Sabaton Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they cite the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Sabaton has become one of the most popular of metal bands of their generation. Generally regarded as a power metal band although in more recent years their sound has shifted to being more traditional/heavy while remaining synth laden and epic. Since the beginning vocalist Joakim Brodén has been the primary writer of the band with few songs being co-written with others. With this being the case, this list will focus on Joakim’s influences. The original lineup had no writing credits split with the exception of bassist Pär Sundström who had contributed to lyrics and remained after the split. Post split new guitar players Thobbe Englund, Chris Rörland, and Tommy Johansson, as well as drummer Hannes Van Dahl had occasional contributions. Their influences will also be noted. There are also occasional co-credits from outside musicians, producers and what not. They wont be included. I will split the band in Phase 1 and Phase 2 with Phase 1 being only Joakim’s influences, and Phase 2 indicating the major lineup change and new contributions.

Phase 1

Phase 1 will be only Joakim’s influences, but there is noted crossover from later members.

Slade was a glam band playing Hard Rock ‘n’ roll. Joakim The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome was his first album and had an influence on him.

Black Sabbath, the fathers of heavy metal. Joakim named Heaven and Hell as one of his top albums but loves all eras of Sabbath including the Ozzy and Tony Martin years. Thobbe also named them. Hannes named Cozy as one of his biggest influences.

Rainbow combined the great Ronnie James Dio with Ritchie Blackmore for something legendary. Joakim, influenced by them, said that combination was the birth of the type of metal Sabaton plays. Thobbe also named them. Hannes named Cozy as one of his biggest influences.

Judas Priest are one of the most definitive heavy metal bands. Joakim named Painkiller as one of the defining albums of modern heavy metal. Hannes named Painkiller as a having a huge impact on him.

Yngwie Malmsteen is one of the most influential guitar players especially when it comes to neo-classical guitar. Joakim thinks the same, naming his Rising Force album in his top albums. Thobbe and Chris also named him. Hannes named Cozy as one of his biggest influences.

Twisted Sister are a band more metal than their glam appearance would signify. Joakim recalls see their “We’re Not Gonna Take It” music video when he was young which made him a metal head. He is a huge Dee Snider fan.

Accept are early flag flyers of heavy metal from Germany. Joakim named Metal Heart as one of his top albums.

Iron Maiden are one of the most influential metal bands, and Joakim is no exception to their influence. Chris named Adrian as his main influence, but also names Dave. Hannes named Nicko as one of his biggest influences.

Post Accept, Udo continued making metal under his own name. Joakim said he actually liked U.D.O. more than Accept

Blind Guardian are masters of power metal. Joakim named their imaginations From the Other Side album as a huge influence.

Phase 2

Phase 2 marks the major line up shift in the band and new contributions to writing.

The Who are rock legends and an early band to venture into harder rock. Keith Moon is listed as one of his biggest influences.

Deep Purple are early hard rock and metal pioneers. Thobbe named them as an influence.

Led Zeppelin are among the most influential hard rock bands. Banham is listed as one of his biggest influences.

Queen are a well known and popular rock band. Chris named Brian May as an influence.

Gary Moore is an influential guitarist. Tommy named him as the influence that made him want to play.

Van Halen changed the world of guitar. Chris named Eddie as an influence.

Virtuoso Steve Vai is a name often thrown out when discussing best guitar players. Chris named him as an influence.

Motley Crue were one of the biggest glam metal bands. Hannes named Tommy Lee as a main influence.

Marty Friedman

Marty Friedman is best known for his time in Megadeth, however also has played solo for years as well as Cacophony and others. Chris named him as an influence

Dream Theater are the quintessential progressive metal band. Chris named John Petrucci as an influence. (This may also include Liquid Tension Experiment)

Joe Satriani is a legend of instrumental rock guitarists. Chris named him as an influence.

Pantera are the fathers of Groove Metal. Hannes named Far Beyond Driven as a favorite album.

Children of Bodom were a synth laden melodic death metal band fronted by the late guitarist Alexi Laiho. Chris named him as an influence. (this could include his other projects such as Sinergy as well.)

Sources:

https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-albums-that-changed-my-life-by-sabaton-s-joakim-broden-metal-iron-maiden-judas-priest
https://crypticrock.com/interview-joakim-broden-of-sabaton/
https://metalinsider.net/interviews/interview-former-sabaton-guitarist-thobbe-englund-talks-solo-career
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k2Q5dMOcBI
https://darkstars.de/guitar-special-vol-211-with-chris-roerland-sabaton/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6BKkaOJexA
https://www.betreutesproggen.de/2022/02/sabaton-interview-with-hannes-van-dahl-about-songwriting-corona-and-musical-influences/
https://sabian.com/artist/hannes-van-dahl/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-VEh0cU2Jc&t=2120s

Hammerfall Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they cite the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Hammerfall are a prominent power metal band formed in the early 90’s with their first album released in 1997 and have been steadily active since. Guitarist Oscar Dronjak formed the band along side Jasper Strömblad of In Flames fame. Jasper never played on any releases, but wrote for the first three albums. Since the first album Joacim Cans has been on vocals and the three of them were the primary writers for the first three albums. After that point Jasper was no longer writing with the band (with the exception of one song) and it was primarily Oscar and Joacim with occasional contributions from other members over the years including guitarist Stefan Elmgren, and Pontus Norgren, bassists Fredrik Larsson, and current drummer David Wallin. No other members of the band are credited with writing.

Alice Cooper is one of the original shock rockers. Oscar named him as a favorite as a kid.

Judas Priest are one of the most iconic metal bands and really helped define the genre of heavy metal. Oscar names them as a main influence. Joacim named Halford as an influence. Joacim named Painkiller as a favorite album.

Kiss are one of the biggest American hard rock bands. Oscar name them as an inspiration and Ace as one of the reasons he picked up guitar. Hammerfall has covered “Detroit Rock City”.

Riot are one of the earliest American heavy metal bands but often overlooked. Oscar mentioned them as an influence. Joacim named Fire Down Under as a favorite album.

Yngwie Malmsteen is considered one of the greatest guitarists… especially by himself. Jesper named him as an influence for his Hammerfall writing.

Accept are among the most important and earliest German metal bands. Oscar names them as an influence and Wolf Hoffmann as his guitar hero.

Twisted Sister is often lumped in with the later hair metal bands, but are older and far more of a true heavy metal band. Oscar named them as a favorite 80’s band. He said the lyrics of Dee Snider had a big impact on him.

Iron Maiden has been one of the biggest and most influential metal bands. Oscar said they are a huge influence. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Picture are a lesser known traditional metal band from Germany. Oscar name them as a favorite growing up.

Ozzy, formerly of Black Sabbath, has had incredible guitar players throughout his career. Oscar named Randy Rhoads as a influence.

Demon were a NWOBHM band although ventured into a more prog rock thing for a time. Joacim named The Unexpected Guest as a favorite album.

Mercyful Fate took a technical approach to traditional metal. Oscar named them as an influence. Joacim named King Diamond as an influence and is a fan of Mercyful Fate.

Manowar often get credited as as the first power metal band. Although they predate any power metal movement, they certainly are responsible for many elements that would be incorporated in power metal. Oscar names them as a huge influence. Joacim named Eric Adams as an influence and Hail to England as a favorite album.

Warlord are a lesser known heavy/power metal band from the US. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up and Hammerfall covered “Children of the Damned” on their first album. Joacim named And the Cannons of Destruction Have Begun... as a favorite album.

Motley Crue became one of the biggest 80’s bands with their more glam rock sound, but earlier took a more speed metal approach. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Running Wild are a pirate themed traditional, speed, and power metal band. Oscar mentioned them as an influence.

Grim Reaper were a NWOBHM band, perhaps more cheesy than any other. Joacim named Rock You to Hell as a favorite album.

Pretty Maids are a rock and occasional metal band. Oscar named them as an influence.

W.A.S.P. are a hard rock / heavy metal band out of the early 80’s. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Slayer are known for their aggression and speed and led in such qualities in early thrash metal. Oscar named them as an influence.

Queensryche are among the earliest of progressive metal and has influenced many power metal bands. Joacim named Geoff Tate as an influence and Operation: Mindcrime as a favorite album.

The legendary Ronnie James Dio after his time with Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Oscar named Dio as an influence.

Helloween are the fathers of power metal. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up. Joacim named Walls of Jericho as a favorite album. Fredrik also named them as an influence.

Stormwitch are a German heavy metal band. Oscar named them as a favorite and influence. Joacim named Tales of Terror as a favorite album. They covered “Ravenlord” on their first album.

Tyran' Pace was a German heavy metal band notably featuring future Gamma Ray and Primal Fear vocalist Ralf Sheepers. Oscar named them as a favorite growing up.

King Diamond formed his own band after departing Mercyful Fate, known for his distinct vocals and conceptual albums. Oscar named King Diamond as an inspiration. Joacim named King as an influence.

Zeno

Zeno (Roth, as in Uli’s little brother) was a rock band on the poppy side. Joacim named the first album Zeno as a favorite album.

Gamma Ray was formed by Kai Hansen after his departure from Helloween. Oscar mentioned them as an influence.

Note: some of the influences named by Oscar are named as general influences on Hammerfall’s sound and not just him alone.

I’ve seen a couple places online site Ritchie Blackmore as one of and influence on Oscar, however I have not been able to corroborate that.

I have also seen Max Bacon named as an influence for Joacim; again, I have not been able to corroborate that.

Joacim said he’s not the biggest Kiss fan, but said that their stage shows are an influence.

Jesper Strömblad is noted as drummer/writer for the first three hammerfall albums, although did not perform on any hammerfall albums. The one influence I listed from him was Yngwie Malmsteen which he specifically named as an influence in his writing in hammerfall.

Peter Stålfors (Dream Evil bassist) co-wrote “I Believe”

Stefan Elmgren has a few writing credits over the years he was with Hammerfall, but I’m unsure of his influences. In an interview about his other band Full Strike he mentions it drawing influence from Hammerfall, but also sounding a bit like Dokken, Gary Moore, Accept, and Helloween. This are probably influences on him in HF, but I will leave the additions off the main list without better clarification.

Fredrick Larsson has no writing credit until Hammer of Dawn which is credited to the entire band. Besides the bands noted above, He also is a big fan of Anthrax. Later influences include Pantera, Meshuggah, Opeth, Pain of Salvation, and A.C.T.. Given his writing is limited to only one album at this time and the sound of Hammerfall hasn’t really changed, I’m excluding these influences from the main list.

Pontus Norgren has about one credit per album he appears on with the exception of Hammer of Dawn which credits are shared equally amongst the band. I am unsure of his influences.

David Wallin has shared writing credits with the rest of the band on Hammer of Dawn. Drummerzone lists his influencess as Scott Travis, Scott Rockenfield, Animal, Gregg Bissonette, Vinnie Paul, Dynamit-Harry, and Morgan Ågren. I have not corroborated this, so these will not be noted in the main list.

Sources:

https://metalshockfinland.com/2011/05/09/interview-with-hammerfall-oscar-dronjak-the-festivals-are-always-fun-but-the-tour-is-the-real-deal/
https://distortedsoundmag.com/interview-oscar-dronjak-hammerfall-2016/
https://loudwire.com/hammerfall-oscar-dronjak-plays-favorite-riffs/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFMTPS2qBko&t=301s
https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/hammerfall.htm
http://www.melodic-rock.com/interviews/hammerfall.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtr63-TV8GM
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-joacim-cans/
https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/hammerfall2002.htm
https://folknrock.com/interviews/interview-joacim-cans-of-hammerfall-talks-new-album-hammer-of-dawn
http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles.aspx?id=1-114
http://www.metalupdate.com/interviewflames.html
http://www.sacredmetal.de/index.php?page=interviews/hf-inti
https://bravewords.com/news/hammerfall-side-project-revealed
https://rockoverdose.gr/fredrik-larsson-hammerfall-at-rock-overdose-we-will-definitely-be-back-in-2014-with-a-new-album/
https://drummerszone.com/artists/david-wallin/10688/profile/?language=4#biography

Powerwolf Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they cite the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Powerwolf are a heavy metal, occasionally power metal, band with a strong organ and keyboard presence. The line up has been consistent except for drummers which there has only be two that have recorded with the band. All members contribute to writing. Vocals has been Karsten "Attila Dorn" Brill. On guitars, Benjamin "Matthew Greywolf" Buss, rhythm/bass guitars David "Charles Greywolf" Vogt. Organ / Keyboards is Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost. The first three albums had Stefan "Stéfane Funèbre" Gemballa on drums and since has been Roel van Helden. Between them for a short time Tom Diener was on drums but never recorded.

Deep Purple are an important hard rock and early heavy metal band. Matthew said they were an influence in the beginning of Powerwolf.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal and doom. They are one of Matthew’s and Falk’s influences.

Thin Lizzy are an super influential rock / hard rock band. They are one of Roel’s influences.

ZZ Top are hard blues rock band and one of Roel’s influences.

Scorpions lead the way for metal and hard rock in Germany and are one of the earliest metal bands. They are one of Matthew’s influences.

Rainbow was a legendary combination of musicians. Matthew said they were an influence in the earliest version of Powerwolf.

Judas Priest are perhaps the quintessential heavy metal band. They are an influence on Roel.

Kiss are one of the biggest and most recognizable hard rock bands. They are an influence on Roel.

Boney M.

Boney M. were a disco/reggae vocal group. Roel named them as an influence.

Ramones are the fathers of punk rock if you are not including any proto punk. They are one of Charles’s influences.

Village People

Village People were super disco and super gay. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Iron Maiden come out of the NWOBHM and are one of the most influential metal bands. They are one of Matthew’s influences and named Seventh Son of a Seventh Son as a favorite album. They are also one of Roel’s, Charles’s, and Falk’s influences.

Michael Schenker formed MSG after his time with UFO and Scorpions. They are one of Matthew’s influences and he names Schenker as one of his heroes.

After his time with Black Sabbath, Ozzy continued to work with incredible guitar players. Matthew named Diary of a Madman as one of his favorite albums and Randy Rhoads as one his heroes.

Mercyful Fate are known for the unique vocals of King Diamond but also took heavy metal in a technical direction with tons of riffs and changes. They are one of Matthew’s influences. Falk named them as an influence on the band.

Running Wild are traditional/speed/power metallers from Germany, known for their pirate themes. They are an influence of Charles.

Marillion is one of the best known of what is called neo-progressive which is a post punk progressive rock. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Fates Warning are progressive metal pioneers. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Megadeth are one of the big four of thrash formed by Thrash father Dave Mustaine after being kicked out of Metallica. Falk named Countdown to Extinction as a favorite album.

Candlemass are has been staples of Doom. Matthew and Falk named them as an influence.

Faith No More are an important alternative rock band. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Danzig went more heavy metal after his early days in The Misfits. Roel named Danzig as an influence.

Paradise Lost are pioneers of Death/Doom and Gothic metal. Matthew named them as an influence.

Forbidden are a bay area thrash band. Falk named them as an influence.

Chroming Rose were a German power metal band. Falk named all their albums as favorites.

Entombed are an important Swedish death metal band. They are a big influence on Charles.

Iced Earth are heavy/power metal from the US. Roel named them as an influence.

Cannibal Corpse are one of the best known death metal bands. Roel named them as an influence.

Tiamat are death/doomers and an important band for gothic metal. They are one of Matthew’s influences.

Glen Hansard

Glen Hansard is an Irish folk/rock musician who played in The Frames as well as doing solo albums and some album with The Swell Season. Falk named him as an influence.

Sentenced has changed their sound over the years from death metal, to melodic death, and now gothic. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Nevermore were a progressive/groove metal band. Falk and Roel named them as an influence.

Moonspell are a prominent gothic metal band. Matthew named them as an influence.

Taake is a Norwegian black metal band. They are an influence on Roel.

Evergrey are a Swedish progressive metal band. Roel named them as an influence at one time.

Matthew said he is a fan of death metal. He described Powerwolf as being heavy metal with atmosphere. For him the atmosphere comes from his more gothic influences.

I’m unsure of Atilla’s influences.

I’m unsure of Stéfane Funèbre’s influences.

Sources:

http://www.radiometal.com/article/powerwolf-retour-sur-experience,370707
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/matthew-greywolf/
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/charles-greywolf/
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/falk-maria-schlegel/
https://www.powerofmetal.dk/interviews/powerwolf.htm
https://www.powerwolf.net/band/roel-van-helden/
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/roel_van_helden.htm

Pyramaze Family Tree

Metal Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they cite the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Pyramaze are a Danish power metal band with plenty of symphonic and progressive elements. The band was formed by guitarist Michael Kammeyer and he is the primary writer of the first there albums with some impute from, also original member, Keyboardist Jonah Weingarten. Along with them the original line up of the band also consisted of bassist Niels Kvist and drummer Morten Gade Sørensen. Toke Skjønnemand stepped in as the second guitarist on the second album. Vocalists haven’t been consistent Lance King sang on the first two albums. The third album featured Matt Barlow of Iced Earth on vocals. In 2011 the band would have a temporary hiatus as Michael and Niels left the band. Pyramaze would continued without them with new vocalist Terje Haroy and guitarist/bassist Jacob Hansen along with the remaining members. At this point writing would be done by Jonah, Jacob, and Toke. Michael has also stated that even though who wrote the early stuff other members were free to be creative with their parts and add their own style to the music.

Electric Light Orchestra or ELO were a progressive rock / pop band. Jacob got their album Time when he was young and still loves the album.

Howard Shore

Howard Shore is a prolific film score composer. Notably in more recent years he composed for “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy. Jonah named him as an influence.

James Horner

James Horner is a film score composer. Jonah didn’t directly name him as an influence but did name the movie “Braveheart” which is composed by James.

Iron Maiden are easily one of the most influential metal bands. Michael named Seventh Son of a Seventh Son in his top five albums list. Jacob is also a fan.

Mercyful Fate are often remembered for King Diamond’s distinct vocals and satanic themes but should be recognized by their technical writing just as much. Jacob named them as an influence.

Metallica are the fathers of thrash. Michael named them as an early influence and Toke also named them as an influence.

Hanz Zimmer

Hans Zimmer is one of the most influential modern film composers. Jonah named him as an influence and in particular has named “The Last Samurai” film.

Danny Elfman is a influential film score composer. He’s probably best known for his work with Tim Burton movies. Jonah named him as an influence.

Slayer were the most aggressive thrash band in the early days of thrash. Jacob named them as an influence.

Dark Angel are a relatively underground thrash band but important. Jacob named them as an influence.

Bon Jovi was a popular hard rock / Glam band. Michael named them as the band that first made him want to play guitar. Toke also named them as an influence.

Jag Panzer are an American heavy metal band part of the “US Power metal” movement. Michael named them as an influence.

Destruction are one of the most important of the German Thrash scene. Jacob said they were his favorite thrash band.

Joe Satriani is an influential instrumental rock guitarist. Toke named him as an important influence.

King Diamond formed his own influential band after his time with Mercyful Fate. Jacob named Kind Diamond as an influence.

From their speed metal origins, Blind Guardian has grown into one of the biggest power metal bands. Michael named Marcus Siepen, and Andre Olbrich among guitarists he admires the most

Stratovarius are an important Finnish power metal band. Michael named their album Episode in his top 5.

Iced Earth are often considered power metal although that can be debated on their earlier albums. Michael named Jon Schaffer among the guitar players he admires the most.

Mr. Big were a rock band featuring Paul Gilbert on guitars. Toke named them and Paul as an important influence.

Freak Kitchen are an experimental rock band from Sweden. Toke named them as an influence.

Kamelot area power / symphonic metal band. Michael named them as an influence.

Nightwish are the band that popularized symphonic metal. Michael named Erno Vuorinen among the guitarists he admires the most. Jonah also named Nightwish as an influence.

Children of Bodom are a considered a melodic death metal band by most but certainly stand out from other bands of the genre. Jonah named them as an influence.

Michael named early influences as bands like Bon Jovi, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Metallica, and Aerosmith. He discovered “real” metal relatively late at 19.

Jonah says they owe a lot musically to bands like Iron Maiden, Queensyche, Metallica, and Megadeth. He also mentions listening to Enya growing up.

Jacob’s first musical influence was his dad’s Beatle’s records. He also mentions liking ABBA when he was young. Jacob says he is influenced by German thrash but only names Destruction. He also mentions being a fan of Queensryche and Fates Warning and LEO.

Sources:

https://www.rockeyez.com/interviews/int-pyramaze-michael.html
https://www.powerofmetal.dk/interviews/pyramaze2.htm
https://www.powerofmetal.dk/interviews/pyramaze.htm
http://www.friday13thmetal.co.uk/Page%203%20-%20Interviews/Pyramaze/new_page_1.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uz8mLPWdDc
https://ladyobscure.com/jonah-weingarten-of-pyramaze/
https://myglobalmind.com/2018/07/20/interview-with-we-are-sentinels-keyboardist-and-composer-jonah-weingarten-pyramaze/
https://www.facebook.com/Pyramaze/posts/10152082473348919/
http://www.sarkophag-rocks.com/html/jacob-pyramaze-13-10-15.html
https://www.metalexpressradio.com/2009/06/14/interview-with-jacob-hansen-anubis-gate/