Sabaton have unveiled their latest single, “Yamato”, alongside a cinematic music video and special in-game content for the naval warfare multiplayer game World of Warships.
This release marks the second collaboration between Sabaton and Wargaming, following 2019’s fan-favorite “Bismarck”. For “Yamato,” the band has integrated a Sabaton-themed battleship into the game, complete with voice lines from vocalist Joakim Brodén and bassist Pär Sundström. Players can now take command of the Yamato while swapping the standard soundtrack for either “Yamato” or “Bismarck”, turning each battle into a full-on metal experience.
Historically, the Yamato was Japan’s massive secret battleship unveiled in 1941, the most powerful vessel of its time. In 1945, it famously sailed on a suicidal mission to defend Okinawa, engaging vastly superior forces and aircraft until it ultimately sank in a dramatic explosion.
The video, filmed last October in Belgrade, Serbia, depicts Sabaton aboard the doomed ship as it succumbs to the ocean. The band braved freezing waters and icy blasts during the shoot, wearing weighted stage outfits and performing under professional supervision, with divers ensuring safety throughout.
Brodén explained the inspiration behind the track: “Battleships are interesting and naval stories have, from time to time, been part of the Sabaton lore. ‘Bismarck’ was an exciting story for us to share and a fan favourite, and ‘Yamato’ is sort of a follow-up to that song. Our former guitarist, Tommy, wrote this song while he was still in the band. We only ‘Thobbefied’ it after guitar duties were returned to Thobbe!”
Sundström added: “‘Bismarck’ was such an exciting song but it was never part of an album, and it felt that it was missing something. We always wanted to follow up on that story… Once again we’re collaborating with World of Warships, and since our worlds are so close, it just feels so natural to continue this great partnership. Together, we once again created a legendary music video!”
“Yamato” is available now across all digital platforms and in World of Warships.
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