton always have a historic background to their songs.
I wish I could've seen his face when he heard the symphony version of this song (and album).
I like your reaction to this truly epicentrum song and video. As a matter of fact, it is quite true to how it was in the early tears of WWI. They fought a war like in the 1800's but with innovations from the 1900's. It was a cruel war. The only thing in this video that wouldn't be true is the tank obstacles you can see. They were introduced in 1916.
Sabaton is very exact with the history of lyrics and visuals.
It's a very great song remembering the fantastic event of the Christmas truce from 1914.
Floor!❤❤❤
Check the album Symphony to end all wars, there you can find symphonic versions of Sabaton songs:)
From my understanding, Sabaton conducts extensive research and they put as much historical accuarcy as possible into their music and videos. Actually, I hate saying "videos" because in my opinion, these amazing creations are like mini movies and better than a lot of content coming out of Hollywood lately. I did laugh out loud when you said "Whoa!!! Not the piano!!! Aw, crap." Another great creation by Sabaton is "Bismarck"!
Bismarck is epic
A lot of the uniforms came from previous conflicts. The German hats and uniform were replaced during the war. The French soldiers were still wearing the red, white and blue uniforms they wore during Victorian conflicts whilst other nations had changed to olive drab due to the muddy wet conditions of the trenches.
@Ken Lavigne: Just to put a bit more historical context into this video, the cross Joakim carried in the video actually exists, located near Ypres, Belgium.
Additionally, this event had some interesting ramifications. First, after the Truce, a German commander had to move his men after they refused to fire at the men they had drank with and celebrated with the day before.
Lastly, on another video, one commenter said that without the Truce, he would literally not exist, as both of his grandfathers had met on the field during the Christmas Truce. How amazing is that?
Loved your reaction, Ken. Be well, friend.
Floor signing the end❤
This was early in the War and Germany had pretty much just united. Thus the uniforms were often from the various pre-unification state armies and thus not every German looked the same and not all uniforms were up to the standards of that day.
Combat helmets didn't start being mass produced until around the end of 1915, the Christmas Truce was in 1914, so I'd say this video is pretty period accurate in that regards.
Cherry on top of this video is Floor Jansen singing the end credits
That song is at Sabatons album The War To End All Wars.
There also is an orchestral version of it, The Symphony To End All Wars.
You're gonna find your symphonic version of Christmas Truce on it.
That's being said, you wouldn't be able to sing along, it's a rather orchestral approach.
Feel free to check it out for yourself though.
There is a symphonic version of the whole album. Look up symphony to end all wars
this song was fucking awesome last year live in switzerland wehndthey bougth for this song a Piano and then sell them in a auction for doctors without borders. And if you want to hear more Christmas with Metal then listen to Majestica: they wrote a wohle album about the Xmasstory or listen to the Trans Siberian Orchestra who also wrote a nice little Xmasstory.
And i thinke their costumes are as authenitc as possible.
as for the piano, there where pianos "liberated " frkm wrecked houses near the trenches. even seen a picture with a grand piano...
As you likely know Sabaton is a Swedish band with a loooong list of history based music. and also an award winning history channel that gives background to over 100 if their songs including this one.
Sabaton videos often have dedictions and/or messages at the end, just like you saw here, perhaps not always but, watching to the very end is frequently well worth it.
Animated STORY videos (short history lessons with music videos in them)
No bullets fly
Night witches
Lady of the dark
Red baron
Christmas truce
epic OFFICIAL videos.
Bismark, about the sinking of the ship
Defence of Moscow, self explained. (cover)
1916, battle of the somne (cover)
40:1, about polish soldiers, badly outnumbered (just under 750 in all) facing 42 000 germans, they where BADLY outgunned desperately defending against the German invasion 1939
Uprising, the Warsaw Uprising against the nazi germans during 1944.
To hell and back, they tell the story of Audie Murphy (highly decorated) and his struggle AFTER the war, so about PTSD and drug addiction that returning soldiers can face.
Fields of verdun, the 300+ day long battle fought there.
Price of a mile, about the battle of Passchendaele
Screaming Eagles, about the battle of the bulge during ww2
Live performances
40:1 from poland
Uprising from poland
En livstid I krig live from Göteborg Sweden (in Swedish but there are subtitles) , very heavy again, about thoughts of a young man going to war.
these are just some, there are plenty more.
Have been enjoying the month of metal, can you make it two months??
Just search Christmas Truce Symphonic version and u find it ❤
Go Sabaton, Go Floor!!!!
It's Floor Jenssen singer in Nightwish. Another metalband
Would you please react to Piet Arion's Run to You and Oh Holy Night .. also whistle tones on his rendition of Mariah Carey's Never Too Far from 10 years ago! He has come a long ways...
l love joakim broden's voice and it be hella hot when he hard rolls his R's thus be my fav sabaton song the blond guitar player tommy johanssen he be their lead guitarist and he also has a amazin voice and his vocal range be mad crazy l love him and the disneyfied sabaton songs he does as well as covers of other bands songs he plays multipul instruments as well like guitar,bass,keyboards,drums as well as the flute l felt bad that they killed the piano the blond that got concussed by the granade be their drummer hannes van dahl(who also be married to floor jansen the singer on the end credits she also be the lead singer of nightwish) the small fella writtin in the journal be their bassist par sundstrom the fella lookin at the pic of his "family" be their rhythm guitarist chris borland
You're right, they typically would have helmets at this time-- what they have are the off-duty cap. It's not totally inaccurate as it provided more warmth in the winter than the leather pickelhaube. Uniforms are pretty accurate otherwise--
(obviously their hair is far out of regulations-- beards were super uncommon as you couldn't get a good seal on the gas masks, so bearded guys tended to die right away)
Some historical details, Christmas truces were explicitly forbidden from that day onward because many soldiers refused to resume fighting once the enemy had a human face
I know, broken record, but please Danzig - Mother 93 Live...the video.
You need to listen to Nightwish then you would know who the opera singer is there is a sad back story here. Her partner is Hannes Van Dahl the drummer in Sabaton
Good reaction. I think you would enjoy "Home Back" (OMV) from Jinjer. It their song about being displaced from their home in the Russian -Ukraine war. Thanks again for a genuine reaction. (Subbed)
Helmets would be issued the following year I'm pretty sure
Nightwish Army Northern Germany greets the Sabaton family.
If you want to listen to a more symphonic version of this song you should ract to Tommy Johansson and his cower of Christmas truce
Tommy is the guy who played the guitarsolo in the video
Tommy have his own youtubechannel with a lot of amacing cowers He drop a new cower every friday so the rabbitwhole is wery deep He is an multiinstrumentalist and play all the instrument himself He is also a musicproducer
His singing voice is amacing and the range is cracy
Ending credit Opera vocals by Floor Jansen.
The piano wasn't hurt in the making of the film!
This truce wasn't authorized by the military command in fact it was a spontaneous act where the German soldiers took the initiative. After the truce many soldiers on both sides refused go back fighting which is very understandable. However it wasn't popular among the commanders in fact some actually got executed for disobeying orders.