STORY
“Bismarck” is a powerful and dramatic tribute to one of the most infamous warships in history. Originally written and performed by Swedish metal band Sabaton, the song recounts the rise and fall of the German battleship Bismarck, a naval behemoth launched in 1939. Its actions caused widespread fear in the early days of WWII and became one of the most feared vessels in the Atlantic.
Sabaton released their original track “Bismarck” on May 17, 2019, as a stand-alone single through the label Nuclear Blast. It was a surprise release that was not tied to any official album and was created in collaboration with Wargaming, the developers of World of Warships. This partnership visually enhanced the historical depth, production value, and overall impact of the song. The track quickly became one of the band's most celebrated releases.
The Story of the Battleship Bismarck
The Bismarck was named after the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and symbolized technological dominance and national pride. Equipped with state-of-the-art artillery and powerful engines, it was among the most heavily fortified ships of its time.
In May 1941, during its first mission (Operation Rheinübung), the Bismarck sank the British battlecruiser HMS Hood — a devastating loss for the Royal Navy. This act launched one of the most intense sea chases in naval history. Eventually, the Bismarck was crippled by torpedoes, surrounded by British forces, and sunk on May 27, 1941.
Why Alterium Covered It
This version by Alterium is a heartfelt cover of the original Sabaton track. As a long-time fan of Sabaton, Nicoletta was deeply inspired by the storytelling power of the band’s music, especially this epic hymn to naval warfare.
The historical weight and dramatic presence of Bismarck, combined with its underlying tragedy and myth, made it the perfect subject for a reinterpretation in Alterium’s symphonic power metal style.
This cover is not only a tribute to Sabaton’s mastery but also a reflection of Nicoletta’s passion for history, storytelling, and powerful, cinematic music.
Behind the Song
Lyrics
From the mist, a shape, a ship, is taking form
And the silence of the sea is about to drift into a storm
Sign of power, show of force
Raise the anchor, battleship′s plotting its course
Pride of a nation, a beast made of steel
Bismarck in motion, king of the ocean
He was made
To rule the waves across the seven seas
To lead the war machine
To rule the waves and lead the Kriegsmarine
The terror of the seas
The Bismarck and the Kriegsmarine
Two thousand men, and fifty thousand tons of steel
Set the course for the Atlantic with the Allies on their heel
Firepower, firefight
Battle Stations, keep the targets steady in sight
Into formation, the hunt has begun
Death and damnation, the fleet is coming
He was made
To rule the waves across the seven seas
To lead the war machine
To rule the waves and lead the Kriegsmarine
The terror of the seas
The Bismarck and the Kriegsmarine
At the bottom of the ocean, the depths of the abyss
They are bound by iron and blood
The flagship of the navy, the terror of the seas
His guns have gone silent at last
Originally written by Sabaton – this cover was recorded and performed by Alterium in 2023 under license. All rights remain with the respective authors and publishers.
