SABATON’s THOBBE ENGLUND Explains Why Now Was A Good Time To Rejoin The Band

After departing Sabaton in 2016, guitarist Thobbe Englund returned to the group early this year, taking Tommy

Johansson’s place. What makes Englund returning after eight years? In an interview with Brutal Planet Magazine,

Englund explained that, to cut a long story short, he first left to spend time with his then-young child.

“My son is already five years old, so I didn’t have to think about it too much. The band Sabaton is his favourite. In

private, things looked entirely different for me when I left the band. We sort of wanted to have a child. Then, you are

aware of the difficulties that arise with toddlers and other young children. You want to be there and at home.

“And during all these years, for me being home, being together with [my son] and the family, the band has grown

immensely for eight years, which means that we won’t be away that much anymore like we used to.”

Englund added that he realised on New Year’s Eve that he would most likely return to the band if asked. Which was

obviously just in time, because not long afterward, Pär Sundström, the manager and bassist of Sabaton, asked him to

perform that same thing.

“I discovered on [New Year’s Eve] that an internal voice had been telling me to say yes, without a doubt, if the

question arose. I am a Sabaton member. That is my closest friends and family.

“So everything just kind of clicked into place. Yes, of course. I’ll answer “yes” if the question is asked. A week or so

later, I believe, we held [my son’s] birthday party. Joakim Brodén, the singer for Sabaton, and I had been working on

a song that would be on this new album. And a few days prior, he had just texted me.”

“And he asked, ‘Will you be at home on Sunday?'” Since I’m only stopping by, yes. Yes, yes, of course, was my

response. Simply drop by. “I’ll pour myself some coffee,” and so on. While sipping coffee, we had a conversation

about something. “By the way, how do you feel about putting those camo trousers back on?” he asked at that point.

And I said, “That’s okay.” So, now for the query. It did arrive, although a week later.