Image: Thobbe Englund – Official Press Photo
Thobbe Englund, who returned to Sabaton on February 9 of last year after eight years and reclaimed the guitarist position from Tommy Johansson, spoke last week with the Brazilian YouTube channel Porque! Metal about his comeback and how it all happened.
Englund first explained that he had always kept in touch with the band since his departure in 2016: "We even wrote some songs together, and we always made sure to stay in touch, barbecuing, having beers, visiting each other's family and stuff like that.”
When the request came almost ten years later to rejoin, it was the perfect fit for Englund: "It was the perfect timing for me," he says. because when he originally left, he was tired and burnt out, "I wanted to slow down a bit, and focus a little bit on my own music and stuff like that, but also have a kid, buy a house, and all that."
The decision to return was ultimately “a no-brainer” for him. It felt like a “full-circle moment.” Englund says: “This is the best [thing] that could ever happen". "I belong to Sabaton. That's my family, that's my best friends." When his return was confirmed, the band fellt like “[giddy] school girls."
You can watch the full interview here.
Sabaton on Englund’s Return
The other Sabaton members had also expressed their excitement about Englund’s return when the announcement was made last year.
Pär Sundström: “This is a full circle moment for Sabaton and we are beyond excited to have Thobbe rejoin the band. He’s a talented guitarist, songwriter and a kind guy who we have a lot of fun with. We didn’t even need to hold auditions with other guitar players. All that was needed was to spend New Year’s Eve together to know that the time was right for Thobbe´s return.”
Joakim Brodén: “This decision was a no-brainer for us as a band and for Thobbe. He knows the drill and is the perfect fit. This is a great outcome, and we think everyone is going to be psyched about the news! The time is right. Welcome back brother!”
Hannes Van Dahl: “Who? Thobbe f***ng Englund, that’s who! The man is back! I’m happy to once again share the stage with one of my best friends! Welcome back brother!”
Chris Rörland: “I’m beyond excited and happy for the return of the king! We’ve had so many good times together, both on stage and off stage. It’s gonna be great to share the stage again. Welcome back and welcome home my brother! Love ya!”
“Templars”: Englund’s First Single Since 2016
At the end of April, it was finally time for Englund’s musical comeback: Sabaton released “Templars,” the first single featuring him on guitar since the 2016 album The Last Stand. According to rumors, “Templars” also marks the beginning of a new album – though nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Until then, it’s a matter of waiting patiently and enjoying the new song.
You can watch the music video for “Templars” here.
