With Panorama, their fourth album release, Swedish band Hällas offer yet another chapter in their ever growing career. Travel warily in the musical fantasy world they create.

FUN, EPIC WORK

Nobody would be phased or reluctant to listen to a long piece by Mozart or Beethoven and their plethora of contemporary composers. Many years ago we were introduced to prog rock epic compositions by the likes of Yes. So why do some feel quiffy about such long pieces? Have concentration spans been so eroded by current media that majestic pieces like Hällas’ opening track Above The Continuum are beyond us?

It doesn’t take long before Hällas show similarities with elements of 1970’s prog. Genesis lovers will draw a likeness to Tommy Alexandersson vocals with Mr Gabriel or even a yearning Dave Cousins of Strawbs. Amidst the complex percussive signatures from Kasper Eriksson, tempo changes and variety of intricate guitar work from Rickard Swahn and Marcus Petersson there are sections which are lighter, lively and even danceable!

There is never a dull moment in the 22 minute. Brass and strings are brought in appropriately to enhance the exemplary explosive rock which ends with an exciting fast paced crescendo. Whereas many thought the early prog epics that the composers had ‘lost it’, not so with Hällas; their highly structured music holds together and maintains your interest.

The term ‘adventure rock’ might be new but like many Genesis pieces there is a story to tell which takes us along with them and keeps us compellingly travelling along. The main premise we are told is to confront the turbulent nature of global deterioration head on The story is told through the eyes of a hermit who leaves his reclusive life to observe a dystopian landscape.

In their Swedish homeland, Hällas enjoy a cult following and through Above The Continuum alone, it is easy to see why.

PROG WITH BOP

In complete contrast comes an extremely boppy track in the form of Face Of An Angel. After the equine sound effects it gallops along and with the jaunty refrains almost sing-a-long-prog.

The Emissary keeps up the pace already set, it has a Sabbath/Strawbs feel to it but also has a single hit nature to it. Both these tracks could well be A side and B side to a single (if they still made them!) There is a sudden change in pace as it goes into a dreamy phase but soon builds back up to powerful, anthemic and rocky ending.

A gentle piano opening from keyboards of Nicklas Malmqvist greets us in the penultimate track, Bestiaus, with emotional harmonised echoey vocals culminating in spooky mysterious sound effects. Finally, At The Summit opens with a folky acoustic guitar that wouldn’t be lost on an English folk tune. It is reminiscent of what Steve Hackett’s work did, suddenly exploding into a The Knife-like ending proving Hällas are extremely versatile.

EXCITING AND ENTERTAINING

It would be easy and quite boring to pick out relentlessly, excepts from this album which pay homage to different elements of 70’s prog classics but what Hällas have do is craftily and astutely combine them to create a sound which is all their own, rightfully giving them the cult status they have forged. If you want exciting and entertaining prog, this is definitely for you.

Hallas: Website

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