SABATON guitarist Thobbe Englund says his return to the band just over a year ago was an easy decision.
In early February 2024, the Swedish metal band officially announced Englund’s return, just a month after Tommy Johansson revealed he was leaving. Englund, who first joined SABATON in April 2012, parted ways with the group in July 2016 to focus on his personal life and creative pursuits. After eight years, he’s back on tour with his bandmates once again.
During his first tenure, Englund contributed to two studio albums, Heroes (2014) and The Last Stand (2016), and co-wrote fan-favorite tracks like “Shiroyama” and “Fields Of Verdun.”
Speaking recently to Brazil’s Porque! Metal, Thobbe reflected on his comeback (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):
“I stayed in very close contact with the guys during all these years since I left back in ’16. We even wrote songs together and always kept in touch—barbecues, beers, visiting each other’s families. So when they asked if I’d come back, it was, ‘Tommy’s leaving? Whoa. Yeah, of course.’ The timing was perfect. Back when I left, I needed to slow down, focus on my music, and build a family life. Now, my son is six years old and his favorite band is SABATON. It was absolutely a no-brainer. The circle felt complete.”
According to Englund, his first rehearsal back with SABATON went surprisingly well.
“I remember one song in particular, ‘The Art Of War,’ where I just put the guitar on, and it was spotless from start to finish,” he said. “I thought, ‘Yeah, I’m back.’ It was great.”
Thobbe explained to Brutal Planet Magazine in March 2024 how his return unfolded. On New Year’s Eve 2023, he celebrated with SABATON bassist and manager Pär Sundström and their families.
“They arrived three minutes before midnight. We had beers, then a few more, and stayed up until five or six in the morning. Somewhere in that buzzed atmosphere, we were listening to SCORPIONS’ ‘The Best Is Yet To Come,’ and there was a moment when we just looked into each other’s eyes—we knew. It was in the air,” he shared.
Thobbe emphasized that he didn’t hesitate when the opportunity presented itself.
“I didn’t have to think hard because my son’s now six. When I left, our private life was just starting to take shape—we were trying for a child. And anyone with toddlers knows: you want to be home. Over the years, SABATON has also grown enormously. Touring now is not as grueling; one year, back in ’14 or ’15, we were away for 270 days! It was exhausting. Things are different today—everyone has families. Now it’s like, ‘Let’s do this until we’re 85 years old!’ It’s an open road.”
Thobbe revealed that the real conversation happened about a week later during his son’s birthday party.
“Joakim [Brodén, SABATON singer] and I had written a song for the new album, and Joakim texted, asking if he could come by. I thought we’d just review the song. He came over for coffee, and after a while, he casually asked, ‘By the way, how do you feel about putting those camo pants back on?’ That’s when I knew the question had officially arrived.”
Though thrilled, Thobbe admitted to feeling “a little bit shocked” by the offer.
“I didn’t take anything for granted. I thought they might already have someone else. But when Joakim asked, I told him I’d think it over, talked to my wife for ten minutes, and called him back: ‘Hey man, I’m in.’ It was really emotional. Chris [Rörland, guitarist] and Hannes [Van Dahl, drummer] called too—we were giddy like school girls.”
When announcing Thobbe’s return, Pär Sundström said:
“This is a full-circle moment for SABATON. We’re beyond excited to have Thobbe back. He’s a talented guitarist, songwriter, and one of the kindest guys. We didn’t even audition anyone else—New Year’s Eve made it clear the time was right.”
Joakim Brodén echoed that sentiment:
“This was a no-brainer. Thobbe knows the drill, and he’s the perfect fit. It’s a great outcome—we think fans will be psyched! Welcome back, brother!”
Hannes Van Dahl added:
“Who? Thobbe f***ng Englund, that’s who! I’m happy to once again share the stage with one of my best friends. Welcome back, brother!”
Chris Rörland also shared his excitement:
“I’m beyond excited and happy. We’ve had so many great times together, on and off stage. It’s going to be amazing to share the stage again. Welcome back and welcome home, my brother! Love ya!”
This past Friday (April 25), SABATON released their new single and video, “Templars,” which will appear on their soon-to-be-announced eleventh studio album under their new label, Better Noise Music.
Since releasing their debut in 2005, SABATON has put out ten studio albums, many achieving gold, platinum, and even quadruple-platinum certifications. Eight albums have reached the international Top 10, and six climbed into the Top 5.
In November 2025, SABATON will launch “The Legendary Tour,” a 20-city European trek, promising a grand celebration of their music, storytelling, and their bond with fans. The tour will feature “The Legendary Orchestra” and other surprises, aiming to create “something unprecedented.”
Last fall, SABATON served as the main support act for heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST on their North American tour.
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