Swedish power metal icons Sabaton have released their new single, “Hordes of Khan,” on June 6, 2025, via Better Noise Music, accompanied by an epic music video that brings the legendary Mongol conqueror to life. The track, the second single from their forthcoming eleventh studio album (due later this year), delivers a heavy metal anthem inspired by Genghis Khan, a fan-requested topic that perfectly suits Sabaton’s signature focus on historical battles and heroism.
Watch the “Hordes of Khan” music video:
Stream the single sabaton.lnk.to/hok
Watch the 33-minute behind-the-scenes documentary:
Composed by vocalist Joakim Brodén with lyrics by bassist Pär Sundström, “Hordes of Khan” captures the relentless spirit of Genghis Khan’s conquests with a thunderous rhythm evoking warriors charging on horseback. Sundström notes: “Joakim wanted to write a proper heavy metal song, and our fans appreciate pure f***ing heavy metal! When you listen and close your eyes, you can imagine Genghis Khan galloping to battle. The lyrics were some of the most difficult I’ve ever written, but Joakim says parts are among Sabaton’s best.”
The cinematic video, set in 2045, was filmed at London’s Natural History Museum and Harrow School. It follows a young girl and her metal band, diehard Sabaton fans, who sneak into a museum exhibiting the band’s magical instruments. When they play “Hordes of Khan,” Genghis Khan and five legendary warriors (portrayed by Sabaton) come to life, sparking a battle to prevent Khan from escaping to conquer the world. Sundström adds: “The kids learned the song by heart and played it for real. We’re especially proud of our ex-drummer Daniel Mullback’s son, who nailed the drums!”
A 33-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, released June 3, details the video’s creation, highlighting the surreal experience of filming in iconic locations and the dedication of the young cast.
“Hordes of Khan” dives into the legacy of Genghis Khan (born Temujin), who forged the largest contiguous empire in history through diplomacy and military might. Bridging East and West via the Silk Road, his conquests reshaped global history, culture, and trade. Brodén explains: “Genghis Khan wasn’t just a conqueror; he was a complex figure with a huge legacy. We couldn’t have picked a better subject for Sabaton’s new direction.”
To celebrate, Sabaton launched a “Hordes of Khan” merch collection featuring t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, patches, and drawstring bags with gold logos and Mongolian folklore designs. Pre-save the single for exclusive snippets and updates at sabaton.lnk.to/HordesOfKhan.
Following their April single “Templars” and a switch to Better Noise Music after a decade with Nuclear Blast, Sabaton are embracing a heavier sound for their eleventh album. With over three billion streams, six gold, two platinum, and one quadruple-platinum album, the band continues to dominate with elaborate stage productions (including a firing tank) and a loyal global fanbase.
Sabaton’s Tour to End All Tours hits Australia, New Zealand, and Europe from September to December 2025, featuring The Legendary Orchestra and surprises. Full dates and tickets are available at sabaton.net/tour.
Follow Sabaton on sabaton.net, Facebook, and Instagram for updates on “Hordes of Khan” and their upcoming album.