How do you follow up an epic concept album about the rise and fall of an empire? After Carolus Rex Sabaton chose to take a very different direction, and their seventh studio album tells more intimate stories of individual acts of heroism – ranging from an all-female bombing regiment (Night Witches) to the exploits of celebrated US veteran Audie Murphy (To Hell and Back).

Sabaton fact: The track To Hell and Back proved so popular with fans that it replaced long-time favourite Metal Crüe as the band’s preferred encore for their live shows.