Sabaton have had 12 official members since forming in Falun, Sweden, in 1999. The current line-up is Joakim Brodén, Pär Sundström, Chris Rörland, Hannes Van Dahl and Thobbe Englund. Brodén and Sundström are the only members who have been in every line-up.
The power metal band, known for songs about historical wars and battles, was founded by Brodén, Sundström, guitarists Oskar Montelius and Rikard Sundén, and drummer Richard Larsson. The biggest change came in 2012, when four members left at once.
How Sabaton Started
Sabaton formed in December 1999. The first songs were recorded at The Abyss, Peter Tägtgren’s studio. Since then, the band has built a catalogue that, as of 2026, runs to eleven studio albums, four live albums, five live DVDs and thirty music videos. Through all of that, Brodén and Sundström are the only constant members.
Joakim Brodén – Lead Vocals (1999–present)
Joakim Brodén is the lead singer and a founding member. He occasionally plays rhythm guitar, and he played keyboards from 1999 to 2005 and again from 2012.
Pär Sundström – Bass (1999–present)
Pär Sundström co-founded the band and has played bass since 1999. He has also sung backing vocals since 2012.
Chris Rörland – Lead Guitar (2012–present)
Chris Rörland joined on lead guitar and backing vocals in 2012, when both original guitarists left.
Hannes Van Dahl – Drums (2013–present)
Hannes Van Dahl has been the drummer since 2013 and sings backing vocals. He replaced Robban Bäck, who drummed for a single year.
Thobbe Englund – Lead Guitar (2012–2016, 2024–present)
Thobbe Englund joined with Rörland in 2012 and left in 2016. He returned in 2024, replacing Tommy Johansson.
Former Members
- Oskar Montelius: lead guitar and backing vocals (1999–2012). A founding member.
- Rikard Sundén: lead guitar and backing vocals (1999–2012). A founding member.
- Daniel Mullback: drums and backing vocals (1999–2012).
- Daniel Mÿhr: keyboards and backing vocals (2005–2012).
- Robban Bäck: drums (2012–2013).
- Tommy Johansson: lead guitar and backing vocals (2016–2024).
- Richard Larsson: founding drummer, named among the 1999 founders.
Touring Substitutes
Three musicians have filled in on tour: Frédéric Leclercq on lead guitar in 2011 (for Rikard Sundén), Snowy Shaw on drums in 2012–2013 (for Robban Bäck) and Daniel Sjögren on drums in 2017 (for Hannes Van Dahl).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the original members of Sabaton? Joakim Brodén, Pär Sundström, Oskar Montelius, Rikard Sundén and Richard Larsson.
- What happened to Sabaton’s line-up in 2012? Montelius, Sundén, Mullback and Mÿhr all left in 2012, and Rörland and Englund joined on guitar that year.
- Who is Sabaton’s drummer? Hannes Van Dahl, since 2013.
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