The evening started with frustration outside the Ziggo Dome. The line at the box office dragged endlessly, press tickets included, and by the time I finally made it inside The Legendary Orchestra was already in full swing. For those unfamiliar, this ensemble is a touring symphonic project built around Sabaton’s music, with Joost van den Broek reworking their catalog into grand orchestral arrangements. It’s not just a backing band—it’s a full orchestra with strings, brass, percussion, and Patty Gurdy among the touring musicians.
Together they transform Sabaton’s riffs into sweeping scores that sound like they belong in a war film soundtrack.
The stage setup reflected that ambition. Rows of musicians filled the risers, lit dramatically in red and gold, while the conductor drove the performance with sharp, martial precision. The sound was massive, filling the Dome with a cinematic wall of music. Seeing the orchestra members smiling and visibly enjoying themselves added warmth to the grandeur, and the crowd responded with cheers. Still, the choice to stick exclusively to Sabaton’s catalog meant the night quickly became saturated; as epic as it sounded, a few non-Sabaton pieces might have added more contrast.
Then the theatrics began. From a smaller stage in the middle of the arena, Napoleon, Genghis Khan, and Julius Caesar bickered over who was the greatest ruler. The crowd laughed and jeered until a massive drawbridge lowered, connecting the center to the main stage—transformed into a towering castle. Sabaton stormed across, launching into “Templars” and “The Last Stand.” Flames erupted, the heat rolling across the balcony, gasoline sharp in the air. The Ziggo Dome was packed to the rafters, and the atmosphere shifted instantly from anticipation to full-blown spectacle.
The setlist was a march through their history: “Carolus Rex” in Swedish, “The Red Baron,” “Stormtroopers,” “A Tiger Among Dragons.” During “Christmas Truce,” the entire venue lit up with thousands of phone flashlights, a breathtaking moment of unity that contrasted beautifully with the fire and steel. Later, “Primo Victoria” and “Steel Commanders” shook the hall with orchestral backing, while “Masters of the World” closed the night in triumph.
The Dutch crowd was its usual lively self. Small mosh pits churned, fans rowed in unison, and the traditional chant of “Broek uit, op je hoofd!” rang out, much to Joakim Brodéns amusement. The atmosphere was playful chaos—equal parts reverence for the band and irreverent Dutch humor.
Halfway through, members of The Legendary Orchestra joined Sabaton on stage, adding symphonic grandeur to the already massive sound. The castle-themed stage setup was a striking departure from their iconic tank, complete with extra drums pulled from crates, cannons firing fireworks, and multiple costume changes that kept the spectacle fresh. The band leaned into the theatrics without losing their tightness, radiating joy as they played.
What struck me most was the balance between spectacle and sincerity. The flames, the costumes, the castle—all of it could have felt overblown, but Sabaton’s genuine enthusiasm made it infectious. Several times Joakim Brodén reminded the crowd how much the band loves playing in Amsterdam, pointing out that their recorded show here—The Tour to End All Tours: Live in Amsterdam—has been shown in theaters worldwide. That pride was palpable, and the audience responded with deafening cheers.
Yet one thing left a sour note: the “golden circle.” This premium section at the front of the stage creates a kind of multi-classism that feels unfair to the most dedicated fans who simply don’t have the money to spend. Metal thrives on unity, on bringing everyone together in song and spectacle, but the golden circle divides that energy. The people who live and breathe this band should never feel pushed to the back because of their wallets.
By the end, the Ziggo Dome felt conquered—not by force, but by camaraderie. Sabaton didn’t just perform; they built a fortress of sound and spectacle, and invited everyone inside.
Sabaton Setlist – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam (2025)
Templars
The Last Stand
Hordes of Khan
I, Emperor
Crossing the Rubicon
Carolus Rex (Swedish version)
The Red Baron
Stormtroopers
A Tiger Among Dragons
Christmas Truce
Soldier of Heaven
The Attack of the Dead Men
Night Witches
Primo Victoria
Steel Commanders
The Art of War
To Hell and Back
Masters of the World
